Susan L. Dunn, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Hopelessness has been identified in 27-52% of patients with ischemic heart disease and is predictive of death and adverse events. Studies with healthy individuals have demonstrated that increased physical activity leads to decreased hopelessness. Yet, most individuals with heart disease do not meet current American Heart Association exercise recommendations in either hospital-based or home settings. Hopeless individuals, in particular, feel incapable of helping themselves in making needed lifestyle changes.

I have conducted research focused on hopelessness in patients with heart disease for over 14 years. Findings from my NINR-funded dissertation research demonstrated that hopelessness is prevalent in patients with ischemic heart disease. Based on these findings, I led several studies that resulted in the development and testing of the State-Trait Hopelessness Scale. I additionally discovered an association between decreased home-based exercise and increased state hopelessness in patients with ischemic heart disease.  My current NIH/NINR-funded (R01) study examines the effectiveness of a novel motivational intervention called Heart Up!, aimed to decrease state hopelessness through increased physical activity in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Throughout my research career, I have worked closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the fields of psychology, kinesiology, communications, and statistics. I have a long-standing record of including undergraduate and graduate students in my research, publications, and conference presentations. Other topics that I am interested in include motivation for exercise and social support in cardiac patients.