Deidre B Pereira, Ph.D., ABPP
Associate Professor & Associate Chair For Postgraduate Programs
Department:
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
Business Email:
dpereira@phhp.ufl.edu
About Deidre B Pereira
Dr. Deidre Pereira is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology in the College of Public Health and Health Professions. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Miami in 1999 (Clinical Health Psychology). She completed her postdoctoral training on an NIMH-funded training grant on Biopsychosocial Research in Immunology and AIDS from the University of Miami in 2000.
Accomplishments
Excellence in Teaching
2024
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions
Audrey Schumacher Award for Excellence in Teaching Clinical Psychology
2023
·
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
Excellence in Teaching
2023
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions
Doctoral Mentor of the Year Award
2019
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
Preeminence Term Professor
2018-2021
·
University of Florida
Fellow
2018
·
American Academy of Clinical Health Psychology
Research Mentor of the Year
2013
·
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida
Assistant Professor Excellence Award
2011
·
University of Florida
Teaching Profile
Courses Taught
2009-2010,2013-2025
CLP7979 Advanced Research
2009,2013-2025
CLP6971 Research for Master’s Thesis
2020-2021
RSD7979 Advanced Research
2010-2011,2013-2025
CLP7980 Research for Doctoral Dissertation
2008-2017,2020-2021
HSC4970 Public Health and Health Professions Senior Honors Thesis
2009-2011,2013-2025
CLP6946 Advanced Practicum in Applied Medical Psychology
2013,2017-2020,2020-2023,2022-2024
CLP6940 Supervised Teaching
2007-2024
CLP4314 Introduction to Health Psychology
2013-2016,2018-2022,2021-2022
CLP6947 Practicum in Intervention
2018
PHC7980 Research for Doctoral Dissertation
2007,2009-2012,2012-2016,2014-2022,2016-2024,2018-2024,2022-2024
CLP7317 Advanced Health Psychology and Behavior Medicine
2014-2016,2022-2024
CLP6943 Core Practicum in Clinical Psychology
2011,2013-2015,2015
CLP6905 Individual Work
2011,2023
CLP3911 Introduction to Clinical Research
2009
HSC3801 Clinical Observation / Health Care Volunteer Work
2020
HSC4913 Supervised Research Experience
2022
RSD7980 Research for Doctoral Dissertation
2022-2025
CLP7934 Special Topics In Clinical Psychology
2023-2024
CLP6945 Advanced Practicum in Neuropsychology
Board Certifications
-
Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Health PsychologyAmerican Board of Professional Psychology
Clinical Profile
Specialties
- Psychology
Subspecialties
- Clinical Health Psychology
Areas of Interest
- Adjustment disorder
- Breast Cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Gynecological cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Major depression
- Prostate Cancer
Research Profile
The long-range goal of Dr. Pereira’s research program is to improve health outcomes and promote the wellbeing of individuals with chronic and/or life-limiting illnesses, with an emphasis on malignancies that occur commonly or exclusively among women. Grounded in the biobehavioral model of tumor growth and development outlined by Antoni and colleagues (2006), her research seeks to understand the psychoneuroimmunologic (PNI) influences on cancer initiation, recurrence, progression, and mortality, as well as on cancer-related quality of life.
Areas of Interest
- Psycho-Oncology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Women’s Health
Publications
Academic Articles
2024
Abstract 2230: Connecting Black men to point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD) support using precision intervention based on Virtual Reality Assistant (ViRA)
Cancer Research.
84(6_Supplement):2230-2230
[DOI] 10.1158/1538-7445.am2024-2230.
2024
Abstract 924: Investigating Inequities in Cancer Clinical Trial Participation: Understanding Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Behavioral Cancer Research Participation
Psychosomatic Medicine.
86(5):A50-A50
[DOI] 10.1097/PSY.0000000000001324.
2024
Measuring internalized health-related stigma across health conditions: development and validation of the I-HEARTS Scale.
BMC medicine.
22(1)
[DOI] 10.1186/s12916-024-03661-z.
[PMID] 39379928.
