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Carolyn R. Bates, Ph.D.

Carol Bates portrait
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
cbates4@kumc.edu

Professional Background

Dr. Carolyn Bates is a pediatric psychologist and assistant professor in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences within the Department of Pediatrics. Her research centers around the role of the family in promoting health among pediatric populations, specifically aiming to improve psychological and physical health outcomes among youth with chronic health conditions and their families. Clinically, she provides outpatient psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and young adults through the Department of Pediatrics. She also provides integrated multidisciplinary care to patients seen in the KU Cancer Center Survivorship Transitions Clinic.

Education and Training
  • BA, Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
  • MA, Clinical Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • PhD, Clinical Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • Internship, Pediatric Psychology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
  • Post Doctoral Fellowship, Pediatric Psychology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Professional Affiliations
  • Society of Behavioral Medicine, Child and Family Health SIG Advisory Board, Member, 2022 - Present
  • Society of Pediatric Psychology, Member, 2017 - Present
  • American Psychological Association, Member, 2015 - Present

Research

Overview

Dr. Bates' program of research focuses on promoting positive psychological and physical health outcomes for youth with chronic health conditions by optimizing family functioning. She has experience conducting qualitative and mixed-method research examining the impact of stress on the family context, and how positive family behaviors may buffer the impact of stress on child wellbeing. Dr. Bates' current work centers on adapting a family-based health promotion intervention to meet the specific needs of families of youth with cancer.

Current Research and Grants
  • A Healthy Weight Intervention for Family Stress during the Early Phases of ALL Treatment: NOURISH-ALL, National Cancer Institute, PI
  • Health Equity and Rural Education (HERE!) Clinical Trial: A Healthcare-Community Partnership Leveraging School-Based Community Health Workers to Improve Student Attendance, National Institute of Nursing Research