Natalie  B.  May Degree(s): PhD Graduate School: University of Virginia Primary Appointment: Associate Professor of Research Research Interests: Qualitative research, appreciative practices & impact of positivity on health, wisdom in medicine, diabetes self-care among African-American women Email Address: nlb7r@virginia.edu

Research Description

My current research interest is on the effectiveness of group interventions compared to daily text message reminders in improving diabetes self-care among African-American women. The group intervention has been developed using positivity, including positive emotions, positive deviance, and the principles of appreciative inquiry. The group intervention also draws its strength from the supportive relationships and affection shared among the women. This may be a powerful force that we can better leverage in healthcare. I am also interested in how physicians cope positively with medical error. We have found, for example, that physicians can successfully integrate their experience of medical error in such a way that improves their medical practice, makes them better teachers and colleagues, and even fosters personal growth.

Selected Publications