Vetta Sanders Thompson, PhD

Medical School Department Public Health - Social Work
Research Program Prevention and Control
Vetta Sanders Thompson

Researcher Background

Primary Academic Title

E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University

Education

  • 1984: MA, Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC
  • 1988: PhD, Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC

Research & Selected Publications

Research Interest

I serve as principal investigator for the Elimika Project of the Center for Excellence in Cancer Communication Research. This study addresses the effectiveness of culturally appropriate publications in a randomized trial among 820 African-Americans. Participant differences in fruit and vegetable intake and colorectal cancer screening and intent are evaluated at four follow-up data collection periods.

Research Publications

Perspectives of stress and coping among older, college-educated African American women: a constructivist grounded theory study.
Authors:

Coats JV, Sanders Thompson VL

Journal & Year:

Gerontologist • 2026

Understanding disruptions in cancer care to reduce increased cancer burden.
Authors:

Davis KL, Ackermann N, Klesges LM, one or more additional authors omitted Sanders Thompson VL

Journal & Year:

Elife • 2023