REBECCA L. UTZ portrait
  • Professor, Sociology Department
  • Co-Director, Consortium for Families & Health Research
  • Adjunct Professor, Family And Consumer Studies
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, College Of Nursing
  • Faculty Associate, Center on Aging
  • Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education, College of Social and Behavioral Science

Publications

  • Supiano, K. P., McGee, N., Dassel, K. B. & Utz, R. (2017). A Comparison of the Influence of Anticipated Death Trajectory and Personal Values on End of Life Care Preferences: A Qualitative Analysis. Clinical Gerontologist. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2017.1365796. Published, 09/2017.
  • Caserta, M., Utz, R., Lund, D., Supiano, K., & Donaldson, G. (2019). Cancer caregivers' preparedness for loss: Do preloss caregiver attributes or situations matter? Omega: Journal of Death & Dying, 80 (2), 224-244. doi.org/10.1177/0030222817729610. Published, 01/2019.
  • R. L. Utz, C. Berg, J. Butner. (2016) “It’s A Family Affair: Reflections About Aging & Health within a Family Context.” The Gerontologist, 57(1): 129-135. Published, 12/23/2016.
  • Caserta, M., D. Lund, & R. L. Utz. (2016). Inventory of Daily Widowed Life (IDWL). In R. Neimeyer (Ed), Techniques of Grief Therapy: Assessment and Application (pp.65-70). Philadelphia, PA: Routledge. Accepted, 12/06/2016.
  • Utz, R. L. (2016). Widow/Widower. In Encyclopedia of Lifespan Human Development. Sage Publications. Published, 12/06/2016.
  • Caserta, M, D. Lund, R.L. Utz, & J. Tabler. (2016) “’One Size Doesn’t Fit All’ – Partners in Hospice Care, an Individualized Approach to Bereavement Intervention” OMEGA: Journal of Death & Dying, 73(2): 107-125. Published, 09/15/2016.
  • Quinn, T. C., & Utz, R. L. (2015). “Personal Religiosity and Mental Health Care Utilization among Adolescents.” Education, Social Factors, and Health Beliefs in Health and Health Care Services (Research in the Sociology of Health Care, Volume 33) Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 33, 139-159. Published, 12/2015.
  • Reither EN, Land KC, Jeon SY, Powers DA, Masters RK, Zheng H, Hardy MA, Keyes KM, Fu Q, Hanson HA, Smith KR, R. L. Utz, Claire Yang Y. (2015). “Clarifying hierarchical age, period, cohort models: A rejoinder to Bell and Jones. Social Science & Medicine. S0277-9536(15) 30029-0. Published, 11/2015.
  • Tabler, J. R. L. Utz, L. Ellington, M. Reblin, M. Caserta, M. Clayton, D. Lund. (2015). “Missed Opportunity: Hospice Care and the Family” Journal of Social Work in End of Life and Palliative Care. 11 (3/4), 224-243. *Selected as 2015 Best Paper by journal. Published, 10/2015.
  • Tabler, J. & R. L. Utz. (2015). “The Influence of Adolescent Eating Disorders or Disordered Eating Behaviors on Socioeconomic Achievement in Early Adulthood” International Journal of Eating Disorders. 48 (6) : 622-632. Published, 08/2015.
  • Utz, R.L. & Anita Pascoe (2015). Widowhood. In Encyclopedia of Family Studies. Wiley-Blackwell. Published, 04/2015.
  • Lund, D. R. L. Utz, M. Caserta, S. Wright, S. Llanque, C. Lindfelt, H. Shon, C. Whitlatch, J. Montoro-Rodriguez. (2014). "Time for Living & Caring: A Tailored Intervention to Make Respite More Effective for Caregivers” International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 79 (2). 157-178. Published, 08/2014.
  • Caserta, M, D. Lund, R.L. Utz, & J. Tabler. (forthcoming) “’One Size Doesn’t Fit All’ – Partners in Hospice Care, an Individualized Approach to Bereavement Intervention” OMEGA: Journal of Death & Dyning. (2). 157-178. Accepted, 07/2014.
  • Utz, R. L. (2014) “Walking the Dog: Comparison of Health & Health Behaviors Among Pet Owners.” Social Indicators Research, 116 (2): 327-339. Published, 02/2014.
  • Utz, R. L. K Swenson, D. Lund, M. Caserta, B. DeVries. (2014). Feeling Lonely vs. Being Alone: Loneliness and Social Support Among Recently Bereaved Older Adults. Journal of Gerontology, Series B 69B (1): 85-94. Published, 02/2014.
