Faculty Research Interests & Thesis Topics
Jeff ADAMS (on leave 2023WI)
(163 OSH; 905-435-5102 x-5029; jadams@trentu.ca)
My two main areas of interest are human cerebral laterality and dreams.
Human cerebral laterality research investigates differences between the two hemispheres of the brain.
That is, actual or hypothesized or potential or relative differences in hemispheric function (whether cognitive, emotional, verbal, spatial, etc).
Potential topics include: General differences in hemispheric functions; gender differences in hemispheric functions; fluctuations in hemispheric activation; hemispheric activation and breathing; lateralization in the identification of facial emotions and emotional states. Spatial functions and lateralization.
Research into other facets of general cognition are also possible.
In terms of dream research: There are endless possibilities. One of many is the investigation of personality factors that may be associated with one or more facets of dreaming. Another area of investigation is in the general area of advancing dream research by extending previously published data on a particular dream topic (e.g., common dream themes in university students and other populations).
Ben BAUER
(177 OSH; 905-435-5102 x-5037; benbauer@trentu.ca)
My research interests fall under the rubric of Human Vision Science and its Applications. At the basic level, I study human vision and attention. The goal of this area of research is to identify properties of visual objects that allow them to be found efficiently (accurately and rapidly) in cluttered visual scenes. Using these properties, I am validating a simple decision-rule model for visual detection. Practical applications of the model are location and tracking of symbology on visual displays, conspicuousness and camouflage for objects in various environments and image compression.
Possible Thesis Topics:
Adaptive colour/spatial coding for visual displays.
Thresholds of acceptability for network based application components.
Visual properties supporting rapid detection and location.
Attentional modulation of cognition.
Relevant References:
- Bauer, B., & Patrick, A.S. (2004). A Human Factors Extension to the Seven-Layer OSI Reference Model. http://www.andrewpatrick.ca/OSI/10layer.html
- Bauer, B., Jolicoeur, P., & Cowan, Wm. (1999). A test of the convex hull hypothesis in visual search for colour targets. Vision Research, 39, 2681-2695.
- Bauer, B., Jolicoeur, P., & Cowan, Wm. (1998). The linear separability effect in colour visual search: Ruling out the additive-colour hypothesis. Perception & Psychophysics, 60, 1083-1093.
- Bauer, B., & McFadden, S. (1997). Linear separability and redundant colour coding in visual search displays. Displays, 18, 21-28.
Karen BLAIR
(TBD; kblair@trentu.ca)
My research examines the social determinants of health throughout the lifespan, specifically within the context of social relationships. Drawing on intersections between developmental, social, LGBTQ and health psychology, I try to answer questions related to how individuals and their relationships falter or thrive within broader social networks of friends, family and society at large. Relying on a variety of research methodologies (e.g., daily diaries, online survey, physiological measurements, longitudinal studies, qualitative methods), I design studies to examine how concepts such as social support, prejudice, sexuality and affection contribute to the relational, sexual, mental and physical health of individuals of diverse sexual and gender identities.
Additional interests include the History of Psychology/Social Sciences and applying social psychological principles to the understanding of the Holocaust.
- General areas for thesis research:
- Decision making processes within relationships that experience social disapproval
- Factors predicting direct disclosure of disapproval of others’ relationships
- Factors predicting sexual satisfaction in LGBTQ relationships
- Public displays of affection in same-sex, gender-diverse, interracial and mixed-sex relationships
- Predicting anti-lgbtq aggression/violence
- Femmephobia within and beyond the LGBTQ community
- Designing interventions to reduce anti-LGBTQ prejudices, including femmephobia
- Knowledge and attitudes related to Holocaust education
Liana E. BROWN
(LHS C116; 748-1011 x-7238; lianabrown@trentu.ca)
Many everyday activities require that we interact skillfully with the environment. My research is focused on discovering how sensation, perception and movement performance work together as we perform both simple, everyday movements and more skilled, highly-practiced movements. For example, previous research of ours has shown that people see items differently when they appear near our hands (the near-hand effect), and we are interested in uncovering the source of that effect. I currently study four major questions: 1) Can we use our hands to improve vision and/or attention? 2) What are the neural underpinnings of near-hand effects? 3) How do we learn new motor skills and what distinguishes expertise from competence? 4) How is visuomotor control affected by mild (sometimes temporary) conditions that affect brain function (like concussion and dehydration).
