Andrea A. Thornton
Papers
2
Total Citations
39
H-Index
2
About
Andrea A. Thornton is a leading health psychologist whose research focuses on the psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes for men with prostate cancer, particularly following robotic-assisted surgery. Her major contributions center on understanding how psychological factors, such as optimism and specific patient expectations, can significantly shape recovery and well-being after treatment. In her highly cited prospective study, "A Prospective Report of Changes in Prostate Cancer Related Quality of Life After Robotic Prostatectomy," Thornton tracked 71 men over time, revealing critical shifts in cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal domains of quality of life. Her subsequent work, "Optimism and Prostate Cancer-Specific Expectations Predict Better Quality of Life after Robotic Prostatectomy," demonstrated that a patient’s mindset can be a powerful predictor of better outcomes, with both papers accumulating nearly 40 citations. These findings have important clinical implications, suggesting that pre-surgical counseling should address not only physical recovery but also psychological readiness. Thornton’s research bridges oncology and behavioral science, offering a more holistic view of cancer survivorship and highlighting the role of patient resilience in post-operative quality of life.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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