Mark Lumley, Ph.D., distinguished professor of psychology at Wayne State University, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of health psychology. The Society for Health Psychology awarded Lumley the prestigious 2024 Nathan W. Perry, Jr. Award for Career Service to Health Psychology. This honor highlights Lumley’s dedication to improving the lives of individuals and society through his research, practice, education, training, and advocacy efforts.
Lumley, a Detroit native, has been a trailblazer in the field of health psychology for nearly four decades. He completed his Ph.D. in clinical and health psychology at the University of Florida in 1990 and joined the faculty at Wayne State University shortly after. Throughout his career, Lumley has mentored numerous students to their Ph.D. and has made significant contributions to the field of health psychology.
One of Lumley’s most notable achievements is the development of Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) in collaboration with Howard Schubiner, M.D., from Michigan State University. This innovative therapy focuses on addressing trauma and suppressed emotions that often underlie chronic pain and other stress-related somatic conditions. By helping patients explore their emotional experiences and express their feelings, EAET aims to reduce or eliminate chronic pain.
Lumley’s groundbreaking research on the relationship between emotional expression and chronic pain has paved the way for new treatment approaches in the field of health psychology. His work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of how emotional factors contribute to physical health outcomes and has the potential to help countless individuals suffering from chronic pain disorders.
In addition to his research on EAET, Lumley is currently leading a clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health. This four-year study, titled „Comparative mechanisms of psychosocial chronic pain treatments,“ aims to compare the effectiveness of EAET with other leading psychological pain management approaches. By identifying the mechanisms and outcomes of different therapies, Lumley’s research will provide valuable insights into the most effective treatments for chronic pain.
Ezemenari M. Obasi, Ph.D., vice president for research & innovation at Wayne State University, commended Lumley for his significant contributions to the field of health psychology. Lumley’s dedication to advancing research on chronic pain disorders is making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals suffering from these conditions.
Overall, Mark Lumley’s receipt of the 2024 Nathan W. Perry, Jr. Award for Career Service to Health Psychology is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the field. His innovative research, mentorship of students, and commitment to improving health outcomes have solidified his reputation as a distinguished professor in the field of health psychology.