Relevant References:
- Brown, L. E., Marlin, M. C., & Morrow, S. (2015). On the contributions of vision and proprioception to the representation of near-hand targets. Journal of Neurophysiology, 113, 409-19. doi:10.1152/jn.00005.2014
- Brown, L. E. and Goodale, M. A. (2013). A brief review of the role of training in near-tool effects. Frontiers in Psychology: Perception Science, 4, 576. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00576.
- Brown, L. E., Doole, R., & Malfait, N. (2011). The role of motor learning in spatial adaptation near a tool. PLoS ONE, 6: e28999.
Michael CHAN-REYNOLDS
(LHS C119; 748-1011 x-7534; michaelchanreynolds@trentu.ca)
I am currently interested in three topic areas (may be suitable for thesis):
- Transportation into Narratives: How do people become transported into a story or movie?
- Bilingualism: How do we keep multiple languages separate in our mind?
- Digital Technology: Is technology making us dumber, smarter, more sophisticated, etc.?
Relevant References:
- Green, M.C., & Brock, T.C. (2000). The role of transporation in the persuasiveness of public narratives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79, 701 -721.
- Meuter, R. F., &Allport, A. (1999). Bilingual language switching in naming: Asymmetrical costs of language selection. Journal of memory and language, 40, 25-40.
- Levy, D. M. (1997). I read the news today, oh boy: reading and attention in digital libraries. In Proceedings of the second ACM international conference on Digital libraries (pp. 202-211). ACM.
Teresa L. DeCICCO
(SC 136.1; 748-1011 x-7239; teresadecicco@trentu.ca)
My research covers 2 areas of study:
- Sleep mentation (dreams and dreaming) and
- Psychology of the Self.
Research involves the theoretical underpinnings of these areas as well as their effectiveness inapplied practice. For example, studies include decreasing nightmares and negative imagery related to severe illness; and examining the psychophysiological mechanisms of sleep mentation.
Relevant References:
- Dale, A. & DeCicco, T.L. & Miller, N. (2013).Exploring the Dreams of Canadian Soldiers with Content Analysis.International Journal of Dream Research. In Press.
- DeCicco, T.L., Barcaro, U., & Murkar, A. (2012).A cognitive model explaining the psychophysiology system responsible for the effectiveness of The Storytelling Method of Dream Interpretation.International Journal of Psychophysiology 85, 361-430.
- DeCicco, T.L., Lyons, T., Pannier, Wright.C. (2010). The dreams of women with breast cancer: Content Analysis and Discovery. International Journal of Dream Research.Vol 3(2), 104-110.
- DeCicco, T.L. (2009). The Giant Compass: Navigating Your Life with Your Dreams. South Carolina, USA: Mali to Press.
Possible Thesis Topics
- Investigating the effectiveness of dream therapy on a variety of samples (e.g. cancer patients, soldiers, pain patients)
- How dream imagery is related to waking life in terms of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships.
Neil M. FOURNIER
(LHS C135; 748-1011 x-7339; neilfournier@trentu.ca)
The primary focus of our research is to determine how adult hippocampal neurogenesis affects behavior. To address this, we are examining how the abnormal integration of new neurons after epileptic seizures influences cognition and behaviour. Specific Aims are: 1) to examine the consequences of chronic seizures on the learning-related functions of new neurons; 2) to map the anatomy and neurochemical profile of synaptic inputs onto newborn neurons after seizures; 3) to determine if mediators of beneficial neurogenesis (e.g., enriched environments, antidepressants) reverse seizure-induced behavioral impairment.
A secondary focus of our research is to examine how animals distinguish safety from potentially threatening environments. Projects are: 1) exploring the neural circuitry involved in the processing of learned safety signals; 2) determining the impact that early life stress or exposure to drugs of abuse might have on the neural and behavioral mechanisms of safety learning.
Relevant References:
- Horsey, E.A., Maletta, T., Turner, H.,. Cole, C., Lehmann, H., Fournier, N.M. Chronic jet lag simulation decreases hippocampal neurogenesis and enhances depressive behaviours and cognitive deficits in adult rats. 2020. Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience. 13 (272): 1-14.
