About

Dr. Eun-Ok Im is a Professor and Maureen Healy Decherd Chair at The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing. She holds a PhD in nursing from UCSF, along with an MSN from UCSF and a BSN from Seoul National University in South Korea. Dr. Im is an internationally recognized methodologist and theorist specializing in global women’s health, particularly the experiences of midlife women. Over her career, she has successfully secured NIH funding, including multiple R01s, R21, and R61/R33 grants, supporting her extensive research efforts. Her pioneering work in the use of computer and mobile technologies for nursing research began in the late 1990s, leading to groundbreaking contributions in Internet-based research methodologies, the application of fuzzy logic for complex data analysis, and the development of tailored interventions using machine learning and AI technologies. Dr. Im has developed situation-specific theories that are now considered a major type of nursing theories, emphasizing sensitivity to individual health and illness experiences. Her research has significantly impacted the field, guiding the development of targeted interventions and advancing theoretical frameworks in nursing science. Dr. Im has authored approximately 450 publications, including over 250 refereed journal articles, and has mentored more than 200 students and researchers. Her leadership extends to national and international service roles, such as serving as president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association, a member of the Board of Directors at the American Academy of Nursing, and editor-in-chief of Advances in Nursing Science. She has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions, including induction into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, the CANS Outstanding Nurse Scientist award, and the FNINR Faye Glenn Abdellah Research Leadership Award, among others. Her work continues to influence nursing research, education, and practice globally.

Research topics

• Sociology
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Nursing
• Political Science
• Medical education
• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Anthropology
• Psychotherapist
• Clinical psychology
• Social psychology
• Pedagogy
• Genetics
• Physical therapy
• Environmental health
• Gender studies
• Applied psychology
• Demography

Selected publications

• Abstract 1232: The impact of a culturally tailored technology-based cancer pain management program on the quality of life by psychosocial factors among Asian American breast cancer survivors.

  Cancer Research · 2026-04-03

  articleSenior author

  Abstract Background: Breast cancer survivors face challenges in maintaining their quality of life during their treatment and survivorship process. Especially, Asian American breast cancer survivors frequently encounter constrained social supports and difficulties in accessing adequate emotional and practical support. Cultural barriers are often the major cause of the difficulties. This study aimed to explore the impact of a culturally tailored technology-based cancer pain management program on the quality of life (QoL) by psychosocial factors among Asian American breast cancer survivors. Methods: This is a part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial among Asian American women breast cancer survivors. Data was collected at T0 (baseline), T1 (after 1 month; during intervention), and T2 (after 3 months; post intervention) during the 3-month intervention process. Only the data from 57 participants who completed the intervention were included in this analysis. The instruments included the Perceived Isolation Scale, (PIS) and the Questions on Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Barriers, and Social Influences (QASPS), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer (FACT-B). K-means cluster analysis was conducted using baseline data. The optimal number of clusters (k=2) was selected using NbClust package in R. The participants were classified into two clusters, which were then crossed with the interventions form a total of four groups. Longitudinal trajectories were examined using linear mixed model (LMM) to test interaction effects between Time, Cluster, and Intervention Results: Two clusters emerged from the K-means analysis. Cluster 1 (n=18; CAI=9, CAPA=9) showed higher loneliness, lower social support, less positive attitude and self-efficacy, and more perceived barriers, whereas Cluster 2 (n=39; CAI=26, CAPA=13) showed the opposite pattern. LMM analysis revealed significant effects of Time and Cluster on the QoL. In both groups, the QoL improved over time (T1 vs T0: p=.003, T2 vs T0: p<.001). Cluster 2 reported higher QoL (Cluster 2 vs Cluster 1: p=.002) than Cluster 1. Except Time 2 x Cluster 2 interaction (p=.040), no other significant interaction effects were found. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that technology-based interventions can positively impact QoL for breast cancer survivors, regardless of participants’ level of psychosocial factors. However, caution is required when interpreting the results due to the small sample size and imbalance between clusters. Future studies should include a large enough sample size to confirm the long-term effects of Intervention CAI. Citation Format: Yeeun Kim, Jiwon Baek, Dongmi Kim, Seulgi Ryu, Wonshik Chee, Eun-Ok Im. The impact of a culturally tailored technology-based cancer pain management program on the quality of life by psychosocial factors among Asian American breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 1232.

  PublisherDOI

• The Future of Nursing Theory and Philosophy: Where to Go?