2024
Proof-of-Concept of an Integrated Yoga and Psychological Intervention in Mitigating Distress Among Diverse Women With Gynecologic, Gastrointestinal, and Thoracic Cancers.
Integrative cancer therapies.
23
[DOI] 10.1177/15347354241283113.
[PMID] 39423043.
2023
Abstract 4371: iCCaRe: Social determinants of health navigation, psycho-oncology, and emotional support for Black prostate cancer survivors: Review of current practices
Cancer Research.
83(7_Supplement):4371-4371
[DOI] 10.1158/1538-7445.am2023-4371.
2023
Abstract B028: A point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD) Virtual Robot Assistant (ViRA) intervention for newly diagnosed Black men: An iCCaRE consortium for prostate cancer in Black men project
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
32(1_Supplement):B028-B028
[DOI] 10.1158/1538-7755.disp22-b028.
2023
International e-Delphi Consensus Recommendations for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Circadian rest–Activity Rhythm Disorders (CARDs) in Patients with Cancer
Cancers.
15(15)
[DOI] 10.3390/cancers15153784.
[PMID] 37568600.
2023
Patterns and predictors of anxiety and depression symptom trajectories in patients diagnosed with primary brain tumors.
Journal of neuro-oncology.
164(3):701-710
[DOI] 10.1007/s11060-023-04469-2.
[PMID] 37804375.
2023
QOL-27. EXPLORING DYADIC CHANGES IN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS FOR PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Neuro-Oncology.
25(Supplement_5):v255-v255
[DOI] 10.1093/neuonc/noad179.0979.
2023
Results of a pilot yoga intervention on sleep and fatigue for women with thoracic, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancers
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
57(Supplement_1):S141-S141
[DOI] 10.1093/abm/kaad011.
2023
Trauma‐Focused Care in Psycho‐Oncological Intervention
Psycho-Oncology.
32(S1):61-61
[DOI] 10.1002/pon.6090.
2023
Young-Adult Caregiving Daughters and Diagnosed Mothers Navigating Breast Cancer Together: The Impact of Open and Avoidant Communication on Psychosocial Outcomes
Cancers.
15(15)
[DOI] 10.3390/cancers15153864.
[PMID] 37568680.
2022
Accrual and retention of diverse patients in psychosocial cancer clinical trials.
Journal of clinical and translational science.
6(1)
[DOI] 10.1017/cts.2022.380.
[PMID] 35651964.
2022
Development of a Minority Prostate Cancer Research Digest: Communication Strategy Statement for Black Men.
Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education.
37(2):328-337
[DOI] 10.1007/s13187-020-01815-0.
[PMID] 32638289.
2022
Effects of a yoga intervention on distress indicators among diverse women with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and thoracic cancers.
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
40(16_suppl):12129-12129
[DOI] 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.12129.
2022
Feasibility and acceptability of a yoga intervention for distress in women with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, or thoracic cancer.
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
40(16_suppl):e24125-e24125
[DOI] 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.e24125.
2022
Feasibility and acceptability of measuring psychosocial outcomes for primary brain tumor patients and caregivers in a neuro-oncology clinical setting.
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
40(16_suppl):e24131-e24131
[DOI] 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.e24131.
2022
Impacts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Pain on Sleep in Women with Gynecologic Malignancies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Behavioral sleep medicine.
20(4):460-476
[DOI] 10.1080/15402002.2021.1932500.
[PMID] 34124972.
2022
QOL-20. PATTERNS AND PREDICTORS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOM TRAJECTORIES IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH PRIMARY BRAIN TUMORS
Neuro-Oncology.
24(Supplement_7):vii245-vii245
[DOI] 10.1093/neuonc/noac209.947.
2022
Religiosity Practices Associated with Spirituality and Improved Quality of Life
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research & Practice.
4(S1):170-170
[DOI] 10.1097/or9.0000000000000084.
2021
A Prospective Randomized Trial of the Influence of Music on Anxiety in Patients Starting Radiation Therapy for Cancer
International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
109(3):670-674
[DOI] 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.09.048.
2020
Associations Among Sleep Latency, Subjective Pain, and Thermal Pain Sensitivity in Gynecologic Cancer.
Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.).
21(1):5-12
[DOI] 10.1093/pm/pny236.
[PMID] 30481329.
2019
Advancing supportive oncology care via collaboration between psycho-oncology and integrative medicine
Supportive Care in Cancer.
27(9):3175-3178
[DOI] 10.1007/s00520-019-04840-y.
2019
Interleukin-6 and body mass index, tobacco use, and sleep in gynecologic cancers
Health Psychology.
38(10):866-877
[DOI] 10.1037/hea0000775.
[PMID] 31368718.
2019
Patterns of Postdiagnosis Depression Among Late-Stage Cancer Patients: Do Racial/Ethnic and Sex Disparities Exist?
American Journal of Clinical Oncology-Cancer Clinical Trials.
42(8):675-681
[DOI] 10.1097/COC.0000000000000569.
[PMID] 31305288.
2019
Using photography to explore psychological distress in patients with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers: a qualitative study.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer.
27(1):321-328
[DOI] 10.1007/s00520-018-4330-y.
[PMID] 29959574.
2018
Implementation of depression and anxiety screening in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
BMJ open quality.
7(2)
[DOI] 10.1136/bmjoq-2017-000034.
[PMID] 29756069.
2017
A Prospective Biopsychosocial Investigation Into Head and Neck Cancer Caregiving.
Biological research for nursing.
19(1):87-96
[DOI] 10.1177/1099800416660760.
[PMID] 27465999.
2017
Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness.
Behavioral medicine (Washington, D.C.).
43(3):156-164
[DOI] 10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875.
[PMID] 28767013.
2017
Point of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Experiences and Needs of Black Men: the Florida Capcas Study
Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology.
15(1):10-19
[DOI] 10.12788/jcso.0323.
2016
Burden, quality of life, and social support in caregivers of patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: A pilot study.
Chronic illness.
12(3):236-45
[DOI] 10.1177/1742395316644305.
[PMID] 27068111.
2015
Prospective Pilot Investigation: Presurgical Depressive Symptom Severity and Anesthesia Response in Women Undergoing Surgery for Gynecologic Mass Removal.
International journal of behavioral medicine.
22(4):521-9
[DOI] 10.1007/s12529-014-9451-1.
[PMID] 25421878.
2014
Association of caregiver health beliefs and parenting stress with medication adherence in preschoolers with asthma.
The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma.
51(4):366-72
[DOI] 10.3109/02770903.2013.876431.
[PMID] 24393082.
2014
Feasibility/Acceptability of Quality of Life Research Among Distressed Individuals Affected By Pancreatic Cancer
Psycho-Oncology.
23(1, SI)
2014
Pre-Operative Inflammation (Il-6) and Sensory Pain Experience in Women With Suspected Gynecologic Cancers
Psycho-Oncology.
23(1, SI)
2014
Pre-Operative Physical Well-Being a Predictor for Complications Following Surgery for Suspected Gynecologic Cancer
Psycho-Oncology.
23(1, SI)
2014
Psychosocial factors and mortality in women with early stage endometrial cancer.
British journal of health psychology.
19(4):737-50
[DOI] 10.1111/bjhp.12070.
[PMID] 24152380.
2014
Self-reported lifetime marijuana use and interleukin-6 levels in middle-aged African Americans.
Drug and alcohol dependence.
140:156-60
[DOI] 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.04.011.
[PMID] 24799289.
2014
Sleep Quality as a Predictor of Cortisol Diurnal Rhythm in Gynecological Cancer Patients
Psycho-Oncology.
23(1, SI)
2014
The Relationship Between Neighborhood Crime Rates and Emotional Well-Being in Women With Gynecological Cancer
Psycho-Oncology.
23(1, SI):97-98
2014
When Serious Mental Illness (Smi) Meets Cancer: a Case Study Examining the Barriers To Care for Patients Living With Smi During Cancer Treatment
Psycho-Oncology.
23(1, SI):84-85
2013
Cognitive-behavioral stress management and psychological well-being in HIV+ racial/ethnic minority women with human papillomavirus.
Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association.