- Kalinina, A., Maletta, T., Carr, J., Lehmann, H., and Fournier, N.M. Spatial exploration induced expression of immediate early genes Fos and Zif268 in adult-born neurons is reduced after pentylenetetrazole kindling. 2019. Brain Research Bulletin. 152: 74-84
- Fournier, N.M., Botterill, J.J., Guskjolen, A., Marks, W.N., and Kalynchuk, L.E. Impaired recruitment of seizure-generated neurons into functional memory networks of the adult dentate gyrus following long-term amygdala kindling. Exp Neurol. 2013, 244: 96-104.
- Fournier, N.M., and Duman, R.S. Illuminating hippocampus control of fear memory and anxiety. Neuron. 2013, 77(5): 803-806.
Possible Thesis Projects:
- How do seizures affect the recruitment of new neurons into memory-related circuits
- Can environmental enrichment reverse aberrant seizure-induced neurogenesis
- Identifying the neurobiological factors important in the encoding and/or retrieval of learned safety signals
- Identifying novel antidepressant compounds with rapid action
- Elucidating neurocognitive factors associated with human creativity
Terry P. HUMPHREYS
(LHS C114; 748-1011 x-7773; terryhumphreys@trentu.ca)
My research interests intersect human sexuality and social psychology. More specifically, current research focusses on:
- sexual consent / negotiating sexual interactions / sexual coercion
- cognitive and behavioural aspects of first sexual experiences
- sexuality and technology (e.g., Internet use, sexting)
Relevant References:
- Marcantonio, T. L., Jozkowski, K. N., Peterson, Z. D., & Humphreys, T. (2019). Assessing college women’s first experiences of non-consensual first-time intercourse. Psychology of Violence, x, 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/vio0000262
- Falconer, T., & Humphreys, T. P. (2019). Sexting outside the primary relationship: Prevalence, relationship influences, physical engagement, and perceptions of “cheating”. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 28, 134-142. doi: 10.3138/cjhs.2019-0011
- Muehlenhard, C., Peterson, Z., Humphreys, T.P., & Jozkowski, K. (2017). Evaluating the one-in-five statistic: The prevalence of sexual assault among college students. Journal of Sex Research, 54, 549-576. DOI:10.1080/00224499.2017.1295014
- Muehlenhard, C., Humphreys, T.P., Jozkowski, K., & Peterson, Z. (2016). The complexities of sexual consent among college students: A conceptual and empirical review. Journal of Sex Research, 53, 457-487. DOI:10.1080/00224499.2016.1146651
- Jozkowski, K.N., & Humphreys, T.P. (2014). Sexual consent on college campuses: Implications for sexual assault prevention education. Health Education Monograph Series, 31, 30-35.
- Eriksson, J., & Humphreys, T.P. (2014). Development of the Virginity Beliefs Scale. Journal of Sex Research, 51(1), 107-120. DOI:10.1080/00224499.2012.724475
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Factors influencing sexual consent attitudes and behaviours.
- Factors impacting first sexual experiences (i.e., personality, safer sex, relationship quality)
- Sexting behaviour in young adult populations
- Sexual communication in young adults (face-to-face and/or digital)
Nancie IM-BOLTER
(171 OSH; 905-435-5102 x-5033; nimbolter@trentu.ca)
My research focuses on language and cognition (including social cognition) and involves a diverse population of children and adolescents, which includes both typical and atypical development (e.g., psychopathology, language impairment, autism spectrum disorder).
I am currently focused on:
- language and numeracy in early childhood
- development in early childhood (broadly)
- language and reading
- social cognition in children, adolescents, and adults
- higher order language (such as figurative language) in children and adolescents
- social anxiety
Although most of my research involves children, my interest in the relation between language and cognition is across the lifespan.
Relevant References:
- Im-Bolter, N., Agostino, A., & Owens-Jaffray, K. (2016). Theory of mind in middle childhood and early adolescence: Different from before? Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Special Issue: Theory of Mind in Middle Childhood and Adolescence.
- Im-Bolter, N., Cohen, N. J., & Farnia, F. (2013) I thought we were good: Social cognition, figurative language, and psychopathology, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(7), 724-732.
- Cohen, N. J., Farnia, F., & Im-Bolter, N. (2013). Higher order language competence and adolescent mental health, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(7), 733-744.