  • De Vries, B, R. L. Utz, D. Lund, & M. Caserta. (2014). Friend and Family Contact and Support in Early Widowhood. Journal of Gerontology, Series B: 69B (1): 75-84. Published, 02/2014.
  • M. Caserta, R. L. Utz, D. Lund, K. Bearnson, B. deVries. (2014) “Coping Processes Among Bereaved Spouses” Death Studies, 38 (3). 145-155. Published, 02/2014.
  • W. Robinson, R. L. Utz, K. Keyes, C. Martin, Y. Yang. (2013) “Birth cohort effects on abdominal obesity in the United States: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, and Generation X.” International Journal of Obesity 37: 1129-1134. Published, 08/2013.
  • Utz, R. L. (2015). Bereavement. In Encyclopedia of Adult Development and Aging. Wiley-Blackwell. Accepted, 06/2013.
  • Caserta, M, R. L. Utz, D. Lund. (2013) “Spousal Bereavement Following Cancer Death” Illness, Crisis, Loss: 21 (3), 185-202. Published, 04/2013.
  • Utz, R. L., Caserta, M. Lund, M. (2013). An Evaluation of the Living After Loss Intervention - Part 1: Do Bereavement-Related Outcomes Vary by the Content of Support Groups? Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief & Bereavement 16(2): 32-35. Published, 04/2013.
  • Utz, R. L., Lund, D. Caserta, M. (2013). An Evaluation of the Living After Loss Intervention – Part 2: Do Bereavement-Related Outcomes Vary by the Dynamics of Support Groups? Grief Matters.: The Australian Journal of Grief & Bereavement 16 (2): 36-40. Published, 04/2013.
  • W. Robinson , K. Keyes, R. L. Utz, C. Martin, Y. Yang. (2013). "Birth Cohort effects among US-born adults born in the 1980s: Foreshadowing future trends in US obesity prevalence." International Journal of Obesity , 37. 448-454. Published, 03/2013.
  • M. Hollingshaus & R. L. Utz. (2013) “Race & Ethnic Disparities in Depression After Major Health Diagnosis” Society and Mental Health. 3 (1). 22-29. Published, 02/2013.
  • Utz, R. L., M. Caserta, D. Lund. (2012) “Grief, Depressive-Symptoms, and Physical Health Among Recently Bereaved Spouses” The Gerontologist, 52 (4). 460-471. Published, 10/2012.
  • Utz, R. L., D. Lund, M. Caserta & S. Wright. (2012). “The Benefits of Respite Time-Use: A Comparison of Employed and Non-Employed Caregivers” Journal of Applied Gerontology, 31 (3): 438-461. Published, 10/2012.
  • M. Caserta, R. L. Utz, D. Lund, K. Bearnson, B. deVries. (forthcoming) “Coping Processes Among Bereaved Spouses” – Accepted for publication Death Studies. Accepted, 06/2012.
  • H. Uphold-Carrier & R. L. Utz. (2012) “Parental Divorce among Young and Adult Children: A Long Term Quantitative Analysis of Mental Health and Family Solidarity” Journal of Marriage and Divorce, 53 (4): 247-266. Accepted, 01/2012.
  • Coffield, E. Utz, R. Waitzman, N. Metos, J. (2011). Counterweight: Can School Wellness Policies Curb the Obesity Epidemic? Journal of Adolescent Health, 49 (4): 363-370. Published, 10/2011.
  • Utz, R. L., M. Caserta , D. Lund. (2011). “Perceived Self-Competency Among the Recently Bereaved.” Journal of Social Work in End of Life and Palliative Care, 7 (2-3): 173-194. Published, 08/22/2011.
  • Utz, R. L., R. Nelson, P. Dien. (2011) “American Health Care: Public Opinion Differences in the Confidence, Affordability, and Need for Reform” Research in the Sociology of Health Care, 29: 243-272. Published, 08/2011.
  • Utz, R. L. & K. Nordmeyer. (April 2015). Menopause. In Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality. Wiley-Blackwell. Accepted, 07/2011.
  • Utz, R. L. (2011). “Like Mother, (Not) Like Daughter: The Social Construction of Menopause and Aging” Journal of Aging Studies, 25: 143-154. Published, 04/2011.
  • D. Lund, M. Caserta , R. L. Utz, & B. DeVries. (2010) “Experiences and Early Coping of Bereaved Spouses/Partners in an Intervention Based on the Dual Process Model (DPM)” OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying, 61 (4): 291-313. Published, 09/2010.
  • D. Lund, M. Caserta , R. L. Utz, & B. DeVries (2010) “A Tale of Two Counties: Bereavement in Socio-Demographically Diverse Places” Illness, Crisis, Loss, 18 (4): 301-321. Published, 06/2010.
