Mackenzie Shanahan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Positions
- Assistant Professor
-
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Baylor College of Medicine
- Investigator
-
Behavioral Health Program
Michael E DeBakey
Houston, Texas, United States
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship at Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center
- 08/2024 - Houston, Texas, United States
- Health Services Research
- PhD from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
- 08/2022 - Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Clinical Psychology
- BA from University of Kentucky
- 05/2016 - Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Psychology
- Internship at University of Florida Health Science Center
- 07/2022 - Gainesville, Florida, United States
- Medical/Health Psychology
Certifications
- Licensed Psychologist
- Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
Professional Interests
- Pain psychology
- GI psychology
- Values-based behavioral interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Patient Priorities Care)
- Positive Psychology (e.g., Hope, Optimism, Meaning in life, Acceptance)
Professional Statement
Dr. Shanahan is a clinical health psychologist and research health scientist. Her research aims to empower resilience in patients with chronic and mental health conditions through the use of pragmatic, values-based behavioral interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Her work also aims to identify positive psychological factors (e.g., hope, optimism, meaning making, acceptance) associated with adaptive adjustment to chronic health conditions. Her work in these areas has primarily focused on patients with chronic pain and gastrointestinal disorders.
Selected Publications
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Dindo, L. & Shanahan, M. L.. " Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Co-occurring Mental and Chronic Health Conditions. " Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2025 ; 48 (3) : 493-504.
Pubmed PMID: 40738529. -
Shanahan ML, Fischer IC, Hirsh AT, Stewart JC, Rand KL.. " Hope, Optimism, and Clinical Pain: A Meta-Analysis " Ann Behav Med. 2021 ; 55 (9) : 815-832.
Pubmed PMID: 33580660. -
Ross EJ, Shanahan ML, Joseph E, Reynolds JM, Jimenez DE, Abreu MT, Carrico AW.. " The Relationship Between Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Narrative Review. " Ann Behav Med.. 2024 ; 58 (12) : 779-788.
Pubmed PMID: 39305512. -
Shanahan ML, Rand KL, Galloway A, Matthias MS.. " Treatment Goals and Preferences of Black Veterans with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. " J Pain. 2024 ; 25 (7) : 104487.
Pubmed PMID: 38336030.
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