- Im-Bolter, N., & Cohen, N. J. (2007). Language impairment and psychiatric co-morbidities. Pediatric Clinics of North America (Language, Communication, and Literacy: A Pediatric Primer on Pathologies and Treatment), 54(3), 525-542.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Any topic in language and cognition, including social cognition
- Language and Reading
- Different aspects of development in early childhood (e.g., academics, language, numeracy)
- Atypical development
- Social anxiety
Kateryna (Katia) KEEFER
(LHS C136; 748-1011 x-7658; katerynakeefer@trentu.ca)
Life is filled with difficult experiences that can get in the way of attaining our personal, social, and professional goals. But we can still be well and do well despite the life’s challenges. One aspect of my research focuses on the role of socioemotional competencies (aka emotional intelligence) and related psychosocial factors in promoting coping, resilience, wellbeing, and academic attainment. My other area of research focuses on educational and instructional practices that enhance students’ learning and engagement.
Relevant References:
- Prince-Embury, S., Keefer, K. V., & Saklofske, D. H. (2016). Fostering psychosocial skills: School-based promotion of resiliency in children and adolescents. In A. A. Lipnevich, F. Preckel, & R. D. Roberts (Eds), Psychosocial skills and school systems in the twenty-first century (pp. 301-324). New York: Springer.
- Smith, M., Saklofske, D. H., Keefer, K. V., & Tremblay, P. (2016). Coping strategies and psychological outcomes: The moderating effects of personal resiliency. The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 150(3), 318-332.
- Keefer, K. V. (2015). Self-report assessments of emotional competencies: A critical look at methods and meanings. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 33(1), 3-23.
- Keefer, K. V., Parker, J. D. A., & Wood, L. M. (2012). Trait emotional intelligence and university graduation outcomes: Using latent profile analysis to identify students at risk for degree non-completion. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 30(4), 402-413.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Role of socioemotional competencies in stress, resilience, health, and wellbeing
- Student characteristics and educational practices that enhance students’ academic engagement and attainment
Relevant courses for these research topics include PSYC 2310H(236H) and 337H and PSYC 2300H(240H) and 3300H(341H).
Hugo LEHMANN
(LHS C137; 748-1011 x-7236; hugolehmann@trentu.ca)
The primary focus of my research program is to determine the contributions of different brain structures to learning, memory, and emotion. Specific aims are to:
- understand the neural circuits involved in acquiring, storing, and retrieving memory
- delineate the mechanisms involved in long-term consolidation and temporally graded retrograde amnesia
- determine how deficits in emotion may undermine mnemonic function.
Related research projects normally involve assessing whether surgical lesions and pharmacological manipulations in rats cause anterograde and/or retrograde amnesia as well as changes in fear and anxiety in several types of behavioural paradigms.
A second focus of my research program is to examine the means to reverse or attenuate cognitive deficits, such as memory loss, by promoting regeneration of damaged brain circuitry. Projects examine the effects of promoting neurogenesis with different treatments (e.g., growth factor, enriched environment) on recovery of mnemonic function from a cellular to a behavioural level.
Relevant References:
- Lehmann, H., & McNamara, K. C. (2011). Repeatedly reactivated memories become more resistant to hippocampal damage. Learning & Memory, 18(3), 132-135.
- Lehmann, H., Sparks, F. T., Spanswick, S. C., Hadikin, C., McDonald, R. J., & Sutherland, R. J. (2009). Making context memories independent of the hippocampus. Learn Mem, 16, 417-420.
- Spanswick, S. C., Lehmann, H., & Sutherland, R. J. (2011). Does the regeneration of hippocampal neurons offer hope for the treatment of cognitive deficits? Regen Med, 6(1), 1-3.
- Sutherland, R. J. Sparks, F. T., & Lehmann, H. (2010). Hippocampus and retrograde amnesia in the rat model: a modest proposal for the situation of systems consolidation. Neuropsychologia, 48(8), 2357-2369.
