Research

To alleviate human suffering

and improve the human condition

Our Laboratory

The ACT in Context Research Lab is the lab affiliated with the ACT at Duke program. It is based in the Division of Behavioral Medicine in the School of Medicine and led by Dr. Rhonda Merwin. The laboratory uses contextual behavioral science to understand and alleviate human suffering. Although there are many ways in which humans suffer, our research focuses on suffering that arises from having an adversarial relationship with the body and signals arising from the body (this includes hunger/satiety, but also somatic constitutes of emotion and physical pain). We study populations for whom rejection of body signals has resulted in profound deprivation or impairment, including individuals with anorexia nervosa and individuals with type 1 diabetes who withhold life-saving insulin in an attempt to lose weight.

Our research uses contextually sensitive assessment and intervention, and includes gathering data in the moment using mobile technology, e.g., smart phones, sensors etc. Our applied research investigates the utility of acceptance, mindfulness and values in behavior change.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING IN THE LAB? We frequently have student volunteers in our lab. Volunteers acquire experience in clinical research in an academic medical center, and are mentored by senior members of the lab. Please contact us if you are interested in joining the lab!

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