  Advances in Nursing Science · 2026-01-01

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Abstract 3683: The breast cancer survivorship experience of Korean American women: A qualitative study

  Cancer Research · 2026-04-03

  articleSenior author

  Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. A recent sharp increase in breast cancer was observed among Asian American women, and breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Korean American women. There remains a significant gap in research exploring the breast cancer survivorship experience of Korean American women. This study aims to explore the survivorship experiences of Korean American breast cancer survivors. Methods This is a part of a larger study that evaluated a technology-based coaching/support program among Asian American breast cancer survivors. Only the qualitative data from 10 Korean American breast cancer survivors over the 3-month interventions were included in this analysis. Data were collected through online logs, where all interactions between participants and interventionists were recorded. The online logs included an average of 1,029 lines (range: 428-2149) of text per participant. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results Five prominent themes were identified. First, “self-directed coping strategies with pain” were identified; the participants reported several ways to manage pain, such as medication or gaining support through assistive methods (e.g., cuffing therapy, sauna, and acupuncture), which were relevant to Asian cultural aspects. Second, “resilience in survivorship” was enhanced through participation in the culturally tailored intervention. While the participants were motivated to contribute meaningfully to the research, they experienced less pain and were encouraged to exercise more to reduce pain. Third, “challenges of living with and beyond cancer” were noted; the participants reported challenges related to physical or emotional symptoms, a language barrier, being obliged to be filial to their parents, being stigmatized for their illness, lacking time for themselves, and an unsupportive family. Fourth, “resilience and growth through illness” were identified; the participants reported that their families became stronger after the diagnosis, and they became more proactive, finding meaning in their lives. They provided support to other cancer patients or those in need and were grateful to their peers or family for their support. Finally, “positive adaptation and empowerment” were identified; the participants were actively seeking behaviors/strategies to improve their physical or emotional challenges, such as changing their diet, exercising, and focusing on other activities (e.g., travel or finding a new hobby). Conclusions Even though Korean American breast cancer survivors faced multiple challenges, they had more proactive attitudes and were resilient in their survivorship journey. This study also contributes to the evidence that culturally tailored interventions can empower survivors to cope with illness and enhance their ability to navigate their survivorship journey. Citation Format: Seulgi Ryu, Dongmi Kim, Yeeun Kim, Wonshik Chee, Eun-Ok Im. The breast cancer survivorship experience of Korean American women: A qualitative study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 3683.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract 2481: Psychosocial profiles and pain management patterns among Asian American breast cancer survivors: A cluster analysis

  Cancer Research · 2026-04-03

  articleSenior author

  Abstract Background: Asian American breast cancer survivors represent a diverse population with unique psychosocial needs, yet limited research has identified subgroups based on psychological well-being, pain management beliefs, and social support. Understanding heterogeneity in psychosocial profiles may inform culturally tailored survivorship care. This study aimed to identify distinct psychosocial subgroups among Asian American breast cancer survivors and examine differences in depressive symptoms, pain management attitudes and barriers, social influence, quality of life, coping self-efficacy, loneliness, and perceived social support among the subgroups. Methods: This is part of an ongoing clinical trial among Asian American breast cancer survivors. Only the baseline data were used for this analysis. A total of 106 women were included in the analysis. K-means cluster analysis was conducted on psychosocial variables, including depressive symptoms, attitudes, and perceived barriers to cancer pain management, social influence, self-efficacy, loneliness, and social support. The optimal number of clusters (k = 3) was determined by silhouette analysis. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests compared psychosocial outcomes across clusters. Results: Three meaningful clusters emerged. Cluster 1 (resilient and supported survivors, N = 30) displayed the lowest depressive symptoms, strongest social support, positive pain attitudes, and highest quality of life and coping self-efficacy. Cluster 2 (psychologically vulnerable and socially isolated survivors, N = 30) demonstrated the highest depressive symptoms, greatest pain management barriers, and lowest levels of coping self-efficacy, quality of life, and perceived social support, along with the highest loneliness scores. Cluster 3 (moderately coping survivors, N = 46) showed intermediate levels across all psychosocial indicators and perceived attitudes towards pain and pain management barriers. All psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes significantly differed across subgroups (p < .001). Conclusion: Asian American breast cancer survivors demonstrate significant psychosocial heterogeneity. Future culturally responsive, tailored interventions need to target the psychologically vulnerable, socially isolated subgroup, and address emotional distress, social connection, and pain-related attitudes in survivorship care. Findings support cluster-informed personalization strategies in technology-based survivorship programs. Citation Format: Dongmi Kim, Jiwon Baek, Seulgi Ryu, Yeeun Kim, Wonshik Chee, Eun-Ok Im. Psychosocial profiles and pain management patterns among Asian American breast cancer survivors: A cluster analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2481.

  PublisherDOI

• What is Nursing Science?