Possible Thesis Projects:
- Memory reactivation and neural distribution of the engram
- Resistance of memory to brain damage
- The effects of slow progressive damage to the hippocampus on memory
- Strengthening memory with emotion
Mowei LIU (on leave 2023WI)
(LHS C121; 748-1011 x-7472; moweiliu@trentu.ca)
My general research interests are in social development from a cultural perspective. Specifically, I am interested in child and adolescent peer relationships, friendship networks, and parental socialization processes (e.g., belief systems, disciplinary styles) in children’s social and emotional development. Among various factors that may contribute to individual social development, I am particularly interested in parenting styles and parental socialization goal-oriented behaviors and their relations to children’s social, emotional and school adjustment in Chinese and Canadian children. Both within-culture and cross-culture approaches have been taken in my research to understand the impact of cultural context on human development.
Relevant References:
- Liu, M., & Chen, X. (2003). Friendship networks and social, school and psychological adjustment in chinese junior high school students. Psychology in the Schools.Special Issue: Psychoeducational and Psychosocial Functioning of Chinese Children, 40(1), 5-17. doi:10.1002/pits.10066
- Liu, M., Chen, X., Rubin, K. H., Zheng, S., Cui, L., Li, D., . . . Wang, L. (2005). Autonomy- vs. connectedness-oriented parenting behaviours in chinese and canadian mothers. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 29(6), 489-495. doi:10.1080/01650250500147063
- Liu, M., Chen, X., Zheng, S., Chen, H., & Wang, L. (2009). Maternal autonomy- and connectedness-oriented parenting behaviors as predictors of children's social behaviors in china. Social Development, 18(3), 671-689. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9507.2008.00501.x
- Liu, M., & Guo, F. (2010). Parenting practices and their relevance to child behaviors in canada and china. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 109-114. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9450.2009.00795.x
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Parental achievement orientation and children’s learning behaviours in Canada and China (relevant courses: PSYC 2500H(281H), 3610H(323H), 3560H(384H)
- Acculturation and adaptation (relevant courses: PSYC 2500H(281H), 4530H(430H)
Geoffrey S. NAVARA
(LHS C129; 748-1011 x-7539; geoffnavara@trentu.ca)
Over the past several years my research has focused upon a variety of topics. While I am still very interested in family relations and the psychology of religion, my research has expanded to include:
- the ways in which we psychologically understand ‘evil’ (e.g., behaviours and motivation of perpetrators of evil acts) and how individuals react to and attribute meaning to witnessing those acts
- media representations of a variety of issues (e.g., Aboriginal health, university student mental health, HIV) and the ways in which these messages influence the general public
- intimate relationships
- Inuit health
- issues of prejudice and stereotype activation with dominant and immigrant populations.
I often adopt a community-based approach to research and utilize both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Relevant References:
- Burris, C.T & Navara, G.S. (in press). What’s my motive?: Thoughts on the state of religious orientation research. In Wulff, D. (Ed.) Handbook of Psychology of Religion.
- Kuczynski, L., Navara, G.S., & Boiger, M. (2011). The social relational perspective on family acculturation. In Chuang, S. S., & Moreno, R. P. (Eds.). On New Shores: Understanding Immigrant Children in North America. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.
- Navara, G.S., & Lollis, S. (2009). How the adolescent children of African-Jamaican immigrants living in Canada perceive and negotiate their roles within a matrifocal family. Family Process, 48(3), 441-458.
Possible Thesis Topics
- Transmission of cultural values and beliefs in families
- Underlying psychological mechanisms to understanding ‘evil’
- Media representations of psychological/social issues
Elizabeth (Lisa) K. NISBET (on leave 2022AY)
(LHS C128; 748-1011 x-7855; elizabethnisbet@trentu.ca)
My research focuses on individual differences in subjective connectedness with nature (nature relatedness) and the links with health, well-being (happiness), and environmental sustainability (attitudes, values, concerns, behaviour).
Relevant References:
- Nisbet, E. K., & Zelenski, J. M. (2013). The NR-6: A new brief measure of nature relatedness. Frontiers in Psychology: Personality Science and Individual Differences, 4:813, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00813
- Nisbet, E. K., & Zelenski, J. M. (2011). Underestimating nearby nature: Affective forecasting errors obscure the happy path to sustainability. Psychological Science, 22(9), 1101-1106.
- Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2009). The Nature Relatedness Scale: Linking individuals’ connection with nature to environmental concern and behavior. Environment and Behavior, 41, 715-740.