  • M. Caserta, R. L. Utz, D. Lund, & B. DeVries. (2010) “Sampling, Recruitment, and Retention in a Bereavement Intervention Study: Experiences from the Living After Loss Project” OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying, 61 (3): 181-203. Published, 06/2010.
  • Utz, R. L., M. Hollingshaus, P. Dien. (2010). “Public Opinion & Health Care” Contexts, 9 (2): 64-68. Published, 05/2010.
  • K. Keyes, R. L. Utz, G. Guoha, W. Robinson. (2010). “What is a Cohort Effect? Three APC Models of Obesity Prevalence in the US”. Social Science & Medicine, 70 (7): 1100-1108. Published, 04/2010.
  • Thompson, A. D., Sparks, C., Wong, B., Iacob, E., Terrill, A. L., Caserta, M., & Utz, R. L. (2024). Using Digital Inequality Framework to Evaluate a Technology-Delivered Intervention for Caregivers: Age, Education, and Computer Proficiency. Journal of Aging and Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643241232173. Published, 03/2024.
  • Hollingshaus, M.; Smith, K; Meeks, H.; Ornstein, K.; Iacob, I.; Tay, Djin; Stephens, C.; Utz, R. L. (2024). Mortality Risk Following End-of-Life Caregiving: A Population-Based Analysis of Hospice Users and Their Families. Social Science & Medicine. (in press). Accepted, 03/2024.
  • Stephens CE, Utz R. L., Tay D, et al. Dying with dementia in nursing homes: A population-based study of decedents and their families. Journal of American Geriatric Society. Published online February 2, 2024. doi:10.1111/jgs.18770. Published, 02/2024.
  • Stephens, C., Tay, D., Iacob, E., Hollingshaus, M., Goodwin, R., Kelly, B., Smith, K., Ellington, L., Utz, R. L., Ornstein, K. (2024). Family Ties at End-of-Life: Characteristics of Nursing Home Decedents with and without Family. Palliative Medicine Reports. Accepted, 01/2024.
  • Goodwin, R., M., Utz, R. L., Elmore, C. E., Ornstein, K. A., Tay, D. L., Ellington, L., Smith, K. R., & Stephens, C. E. Leveraging existing datasets to advance family caregiving research: Opportunities to measure what matters. Journal of Aging and Social Policy, (in press). Accepted, 01/2024.
  • Cajavilca, M.F., Dassel, K., Portugal-Bouza, G., Utz, R. L., & Supiano, K. (2023) Establishing a Spanish-focused advance care planning educational session for Latina breast cancer survivors. Journal of Cancer Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-023-02387-5. Published, 09/2023.
  • Utz, R. L., Caserta, M., Iacob, E, Sparks, C., Stark, L., Terrill, A., Thompson, A. Wong, B. (2023). Maximizing the Benefit of Respite for Dementia Caregivers: A Study Protocol Describing the Development & Evaluation of the Time for Living & Caring (TLC) Intervention. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Special Issue: Psychosocial Interventions for Individuals with Memory Loss/Dementia and Their Family Caregivers; 8(4). doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2304040. Published, 09/2023.
  • Dassel, K., Utz, R.L, Sanchez-Birkhead, A., Carbajal-Salisbury, S., Villalta, J., Cajavilca, M., Solkowski, L., Aruscavage, N., Supiano, K., & Iacob, E. (2023). Health Disparities in Advance Care Planning: Development of a Spanish-Language LEAD Guide (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Other Dementias). Health Equity, 7(1):430-438. doi: 10.1089/heq.2022.0143. Published, 06/2023.
  • Dassel, K., Iacob, E., Utz, R. L., Supiano, K., & Fuhrmann, H. (2023). Promoting Advance Care Planning for Persons with Dementia: Study Protocol for the LEAD (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer’s and Dementia) Clinical Trial. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 8(1). Accepted, 02/2023.
  • Utz, R. L. (2022). Caregiver Respite: An Essential Component of Home-and Community-Based Long-Term Care. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 23(2), 320-321. Published, 01/2022.
  • Dassel, K., Towsley, G.L., R.L. Utz, Ellington, L., Terrill, A., Scammon, D. Bristol, A. A., Thompson, A., & Mickens, M. (2021). A limited opportunity: COVID-19 and promotion of advance care planning. Palliative Medicine Reports, 2(1), pp.194-198. Published, 12/2021.
