Overview
Chronic pain in youth with sickle cell disease is a complex complication that can have detrimental effects on all aspects of health-related quality of life. Psychological treatments and behavioral approaches are key components of comprehensive chronic pain management. Dr. Sil’s clinical research interest centers on the assessment and treatment of chronic pain in children and adolescents with complex chronic pain conditions, such as sickle cell disease. Her specialization in pediatric pain management focuses on the development and evaluation of behavioral interventions to promote the health and functioning of children and adolescents with chronic sickle cell pain. Dr. Sil's research program works to identify individual and family psychosocial factors that contribute to the onset and maintenance of chronic sickle cell pain and evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions for chronic pain.
Current Projects
- Evaluation of the psychosocial and functional contributors to acute and chronic pain in pediatric sickle cell disease
- Impact of parent and family functioning on child pain, functioning, and quality of life in pediatric sickle cell disease
- Longitudinal changes and trajectories of pain frequency and psychosocial functioning in youth with chronic sickle cell pain
- Qualitative and mixed-method studies on adolescent and parent experiences with chronic sickle cell pain
- Development and evaluation of cognitive-behavioral interventions for chronic sickle cell pain
- Community-engaged research to identify and co-design innovative treatment programs for youth with sickle cell disease and their families
- Development, adaptation, and evaluation of integrative training programs combining mind-body, cognitive-behavioral, and neuromuscular exercise interventions for chronic sickle cell pain