  Advances in Nursing Science · 2025-09-18

  article1st authorCorresponding

  Recently, I was attending a leadership meeting at Washington DC. There were intense discussions about recent development across the nation such as changes at the National Institute of Health (NIH), shifts in state policies, and other significant updates. Within the current sociopolitical contexts, one of the important questions that the leaders discussed was “what is nursing science?” In 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, there were great discussions on ontological and epistemological questions on nursing.1 Then, over time, we have taken the existence of nursing science for granted, and unlike in the past, we rarely discuss foundational questions on nursing science – except occasionally in PhD classes. With the upcoming possible changes at National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), nursing leaders began to worry about the existence of nursing science. Our early generation of researchers challenged and advanced nursing research and established NINR within NIH,2 and celebrated the victory of nursing science as the fruition of our own efforts to advance nursing science. The official reason for the establishment of NINR within the NIH shows a little bit different story though. According to the NINR website,2 NINR was established because of two landmarking reports: (a) a 1983 report by the Institute of Medicine (the former National Academy of Medicine) that strongly proposed to include nursing research in biomedical and behavioral science, and (b) a 1984 report by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Task Force on nursing research activities that are relevant to the NIH mission. Subsequently in 1986, the National Center for Nursing Research (NCNR; a former NINR) was established first within NIH according to Public Law 99-158, the Health Research Extension Act of 1985. Then, in 1993, NINR was established based on NCNR and elevated to an NIH institute with the signing of the NIH Revitalization Act. As I understand, the establishment was based on strong acceptance and understanding of what nursing science is and why nursing research needs to be supported. However, with the current wave of both expected and unexpected changes sweeping across the national research enterprise, the question that we need to ask at this time is not if we need NINR, but rather, what nursing science is. As I previously mentioned in a previous editorial,3 in a PhD theory and philosophy class that I taught for the first year PhD students, one of the PhD students posed a thought-provoking question: what is nursing perspective and what is nursing science within the current contexts of interdisciplinary collaborative research environments. The student was a student with a bachelor degree in a different field but sought to be a nurse with a PhD. I invited her to co-author a literature review paper exploring “what a nursing perspective is.” Although she eventually withdrew from the work, it was interesting experience to me because I had never expected encountering such a fundamental question about the existence of nursing perspective and nursing science in a nursing PhD class. At that time, since they were PhD students in nursing science, I just assumed that they would not have a question on the existence of nursing perspective and nursing science. Dr. Peggy Chinn also shared similar experience related to nursing theory, in the Nursology blog at https://nursology.net/2019/07/09/what-makes-a-theory-or-model-nursing/. The reality is harsh though. Not only in the classrooms, but also in local, national, and international interdisciplinary conferences, grant review meetings, and university meetings, I frequently met the same question over and over again. Especially with increasingly blurred boundaries among different health disciplines, this question has frequently been raised not only by outsiders, but also by insiders. Even within Schools of Nursing, I frequently face this question while collaborating with non-nurse faculty. Even at national and international meetings of professional nursing organizations, the same question has been asked. Are we able to answer this question with clarity and confidence or are we even questioning to ourselves? Our research landscape continues to evolve, and the uniqueness of nursing science may be complicated by all interdisciplinary works that involve interprofessional teams of researchers. Amid shifting healthcare environments and sociopolitical dynamics, it may be the time for nursing scholars to re-raise ontological and epistemological questions on nursing. Maybe, the re-visit would help clarify what nursing science is in this changing landscape of interdisciplinary healthcare and sociopolitical environments. We may need to go back to our old fundamental ontological and epistemological questions and critically re-define what we have long taken for granted. How is nursing science different from other health sciences? What is nursing science in this ever-changing interdisciplinary environment? —Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN Editor

  PublisherDOI

• Racial/ethnic differences in social support for dementia caregiving: Midlife women family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease

  Geriatric Nursing · 2025-01-31 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Pain Disparities Among Asian Americans Affected by Cancer: The Role of Depressive Symptoms

  Journal of Palliative Medicine · 2025-12-12

  article

  Purpose: Although racial and ethnic cancer pain disparities are well-documented, there is insufficient Asian American representation in extant literature, leading to inadequate knowledge about pain outcomes in this population. In addition, the prevalence of depression and its relationship with cancer pain in Asian American patients are poorly characterized. This study evaluated pain differences between Asian American and white patients with cancer and the role of depressive symptoms. Methods: Data from two randomized clinical trials investigating integrative therapies for chronic musculoskeletal cancer pain were analyzed to examine the association between race and pain interference using bivariate analyses and linear regression models. We pooled participants from both trials, which enrolled cancer patients with pain and used identical pain and depression assessments, to increase the sample size of Asian American cancer patients, a historically underrepresented population in pain and depression research. Results: Compared to White counterparts, Asian American patients reported greater pain interference (5.5 vs. 4.7, p = 0.016) and depressive symptoms (7.1 vs. 5.9, p = 0.047). The Asian race was associated with pain interference (coef. = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.1 to 1.5, p = 0.016) in bivariate analysis. When depressive symptoms were added to regression models, Asian race was no longer associated with pain interference (coef. = 0.51, 95% CI: −0.09 to 1.1, p = 0.097). Conclusions: Higher pain interference levels among Asian Americans were partly driven by greater depression severity. These findings highlight the mental health burden among the Asian American cancer population and suggest that treatment for depressive symptoms may need to be incorporated in oncology care and pain management for this population. Importantly, results suggest Asian Americans affected by cancer may be at increased risk for poorly managed pain and depressive symptoms.

