The purpose of Dr. Carpenter’s postdoctoral training was to develop a more holistic understanding of how different sources, such as physicians, spouses, and the media, influence the self-management behaviors of individuals living with chronic illness. Her research at the Thurston Arthritis Research Center focused on how conflicting information from different sources and social support from spouses influence the medication adherence of individuals living with arthritis. Through the Information Networks for Osteoarthritis Resources and Medicines (INFORM) Study, Dr. Carpenter documented the information-seeking behaviors of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients and their spouses. She is analyzing data from the INFORM study to determine what variables act as potential mediators of the relationship between information, support, and medication adherence.

In 2009, Dr. Carpenter also worked with Dr. Edwin Fisher and the Robert Wood Johnson’s Diabetes Initiative to determine policy level influences on disease self-management.