  • R. L. Utz, A. Terrill, & A. Thompson. (2021) Online Caregiver Interventions: The Use of Community-Engaged Research Practices, Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community, 1-16. Published, 11/2021.
  • Tay, D. L., Ornstein, K. A., Meeks, H., Utz, R. L., Smith, K. R., Stephens, C., Hashibe, M., & Ellington, L. (2021). Evaluation of Family Characteristics and Multiple Hospitalizations at the End of Life: Evidence from the Utah Population Database. Journal of Palliative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2021.0071. Published, 10/2021.
  • Thompson, A., Shura, I., & Utz, R.L (2021). “Doing” healthcare at end-of-life: Identity tensions, negotiations, and conflicts. Death Studies, 1-11. Published, 10/2021.
  • Bristol, A.A., Mata, A.C., Mickens, M., Dassel, K.B., Ellington, L., Scammon, D., Thompson, A., Towsley, G.L., Utz, R.L. and Terrill, A.L., (2021). “You Feel Very Isolated”: Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Caregiver Social Connections. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 7, p.23337214211060166. Published, 09/2021.
  • C. Berg, C. Kelly, R. L. Utz. (2021-forthcoming). Family Caregiving Across the Life Span. In Handbook of Psychology & Aging, 9th edition. (Eds. K. Warner Schaie, S. L. Willis). Academic Press, Elsevier Publishing. Published, 05/2021.
  • M. Clayton, R. L. Utz, et al, K. Supiano. (forthcoming) Live Discharge from Hospice: Perspectives from Families, Patients, and Providers. Patient Education & Counseling. Accepted, 04/2021.
  • Carr D & Utz RL (2021). Families in Later Life: A Decade in Review. Journal of marriage and the family. Vol. 82, 346-363. Published, 02/01/2021.
  • Miller LM, Utz RL, Supiano K, Lund D & Caserta MS (2021). Health profiles of spouse caregivers: The role of active coping and the risk for developing prolonged grief symptoms. Social science & medicine (1982). Vol. 266, 113455. Published, 02/01/2021.
  • Tracy EL & Utz RL (2021). For Better or for Worse: Health and Marital Quality during Midlife. Journal of aging and health. Vol. 32, 1625-1635. Published, 01/01/2021.
  • E. Tracy & R. L. Utz. (2021) For Better or For Worse: Marital Quality & Health Among Midlife Married Couples. Journal of Aging & Health, 32(10), 1625-1635. Published, 01/2021.
  • J. Alley, R. Owen, S. Wawrzynsk, L. Lasrich, Z. Ahmmad, R. L. Utz, Daniel E Adkins. (2020). Illness, social disadvantage, and risky sexual behavior in adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 10.1007/s10508-020-01747-2. Published, 09/2020.
  • Tabler J, Schmitz RM, Geist C, Utz RL & Smith KR (2019). Reproductive Outcomes Among Women with Eating Disorders or Disordered Eating Behavior: Does Methodological Approach Shape Research Findings?. Journal of women's health (2002). Vol. 27, 1389-1399. Published, 11/01/2019.
  • Hollingshaus, M, R. L. Utz, R. Schacht & Ken R. Smith. (2019). Sex ratios and life tables : Historical demography of the age at which women outnumber men in seven countries, 1850-2016. Historical Methods : A Journal of Quantiative & Interdisciplinary History, 244-253. doi.org/10.1080/01615440.2019.1605863. Published, 08/2019.
  • Dassel, K., R. L. Utz, K. Supiano, E. Iacob, S. Bybee. (2019). Development of a Dementia-Focused End-of-Life Planning Tool: The LEAD Guide (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer’s and Dementia). Innovations in Aging, 3(3). igz024. Published, 08/2019.
  • Reblin, M, R. L. Utz, et al. (2019). Communication of emotion in home hospice cancer care: Implications for spouse caregiver depression into bereavement. Psycho-Oncology, 28 (5), 247-258. Published, 06/2019.
  • Supiano, K. P., McGee, N., Dassel, K. B. & Utz, R. (2019). A Comparison of the Influence of Anticipated Death Trajectory and Personal Values on End of Life Care Preferences: A Qualitative Analysis. Clinical Gerontologist, 42 (3), 247-258. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2017.1365796. Published, 02/2019.

