Research Focus

As a clinical health psychologist, Dr. Bantum's research focuses on cancer survivorship. She is interested in understanding factors related to better adjustment to diagnosis and treatment, as well as longer-term survivorship. Some of her work has been conducted by implementing online interventions with the goal of positively impacting both physical and mental health.  Dr. Bantum's work looks to impact primary health behaviors, such as exercise, in addition to other intervention studies focusing more specifically on impacting psychosocial behaviors, such as emotion and mindfulness.  In Dr. Bantum's lab, the team she works with has been assessing the impact of a mobile app she helped to develop, Mindfulness Coach, on both anxiety and cancer related neuropathy for cancer survivors who have completed primary treatment.  In the future, she plans to combine social support and mindfulness in an online environment and hopes to also explore biological mechanisms of interest, particularly in our diverse population within the state.

Dr. Bantum is interested in projects that have direct relevance here in Hawaiʻi. One current project is a collaboration with colleagues here at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, which is a series of Hula studies for breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer survivors. This is a biobehavioral study that explores the impact of culturally relevant exercise on psychological and physical indicators of health.  Dr. Bantum is grateful to have the opportunity to promote the well-being of people who have been diagnosed with cancer and to particularly harness the power when people connect with others through similar experiences.