SUMMARY
Cynthia Harbeck-Weber, Ph.D., L.P., studies the coping and adaptation of children and adolescents with chronic illness. Specifically, her research centers on children and adolescents with chronic signs and symptoms such as pain, fatigue and autonomic dysfunction.
Dr. Harbeck-Weber is interested in factors that predict disability with chronic symptoms and in factors that promote successful functioning with chronic symptoms. She also studies family factors that assist children and adolescents coping with chronic symptoms.
Focus areas
- Chronic pain. Dr. Harbeck-Weber is studying treatment strategies that help children and adolescents cope with and live with various pediatric chronic illnesses, fatigue and chronic pain conditions.
- Parental responses to pediatric pain. Dr. Harbeck-Weber is interested in parenting factors that influence children's chronic pain and functioning. These include pain-related cognitions and specific behaviors, such as attention-giving behaviors, protective behaviors and accommodating behaviors. Understanding these factors may help scientists and physicians assist parents in coping with their children's pain as constructively as possible.
- Medical education. Dr. Harbeck-Weber is invested in teaching and mentoring the next generation of psychology residents and fellows.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Harbeck-Weber's research is aimed at helping children and adolescents with chronic pain and other symptoms approach the challenges they face throughout their illnesses with successful coping strategies. She also aims to help parents and families effectively support their children with chronic pain.
Professional highlights
- Co-chair, Pediatric Pain Special Interest Group, Society of Pediatric Psychology, 2012-2016
- Co-chair, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 2004-2012
- Recognition for excellence in teaching, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002