Research Statement

I am a life course sociologist, embracing the interdisciplinary traditions of demography and gerontology. My substantive research focuses on issues of health and aging in America.  More specifically, I am interested in how families cope with the end-of-life experience, including widowhood and caregiving.  I am also interested in how families manage chronic conditions and familial health risks of their family, with a particular interest in caregivers to persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. My work has involved primary data collection (surveys & qualitative interviews), creation and implementation of intervention studies, and statistical analysis of large population-based data sets.  

Research Keywords

  • Population Sciences
  • Life Course Theory
  • Gerontology
  • Family Caregiving
  • End-of-life care and decisions
  • Bereavement
  • Alzheimer's and Related Dementias

Presentations

  • Clayton, MF, R. L. Utz, Supiano K. (March 2021). Exploring Live Hospice Discharge: Experiences of Family Caregivers and Hospice Staff. Talk presented to Children’s National Hospital, SIG: Families and Pediatric Palliative and Concurrent Care Studies. Washington, D.C. Invited Talk/Keynote, Accepted, 03/2021.
  • R. L. Utz. (March 2021). Survival of the Wealthiest: How COVID-19 Exposed Health Disparities and Elevated the Need for Health Equity. Grand Challenges for Social Work (CEU) hosted by University of Utah, College of Social Work. Invited Talk/Keynote, Other, 03/2021.
  • R. L. Utz, Clayton, MF; Supiano, K. (November 2020). “End of Life Hospice Care by Disease: A Qualitative View from Patient, Families, and Staff.” Gerontological Society of America – Online Annual Meeting. Conference Paper, Presented, 11/2020.
  • Clayton, MF; R. L. Utz; Supiano, K. (November 2020). “Hospice Care and Hospice Discharge: Challenges to Patient-Centered Care and Communication.” Submitted to the National Communication Association, Health Communication Division. Indianapolis IN. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2020.
  • R. L. Utz. (June 2020) “Time for Living and Caring: Intervention Strategies to Improve Caregivers’ Use of Respite” International Short Break Association, research conference sponsored by ARCH National Respite and Resource Center. Madison, Wisconsin. *Conference cancelled and rescheduled online because of COVID-19. Invited Talk/Keynote, Presented, 09/2020.
  • R. L. Utz. (March 2020) “Using Community Engaged Practices to Develop an Online Caregiver Intervention”. 2020 Summit on Dementia Care and Support for Caregivers, conference sponsored by National Institute on Aging. Bethesda, Maryland. *Summit cancelled and rescheduled online because of COVID-19. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 08/2020.
  • K. Dassel, R. L. Utz, K. Supiano, S. Bybee, E, Iacob. (November 2019). “The LEAD Guide: Life Planning in Early Alzheimer’s and Dementia” Gerontological Society of America. Boston, MA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2019.
  • Tracy, E. L. and R. L. Utz (November 2019). “For Better of For Worse: Health and Marital Quality Among Midlife and Aging Couples.” National Council of Family Relations. Fort Worth, TX. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2019.
  • R. L. Utz. (July 2019) “Intervention and Community Engagement or Caregiver Interventions for Dementia Caregivers.” International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Training (ISTAART). Los Angeles, CA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/2019.
  • M. Clayton, R. L. Utz, K. Supiano, et al. (April 2019). “Live Discharge from Hospice” Western Institute of Nursing. San Diego, CA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Accepted, 04/2019.
  • Hollingshaus, M, R. L. Utz, Ken Smith. (August 2018). “Implications & Applications of Sex Ratios Across the Life Course.” American Sociological Association of America. Philadelphia, PA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 08/07/2018.
  • Hollingshaus, M, R. L. Utz, Ken Smith. (April 2018). “Sex Ratio Curves & Crossovers: A new Life-Table Based Measure.” Population Association of America. Denver, CO . Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 04/19/2018.
  • R. L. Utz, et al. (July 2016). “A Comparison of the Influence of Anticipated Death Trajectory and Personal Values on End of Life Care Preferences: A Qualitative Analysis” (symposium) and “A Targeted and Tailored Bereavement Intervention for Cancer Caregivers” (poster). International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics. San Francisco, CA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 07/24/2017.