- Nisbet, E. K., & Gick, M. L. (2008). Can health psychology help the planet? Applying theory and models of health behaviour to environmental actions. Canadian Psychology, 49, 296-303.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- The psychological effects of nature contact and exposure to nature images (e.g., well-being/happiness, emotion/affective forecasting, environmental concern).
- Connection/disconnection from nature and environmental decision-making (sustainable behaviour, wildlife conservation).
- Personality correlates (e.g., materialism, Big 5, self-concept/identity) and antecedents of nature relatedness (e.g., growing up in urban/rural environments).
- Interventions that influence nature relatedness (e.g., environmental education, nature experiences, virtual immersion, wildlife viewing, citizen science).
Prerequisites: preferably PSYC 2310H, PSYC 3420H, and 3770H (or ERSC 3710H)
Fergal O'HAGAN
(LHS C134; 748-1011 x-7086; fergalohagan@trentu.ca)
My research program focuses on three areas:
Psychosocial determinants of work disability and factors that enable (or impede) disabled workers from reintegrating to the workplace. Some of my present projects include the role of illness representations in recovery from occupational injury, health trajectories and coping in injured workers with permanent impairments, the role of acceptance and resourcefulness in occupational adaptation following disabling injury.
Concussion risk perceptions and their relationship to protective behaviours in sports community stakeholders.
Effective methods for teaching undergraduate statistics.
Relevant References:
- O’Hagan, F.T., Coutu, M.F., Baril, R. (2013) A case of mistaken identity? Injury representations and chronic pain rehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation, Early online: 1-12, DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.748835
- O’Hagan, F.T., Ballantyne, P., Vienneau, P., (2012) Mental health status of Ontario injured workers with permanent impairments. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 103(4):303-308
- O’Hagan, F.T., Coutu, M.F., Thomas, S., Mertens, D.G, (2012) Return to work with cardiovascular disease: Medical and rehabilitative influences, Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 22(2),270-281 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-011-9345-x
- O'Hagan, F.T., Thomas, S.G. (2011). Work adjustment in cardiovascular disease: Job characteristics and social support. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 31, 1-7
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Evaluation of program-based care delivered by Family Health Team allied professionals
- Examining the role of resourcefulness and illness perceptions on return to work
- Experiences of mental health professionals in work disability and return to work
- Concussion risk perceptions and protective behaviours among sporting communities Illness representations and recovery trajectories of patients with chronic illness
- Evaluating the effectiveness of a flipped classroom design for teaching undergraduate statistics
Helpful prerequisites: PSYC 3610H, PSYC 3750H
James D. A. PARKER
(LHS C249; 748-1011 x-7935; jparker@trentu.ca)
For many years now my research has focused on affect regulation abilities and personality. For several decades now research from various fields has generated growing interest in the development of affect regulation and in the consequences for personality development, psychopathology and wellness when there are deficits in these abilities. I am particularly interested in studying the relationship between constructs like alexithymia and emotional intelligence and outcome variables like academic achievement, employment success, and various mental and physical health problems (especially disordered gambling and other behavioral addictions). Another longstanding research interest involves work on psychometric tools for assessing constructs like alexithymia, coping, emotional intelligence, and motivational intelligence. More recently, my research group has begun to explore the opportunities (and limitations) from the new field of “big-data” for measuring important psychological constructs.
Relevant References:
- Kristensen, H. A., Parker, J. D. A., Taylor, R. N., Keefer, K. V., Kloosterman, P. H., & Summerfeldt, L. J. (2014). The relationship between trait emotional intelligence and ADHD symptoms in adolescents and young adults. Personality and Individual Differences, 65, 36-41.
- Parker, J. D. A., Saklofske, D. H., & Keefer, K. V. (2017). Giftedness and academic success in college and university: Why emotional intelligence matters. Gifted Education International, 33, 183-194.
- Parker, J. D. A., Summerfeldt, L. J., Taylor, R. N., Kloosterman, P. H., & Keefer, K. V. (2013). Problem gambling, gaming and internet use in adolescents: Relationships with emotional intelligence in clinical and special needs samples. Personality and Individual Differences, 55, 288-293.
- Taylor, R. N., Parker, J. D. A., Keefer, K. V., Kloosterman, P. H, & Summerfeldt, L. J. (2015). Gambling related cognitive distortions in adolescence: Relationships with gambling problems in typically developing and special needs students. Journal of Gambling Studies, 31, 1417-1429.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- relationships between behavioral addictions and dimensions of emotional and social competency in adolescents
- how does emotional, social, and motivational intelligence change and evolve across the lifespan?
