Everyday children are hospitalized and diagnosed with a wide range of acute diseases and developmental anomalies. There is not, however, a proficient theory that helps them understand their own health. The Pediatric Health Mindset Laboratory aims to help kids and their families better understand their diseases and the psychological processes that allow them to be conscious of their own health. In doing this, the lab explores the power and impact of Growth Mindset Theory. Growth Mindset Theory investigates the power of one’s beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and their effect on health outcomes. By implementing Growth Mindset Theory into practice and interventions, PHML hopes to broaden the scope by which this theory can be applied.
Research Director
Dr. Claudia Mueller
Dr. Claudia Mueller earned her Ph.D. in Social/Personality Psychology from Columbia University where she worked closely with Professor Carole Dweck in developing the health mindset scale and conducting mindset research in pediatric populations. From her work with Professor Dweck, she has brought her knowledge to Stanford in hoping to better understand how children and parents think about health. In addition, how a child’s mindset of health can influence their management of their illness and the outcome. With her work in children’s health mindsets, she hopes to develop interventions which would change children’s health beliefs and their health outcomes. Dr. Mueller has applied the health mindset scale to various studies, one of which focusing on adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Mueller is also interested in physician wellness and gender equity and is the Co-Director of the Pediatric Colorectal Surgery Clinic. Her clinical interests include general pediatric and neonatal surgery.
Mission Statement
To understand individuals’ mindsets of health- fixed and growth. In order to better help children and parents cope with disease.
Goals
- ▪ Study health mindset in a variety of pediatric medical and surgical diseases.
- ▪ Develop mindset interventions to help children cope with disease.
- ▪ Develop support mechanisms for children and families within the medical system.
Research Team
Frankie Clarke
Frankie joined the Pediatric Health Mindset Laboratory as an Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator in August 2023. She was first exposed to health psychology research when working with the Berkeley Psychophysiology Lab in 2021.
With BPL she conducted research in emotional reactivity, regulation and comprehension with patients with neurogenerative diseases. Her scientific background includes quantitative coding for perceived emotions, research observation and data collection. In addition to health mindset research, she enjoys learning about addiction research in various populations. Frankie currently resides in Oakland and is fond of biking.