Research conducted by Dr. Samuel-Hodge involves: (1) psychosocial and behavioral issues related to lifestyle behavior change (diet and physical activity) and weight management; (2) intervention research focused on nutrition issues related to chronic disease risk reduction and self-management; (3) health disparities and translational research; (4) diabetes self-management education strategies using lay diabetes advisors; and (5) family and community-based interventions. More recently she has begun to investigate how family interactions and functioning influence lifestyle behaviors. She is also interested in the measurement of psychosocial factors associated with chronic illness and weight management, particularly among lower income populations and African Americans with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Her work includes the development and validation of psychosocial instruments to assess perceived diabetes and dietary competence, behavioral control and the impact of multiple care-giving roles on diabetes self-care behaviors of diet and physical activity. Dr. Samuel-Hodge also has experience in the application of qualitative research methodologies to inform survey development and testing and intervention design.