  • R. L. Utz, et al. (November 2016). “Supporting Widowed Persons: An Individually-Tailored Bereavement Intervention Based on Dual Process Model.” (poster). “Cancer Caregivers’ Preparedness for Loss: Does Caregiving Context Matter?” (poster). “It’s A Family Affair: Reflections About Aging & Health within a Family Context” (symposium). “End of Life Care Preferences by Disease Trajectory” (symposium) Gerontological Society of America. New Orleans, LA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/16/2016.
  • R. L. Utz, D. Lund, M. Caserta. (June 2016) “Enhancing Respite Time-Use As a Way to Improve Caregiver Well-Being: An Intervention, a Conceptual Model, and a Measurement Strategy” Time Use Across the Life Course Conference. University of Maryland. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 06/07/2016.
  • J. Tabler, R. L. Utz, L. Ellington, M. Reblin, M. Caserta, M. Clayton & D. Lund (November 2015). Missed Opportunity: Hospice and the family. Gerontological Society of America. Orlando, FL. Poster, Presented, 11/2015.
  • Partners in Hospice Care Research Team at the University of Utah. (March 2013). Partners in Hospice Care: A unique partnership between research and practice. Annual Assembly of American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. New Orleans, LA. Panel, Presented, 03/2013.
  • R. L. Utz, D. Lund, M. Caserta. (Nov 2012). Group Dynamics Matter: Using Support Groups during Bereavement. Gerontological Society of America. San Diego, CA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2012.
  • M. Caserta, R. L. Utz, D. Lund. (April 2012). Death Forewarning & Cause of Death: Variations in Bereavement Outcomes. Poster. Association of Death Educators and Consultants. Atlanta, GA. Poster, Presented, 04/2012.
  • R. L. Utz, K. Bearnson, M. Caserta, D. Lund, B. DeVries. (November 2011). Feeling Lonely versus Being Alone: Loneliness and Social Support in Widowhood. Paper. Gerontological Society of America. Boston, MA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/2011.
  • W. Robinson, K. Keyes, R.. L. Utz, C. Martin, Y. Yang. (October 2011). Will Obesity Prevalence Continue to Increase in the US? Examining Birth Cohort Effects Among Cohorts of US-Born Young Adults. Poster. The Obesity Society. Orlando, FL. Poster, Presented, 10/2011.
  • M. Caserta, D. Lund, R. L. Utz. (August 2011). Individualized Dual Process Intervention for Bereaved Partners After Cancer Deaths – Models & Methods. Poster. The Science of Compassion: Future Directions in End of Life and Palliative Care. Sponsored by National Institute of Nursing Research. Bethesda, MD. Poster, Presented, 08/2011.
  • K. Mooney, P. Berry, M. Caserta, M. Clayton, G. Donaldson, L. Ellington, D. Lund, R. L. Utz. (August 2011). A Program Project Grant Exploring and Supporting Family Caregiving during Hospice End of Life Care through Bereavement. Poster. The Science of Compassion: Future Directions in End of Life and Palliative Care. Sponsored by National Institute of Nursing Research. Bethesda, MD. - Selected as “Top Ten Submission for 2011” to the NINR research program . Poster, Presented, 08/2011.
  • R. L. Utz, D. Lund, M. Caserta, B. DeVries, K. Swenson (November 2010). For Whom Can Grief Be Modified? An Evaluation of the "Living After Loss" Intervention. Paper. Gerontological Society of America. New Orleans, LA. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/20/2010.
  • R. L. Utz, N. Waitzman, J. E. Coffield, J. Metos. (November 2010). Education's Role in Preventing Childhood Obesity: What are the most effective types of school wellness policies? Paper. American Public Health Association. Denver, CO. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 11/10/2010.
  • J. E. Coffield, R. L. Utz, N. Waitzman. (November 2010). Is longer better? The effects of duration of exposure to school wellness policies on adolescent obesity. Poster. American Public Health Association. Denver, CO. Poster, Presented, 11/10/2010.
  • N. Waitzman, R. L. Utz, J. E. Coffield, (November 2010). Worth its weight (loss) in gold: The effects of Utah's Gold-Medal school policy on adolescent obesity by neighborhood SES. Poster. American Public Health Association. Denver, CO. Poster, Presented, 11/10/2010.
  • R. L. Utz. “Finding, Creating, and Analyzing Data on Health Disparities” (September 2010). University of California San Bernardino, RIMI Center for Health Disparities. Invited Talk/Keynote, Presented, 09/15/2010.
  • R. L. Utz. “A Case-Study of Health Disparities Research: Obesity Related Studies.” (September 2010). University of California San Bernardino, RIMI Center for Health Disparities. Invited Talk/Keynote, Presented, 09/15/2010.
  • N. Waitzman, K. Smith, J.W. Kim, R. L. Utz (June 2010). The Effects of Neighborhood Change on Childhood Obesity Risk. Paper. American Society for Health Economics. Ithaca, NY. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 08/18/2010.

Research Groups

  • Time for Living & Caring -- Supporting Caregivers to Persons with Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementia, Research Professor. 10/01/2018 - present.
  • Partners in Hospice Care -- Bereavement Team, Other. 01/2011 - 12/2017.

Grants, Contracts & Research Gifts

  • Developing a Tool to Capture End of Life Preferences Across the Stages of Alzheimer's Disease. PI: Dassel. Tim & Dickie Burton Foundation Grant, 08/2017 - present. Total project budget to date: $0.00
  • Variation in End of LIfe Preferences and Values Across Disease Scenarios: Alzheimer's Diseases versus Cancer. PI: Dassel. Center on Aging Pilot Grant Program, 05/2016 - 08/2017. Total project budget to date: $0.00
  • Assessing the Validity and Reliability of a Needs Assessment Questionnaire - for the Department of Services for Persons with Disability. PI: Chambless. 06/2017 - 12/2017. Total project budget to date: $0.00
  • Enhancing End-of-Life and Bereavement Outcomes Among Cancer Caregivers” . PI: Kathy Mooney. National Cancer Institute, 05/01/2010 - 05/01/2015. Total project budget to date: $0.00
  • Living After Loss: An Intervention Study to Test the Effectiveness of the Dual Process Model of Coping. PI: Caserta. 10/01/2004 - 06/01/2010. Total project budget to date: $0.00
  • Enhancing the Effectiveness of Respite Services for Family Caregivers. PI: Dale Lund. Health Disparities Grant, Cal State San Bernardino, 10/01/2009 - 10/01/2010. Total project budget to date: $0.00
  • Development and testing of a data infrastructure for conducting a large, multi-level longitudinal analysis of the determinants of childhood obesity. PI: Jim VanDerslice & Liz Joy. F Marion Bishop Foundation, 10/01/2009 - 08/01/2010. Total project budget to date: $25,000.00
  • VIRTUAL COACHING To Maximize Benefit Time Use Among Caregivers for Persons with Alzheimer's & Related Dementias. PI: UTZ,REBECCA L. NIH NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGIN, 09/30/2018 - 05/31/2023. Total project budget to date: $319,170.00 Nugget: Specific Aims.pdf

Geographical Regions of Interest

  • United States of America