32(2):227-230
[DOI] 10.1037/a0028160.
[PMID] 22545977.
2013
Depressive symptoms and cortisol variability prior to surgery for suspected endometrial cancer.
Psychoneuroendocrinology.
38(2):241-9
[DOI] 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.06.001.
[PMID] 22762895.
2013
Perceived Stress, Cortisol, and Bmi as Predictors of Wound Healing in Women With Endometrial Cancer
Psychosomatic Medicine.
75(3)
2013
Personality as a Predictor of Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Women With Non-Metastatic Endometrial Cancer
Psychosomatic Medicine.
75(3)
2013
Relationships Between Perceived Stress Management Skills (Psms) and Sleep Quality and Functional Well-Being Outcomes Mediated By Depressive Symptoms in Hiv Plus Women With Hpv
Psychosomatic Medicine.
75(3)
2013
Stress, Coping, Vegf and Mortality in Women With Endometrial Cancer
Psychosomatic Medicine.
75(3)
2012
A “Snapshot” of Photovoice as a Psychosocial Intervention for Individuals Affected By Ovarian Cancer
Psycho-Oncology.
21
2012
Coping Moderates the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Patient-Reported Surgical Outcomes
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
43
2012
Psychosocial Factors and Survival in Women With Early Stage Endometrial Cancer
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
43
2011
Pre-Surgical Perceived Stress Predicts Febrile Status Following Oncologic Surgery
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
41
2011
Public health nursing case management for women receiving temporary assistance for needy families: a randomized controlled trial using community-based participatory research.
American journal of public health.
101(9):1759-68
[DOI] 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300210.
[PMID] 21778474.
2011
Relationships Among Ambivalent Social Support, Psychological Distress, and Cortisol During the Perioperative Period for Women With Suspected Endometrial Cancer
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
41
2010
Comparison of depressive symptom severity scores in low-income women.
Nursing research.
59(6):380-8
[DOI] 10.1097/NNR.0b013e3181f84ee9.
[PMID] 21048482.
2010
Life stress, negative mood states, and antibodies to heat shock protein 70 in endometrial cancer.
Brain, behavior, and immunity.
24(2):210-4
[DOI] 10.1016/j.bbi.2009.08.008.
[PMID] 19716411.
2010
Pre-Surgical Psychoneuroendocrine Associations With Leukocyte Count Following Oncologic Surgery
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
39
2010
Spiritual absence and 1-year mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Biology of blood and marrow transplantation : journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
16(8):1171-9
[DOI] 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.03.003.
[PMID] 20227510.
2010
Trajectory of Quality of Life Following Hysterectomy
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
39
2009
Depressive symptoms and cervical neoplasia in HIV+ low-income minority women with human papillomavirus infection.
International journal of behavioral medicine.
16(2):181-8
[DOI] 10.1007/s12529-008-9025-1.
[PMID] 19424809.
2009
Distress, sleep difficulty, and fatigue in women co-infected with HIV and HPV.
Behavioral sleep medicine.
7(3):180-93
[DOI] 10.1080/15402000902976721.
[PMID] 19568967.
2009
The Beck Depression Inventory II Factor Structure Among Low-Income Women
Nursing Research.
58:400-409
2008
Applying Behavioral Medicine in Clinical Settings
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
35
2008
Barriers To Cervical Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Hiv-Positive African American Women
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.
19:912-925
2008
Pain Expectations and Benefit-Finding in Women Undergoing Surgery for Suspected Endometrial Cancer
Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
35
2008
Race/ethnicity, income, chronic asthma, and mental health: a cross-sectional study using the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.
Psychosomatic medicine.
70(1):77-84
[PMID] 18158369.
2008
Stress management effects on perceived stress and cervical neoplasia in low-income HIV-infected women.
Journal of psychosomatic research.
65(4):389-401
[DOI] 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.06.002.
[PMID] 18805249.
2007
Virally mediated cervical cancer in the iatrogenically immunocompromised: applications for psychoneuroimmunology.
Brain, behavior, and immunity.
21(6):758-66
[PMID] 17291716.
