Dr. Pike’s research interests focus on the psychosocial mediators of alterations in immunity, disease progression, and health outcomes in clinical and at-risk populations; and the use and refinement of novel behavioral and CAM interventions for persons suffering from rheumatic diseases, pain, and chronic illness. She is Principle Investigator on an NIH-National Centers for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) sponsored project investigating the effects of Tai Chi Chih on immunity and health outcomes in persons with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and is a co-investigator on a research award from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders evaluating psychosocial predictors of disease outcome in RA.

Selected Current Research

Complementary Interventions in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
National Centers for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Jennifer Pike, Principal Investigator
This project compares the relative efficacy of two behavioral treatments, Tai Chi Chih vs. Relaxation in altering health outcomes in persons with Rheumatoid arthritis.

Tai Chi Chih in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Norman Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, at UCLA
Jennifer Pike, Principal Investigator
This study examines whether a CAM intervention, Tai Chi Chih (TCC), influences psychosocial, immune and neuroendocrine factors important to disease progression and disability in RA; and whether changes in these factors following a brief course of TCC predict alterations in disease severity or disease specific health outcomes.

Behavioral Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders, AR049840
Jennifer Pike, Co-investigator
This study examines the effects of comprehensive behavior therapy interventions on psychological functioning, immune system functioning, and disease activity in persons with rheumatoid arthritis.

Selected Recent Publications

Irwin MR, Pike JL, Cole, JS & Oxman M (2003). Effects of a behavioral intervention, Tai Chi Chih, on Varicella zoster virus specific immunity and health functioning in older and at-risk adults. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65:824-830.

Contact:
Jennifer Pike, Ph.D.
Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology
Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA
760 Westwood Plaza, Box 957076
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7076
tel. 310-825-2109
fax. 310-794-9247
e-mail: