Gerhardt Lab
The Gerhardt Lab is dedicated to understanding how children and families are affected by life-threatening illnesses such as childhood cancer. Its team is particularly interested in identifying factors that improve adjustment and quality of life across the illness experience (from diagnosis to active treatment to survivorship or end of life). The ultimate goal of research in the Gerhardt Lab is to develop interventions that promote well-being and best outcomes among children with life-threatening conditions and their families.
Current Project Overviews
This study examines the neurocognitive functioning, peer relationships, and emotional well-being of young cancer survivors. Our goal is to identify medical (e.g., diagnosis type) and neurocognitive factors (e.g., emotion recognition), as well as outside resources that protect against late effects among survivors diagnosed early in life (i.e., before age 7). Additionally, we collaborate with the Hoskinson lab to further examine how neuroimaging can help identify survivors at risk for more difficulties.
Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor survivors are at higher risk of psychosocial difficulties following treatment for their tumor. We are conducting a randomized control trial to test whether an evidence-based online family problem-solving therapy originally designed for traumatic brain injury improves psychosocial outcomes of pediatric CNS tumor survivors.
This cross sectional, mixed-method study aims to characterize the educational and psychosocial needs of young childhood cancer survivors through the perspective of key stakeholders (i.e., caregivers, oncology providers, early educators). Additionally, we hope to adapt an online intervention to support families of childhood cancer survivors and improve young survivor’s early school readiness.
Goals and Decision Making in Cancer: This study aims to understand symptoms, quality of life, goals of care, and family outcomes among children with cancer and their caregivers. We hope to more broadly describe the impact of serious illness on child and caregiver well-being over time.
Impact of Genetic Testing Referrals for Cancer Predisposition Syndromes in Children: This study is directed by Dr. Molly Gardner in collaboration with the Gerhardt lab and aims to assess parent and child distress over time in the context of referrals for genetic counseling for a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS). Comparisons will be made between families who pursue testing and those who do not pursue testing.
Families Coping with Cancer Intervention Study: This project centers around a web-based intervention to promote coping among children newly diagnosed with cancer and their parents. This web-based program aims to provide a useful and helpful way for families to improve coping, communication, and overall adjustment to a new cancer diagnosis.
Harvesting Hope for Kids: This 8-week gardening intervention aims to improve physical activity and nutrition among survivors of childhood cancer. We will examine health outcomes—such as quality of life, cardiometabolic functioning, and the GI microbiome—along with changes in family functioning and knowledge surrounding current survivorship guidelines.
Coping and Communication: This National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded, multi-site longitudinal study assessed family coping, communication, and adjustment following a childhood cancer diagnosis or relapse. This study aimed to examine parent–child communication and patterns of coping, as well as their interaction with medical factors (e.g., treatments given, diagnosis type).
Sibling and Parent Bereavement from Childhood Cancer: This longitudinal, multi-site study funded by the National Cancer Institute examined the adjustment of siblings and parents over time following a child’s death from cancer.
Psychosexual Development in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: This longitudinal study assessed personal (e.g., body image, maturity) and interpersonal (e.g., attachment, memories of upbringing) factors that affect psychosexual development and relationship satisfaction in adult survivors of pediatric cancer.