Kelly R. Morton

Kelly R. Morton, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Loma Linda University, with a joint appointment in Family Medicine at the School of Medicine. She holds office at the Department of Psychology (Suite 4) and can be contacted via email at kmorton@llu.edu or phone at 909-558-8721.

Education:

• PhD, Life-Span Developmental Psychology - Bowling Green State University (1992)
• MA, General Experimental Psychology - Wake Forest University (1985)

Research Focus: Dr. Morton investigates biopsychosocial health determinants, specializing in:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and lifelong health impacts
• Stress physiology and resilience mechanisms
• Religion/spirituality in health outcomes
• Dietary interventions for chronic disease prevention
• Quality improvement in primary care systems

Her work integrates developmental psychology with public health approaches.

Publication Trends: Recent research (2021-2022) demonstrates three interdisciplinary themes: 1) Nutritional modulation of ACEs-related health risks, 2) Preventive healthcare systems in underserved populations, and 3) Lifestyle interventions for cognitive/mental health in aging. Studies frequently employ cohort designs and community-based participatory methods.

Professional Engagement: Active member of:

• North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG)
• Society for Teachers in Family Medicine (STFM)
• APA Division 20 (Adult Development & Aging)
• American Psychological Society
• Western Psychological Association

Serves on SAC Health Systems FQHC Research Committee since 2013.

Mentorship: Regularly collaborates with graduate students and medical residents on conference presentations and publications, evidenced by 20+ co-authored presentations at WPA/STFM (2020-2023).