Dr. Rapkin's research interests include: Quality of Life; Social Support; and Methodology. He focuses on the quality of life and adaptive behavior of individuals who rely on the health care system and related community services - most notably cancer patients, persons with HIV-spectrum illness, people at high risk for these illnesses and their support networks. His recent research revolves around two projects. The first project is a longitudinal study of social environmental promotors and barriers to HIV in Latina women. This study is being conducted in conjunction with the New York City Department of Health at three hospitals in neighborhoods where HIV rates in women are among the highest in the country. This research draws on a multi-level model of social network influences on health promotion and risk reduction, including interpersonal and membership ties, reference group norms, and cultural influences. Results of this study will be used to guide the development of further interventions and research related to social influences on health behavior. The second project is aimed at developing alternative self-report methods for assessing functional status and quality of life in persons with AIDS and cancer. For this study, he has developed an ideographic approach to describe each respondent's salient personal goals, and the difficulties they encounter pursuing these goals. Dr. Rapkin plans to continue working with this measurement approach to study adaptation to illness and treatment in people with AIDS and cancer.