Deborah Wiebe

Deborah Wiebe is a Professor of Health Psychology and Director of the Health Sciences Research Institute at the University of California, Merced. She holds appointments in the Department of Psychological Sciences within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Arts. Her research focuses on how individuals and families manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer across developmental stages, emphasizing self-regulation, family dynamics, and sociocultural influences. Her work employs mixed methods including qualitative interviews, longitudinal assessments, and ecological momentary assessments.

Dr. Wiebe’s lab (www.wiebelab.org) investigates stressors in chronic illness management, particularly in adolescents and emerging adults. Key themes include parent-adolescent communication, social support systems, and the role of technology in healthcare adherence. She has pioneered interventions such as the FAMS-T1D mHealth program to improve self-regulation in diabetes management. Her research spans diverse populations including Latino and non-Latino families, addressing health disparities exacerbated by socioeconomic factors.

Recent articles highlight her focus on diabetes-specific family conflict, insulin restriction subtypes, and the impact of global stress on health outcomes. Her work bridges clinical and developmental psychology, emphasizing real-world applications of research findings to improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes.

Dr. Wiebe’s research has been disseminated through over 100 peer-reviewed articles and grants funded by NIH and foundations. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to advance understanding of chronic disease transitions and optimize family-centered care strategies.