2005
Cognitive behavioral stress management effects on mood, social support, and a marker of antiviral immunity are maintained up to 1 year in HIV-infected gay men.
International journal of behavioral medicine.
12(4):218-26
[PMID] 16262540.
2005
Depressive symptoms, intrusive thoughts, sleep quality and sexual quality of life in women co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus and human papillomavirus.
Chronic illness.
1(4):281-7
[PMID] 17152452.
2004
Inhibited interpersonal coping style predicts poorer adherence to scheduled clinic visits in human immunodeficiency virus infected women at risk for cervical cancer.
Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
28(3):195-202
[PMID] 15576258.
2002
Interventions for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum: Behavioral and pharmacological approaches.
Innovative approaches to health psychology: Prevention and treatment lessons from AIDS..
141-166
[DOI] 10.1037/10475-006.
Presentations
2023-03-15
Trauma-focused care in psycho-oncological intervention
National
/
Refereed.
Poster.
Portland, Oregon
2022-08-29
Religiosity Practices Associated with Spirituality and Improved Quality of Life
International
/
Refereed.
Poster.
Toronto, Canada
2023-04-26
Results of a pilot yoga intervention on sleep and fatigue for women with thoracic, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancers
National
/
Refereed.
Poster.
Phoenix, Arizona
2023-03-15
Exploring the unique psychosocial impact of young adult cancer caregiving: A scoping review.
National
/
Refereed.
Poster.
Portland, Oregon
2024-03-22
Abstract 2230: Connecting Black men to point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD) support using precision intervention based on Virtual Reality Assistant (ViRA)
National
/
Refereed.
Poster.
2024-03-20
Abstract 924: Investigating Inequities in Cancer Clinical Trial Participation: Understanding Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Behavioral Cancer Research Participation
International
/
Refereed.
Paper.
Brighton, England
2023-04-04
Abstract 4371: iCCaRe: Social determinants of health navigation, psycho-oncology, and emotional support for Black prostate cancer survivors: Review of current practices
National
/
Invited.
Paper.
Philadelphia, PA
2023-11-15
QOL-27. EXPLORING DYADIC CHANGES IN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS FOR PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
International
/
Refereed.
Poster.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
2023-11-23
Tumor Talk
National
/
Invited.
Keynote.
2023-10-21
Best Practices in Oncology Distress Management: Beyond the Screening, Nurse Navigator Module
State
/
Invited.
Symposium.
2023-08-16
Examining feasibility in Phase II clinical trial development
Regional
/
Invited.
Lecture.
Grants
Jan 2021
– Mar 2022
CDK 4/6 inhibitors use among metastatic breast cancer patients: Early discontinuation and management of adverse events
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding: PFIZER INC
Dec 2019
– Nov 2021
Diurnal Variations in Salivary Concentrations of Pro-Tumorigenic Cytokines and Possible Effects of Psycho-Physiological Stress in Gynecologic Cancer Patients and Matched Healthy Controls
Role: Other
Funding: NATL INST OF HLTH NCI
Sep 2015
– Sep 2021
lmpact of a Minority Prostate Cancer {MiCaP} Research Digest in Translating Scientific Discovery into Public Health and Community Applications
Role: Project Manager
Funding: US ARMY MED RES ACQUISITION
Feb 2012
– Jun 2022
Davis Cancer Endowment – #F014842
Role: Project Manager
Funding: UF FOUNDATION
Aug 2009
– May 2017
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS ON SLEEP, PAIN, AND CYTOKINES IN GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding: NATL INST OF HLTH NCI
Education
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Biobehavioral Research in HIV/AIDS
2000
·
University of Miami
American Psychological Association-Approved Predoctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology
1999
·
University of Miami
PhD, Clinical Health Psychology
1999
·
University of Miami
MS, Clinical Psychology
1997
·
University of Miami
BA, Psychology
1991
·
University of Pennsylvania
Contact Details
Emails:
- Business:
- dpereira@phhp.ufl.edu
Addresses:
- Business Mailing:
-
PO Box 100165
GAINESVILLE FL 32610 - Business Street:
-
1225 CENTER DR RM 3150
GAINESVILLE FL 32610