  PublisherDOI

• Recruitment and Retention of Asian Americans in Web-Based Physical Activity Promotion Programs

  UNC Libraries · 2025-07-29

  articleOpen access

  Web-based interventions that promote physical activity have been tested in various populations and proven effective. However, information on recruiting and retaining ethnic minorities in these interventions is limited. This study discusses practical issues in recruitment and retention of Asian Americans using three strategies: (1) only Web-based intervention (Group 1), (2) one with Fitbit Charge HR (Group 2), and (3) one with Fitbit Charge HR and office visits (Group 3). Recruitment and retention rates, minutes of weekly research team meetings, and the researchers' memos were collected. Retention rates were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the minutes and memos were content analyzed following Weber's methods. Retention rates varied by the end of the first (12% in Group 3, 36.9% in Group 2) and third month (0% in Group 3, 36.9% in Group 2). The practical issues were (1) difficulties in recruitment across strategies, (2) the necessity of using community consultants/leaders across strategies, (3) subethnic differences across strategies, (4) timing issues across strategies, (5) Fitbit as a facilitator with several hindrances, and (6) office visits as an inhibitor. Fitbits with user guidelines and community consultants'/leaders' involvement are proposed for future Web-based interventions to promote physical activity in Asian Americans.

  PublisherDOI

• Essential Competencies in Nursing Leadership From Asian Leaders’ Perspectives

  Advances in Nursing Science · 2025-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author

  The literature on nursing leadership tends to be mainly based on Western perspectives and models, which could be viewed as an imperialistic and colonialist aspect of nursing knowledge development. Furthermore, leadership competencies and skills could differ across countries due to variations in cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this discussion paper is to identify essential competencies of leaders from Asian nurse leaders' perspectives and provide suggestions for future nursing leadership. Four themes related to the leadership competencies were identified: "harmony," "visionary," "political activism," and "good character."

  PublisherDOI

• Digital humanistic program to manage premature frailty in young breast cancer survivors with gender perspective

  npj Digital Medicine · 2025-01-16 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Premature frailty is a critical challenge for young breast cancer survivors (YBCSs), impacting their health and perpetuating gender inequality through heightened vulnerability and marginalization. While digital health shows promise in frailty screening, its effectiveness for comprehensively managing frailty remains inconclusive. This randomized controlled trial, registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200058823), tests the "AI-TA" program's efficacy on premature frailty and quality of life in YBCSs. The intervention group received a gender- and generation-sensitive program combining artificial intelligence interactions and humanities skills. The control group received 12 weeks of online information support. Both groups improved in frailty dimensions (P < 0.05); the intervention group showed notable enhancements in psychological (P = 0.013) and social frailty (P < 0.001). Quality of life also improved more in the intervention group from T1 to T2 (β = 15.384, 95% CI:13.028-17.740, P < 0.001). Results show a gender- and generation-sensitive digital humanistic program can optimize frailty management, promoting survivorship and gender equity.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R01NR008926

  NIH · $1.2M · 2011

• NIH Grant R01NR007900

  NIH · $1.8M · 2009

• NIH Grant R01NR010568

  NIH · $1.8M · 2013

• To enhance breast cancer survivorship of Asian Americans

  NIH · $2.8M · 2016–2022

Frequent coauthors

• Wonshik Chee

  The University of Texas at Austin

  426 shared

• Eunice Chee

  North Carolina State University

  242 shared

• Xiaopeng Ji

  184 shared

• Yaelim Lee

  National University of Singapore

  156 shared

• Sangmi Kim

  Guy's Hospital

  121 shared

• Hsiu‐Min Tsai

  Taiwan Nurses Association

  107 shared

• Qing Yang

  Duke University

  92 shared

• Reiko Sakashita

  89 shared

Awards & honors

• 2014 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Award from…
• 2020 Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS) O…
• 2022 SNRS Distinguished Researcher Award
• 2022 FNINR Faye Glenn Abdellah Research Leadership Award
• 2023 Oncology Nursing Society Distinguished Research Award