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Mackenzie Shanahan

Shanahan

Mackenzie Shanahan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Email

mackenzie.shanahan@bcm.edu

Positions

Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ 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.

Websites

Selected Publications

  • Dindo, L. & Shanahan, M. L.. " " Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2025 ; 48 (3) : 493-504.
    Pubmed PMID: .
  • Shanahan ML, Fischer IC, Hirsh AT, Stewart JC, Rand KL.. " " Ann Behav Med. 2021 ; 55 (9) : 815-832.
    Pubmed PMID: .
  • Ross EJ, Shanahan ML, Joseph E, Reynolds JM, Jimenez DE, Abreu MT, Carrico AW.. " " Ann Behav Med.. 2024 ; 58 (12) : 779-788.
    Pubmed PMID: .
  • Shanahan ML, Rand KL, Galloway A, Matthias MS.. " " J Pain. 2024 ; 25 (7) : 104487.
    Pubmed PMID: .

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