- what is the relationship between parent and child levels of emotional, social, and motivational intelligence?
Relevant courses for these research topics include PSYC 2310H(236H) and 337H and PSYC 2300H(240H) and 3300H(341H).
Kevin PETERS
(LHS C117; 748-1011 x-7795; kevinpeters@trentu.ca)
My current research interests cover two main areas:
- Neuroethics of Cognitive Enhancement: I am interested in how people define cognitive enhancement and what factors are related to one’s willingness to use pharmaceuticals to enhance their cognitive performance and other aspects of psychological functioning.
- Neuroessentialism: Neuroessentialism is the notion that the brain controls all aspects of behavior (i.e., we are our brains). I am interested in how neuroessentialistic beliefs influence our attributions of others people’s behaviour.
Relevant References
Forlini, C., & Racine, E. (2009). Autonomy and coecion in academic "cognitive enhancement" using methylphenidate: Perspectives of key stakeholders. Neuroethics, 2, 163-177.
Monterosso, J., Royzman, E.B., & Schwartz, B. (2005). Explaining away responsibility: Effects of scientific explanation on perceived culpability. Ethics & Behaviour, 15(2), 139-158.
Riis, J., Simmons, J. P., & Goodwin, G. P. (2008). Preferences for Enhancement Pharmaceuticals: The Reluctance to Enhance Fundamental Traits. Journal of Consumer Research, 35, 495-508.
Possible Thesis Topics
- An examination of how students define “cognitive enhancement” and/or an investigation into the factors that are associated with one’s willingness to use a drug to enhance different psychological traits/abilities (Prerequisites: preferably PSYC 2200H, 2400H)
- An examination of how providing neural information about an individual affects the degree to which others feel that they are responsible for different types of behavior. (Prerequisites: preferably PSYC 2200H, 2400H)
Elizabeth RUSSELL
(LHS C115; 748-1011 x-7867; elizabethrussell@trentu.ca)
I am interested in a variety of applied, community health research topics, including those under the umbrella of the psychology of aging, particularly rural aging, including age-friendly sustainability and models of seniors’ co-housing. Other community-based projects may be considered. Completion of PSYC 4120H (Qualitative research methods) is required (during the thesis year is acceptable), and for thesis topics that relate to aging research, completion of PSYC 3550H is required (during the thesis year may be acceptable).
- A sample of publications and community-based reports: (underlined authors were Trent student projects I supervised)
- Russell, E., & Kosny, A. (2018) Communication and collaboration among return-to-work stakeholders. Disability and Rehabilitation. Doi: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1472815
- Mullins, E., & Russell, E. (2018). Best practices in seniors’ co-housing models. Trent University.
- Rutherford, K., Pirrie, L., Smith, A., Jennings, N., Russell, E., & Marris, J. (2018). A community-based approach to retirement living development projects. Trent University, in partnership with Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield, Lakefield, ON.
- Kunder, A., Milley, K., Robinson, J., Shewen, J., & Russell, E. (2018). Supporting stability: Exploring the importance of tenant support in an affordable housing program. Trent University, Peterborough, ON., in partnership with Places for People and U-Links, Haliburton, ON.
- Blodgett, N., Milligan, J., Birkbeck, S., & Russell, E. (2017). Supporting age-friendly community development in Leeds-Grenville. Trent University, in partnership with Brockville Age-Friendly and City of Brockville, ON.
- Mercer, D., Russell, E., & Arnold, K. (2014). Flexible working arrangements in healthcare: A comparison between managers of shift-workers and 9-5 employees. J Nurs Admin., 44, 1-6.
- Russell E., Hawkins J., & Arnold K. (2012). Guidelines for successful self-scheduling on nursing units. J Nurs Admin., 42, 408-409.
Possible honours thesis topics:
- What is the experience of aging in Ontario’s rural and remote communities?
- What are the implications of seniors’ co-housing models?
- What are the experiences of older adults aging in the LGBTQ community?
- Titles of completed honours theses conducted under my supervision:
- A case study of outdoor opportunities for older adults at a retirement home
- Investigation of the social role of a collective kitchen for single older adults
- Exploring the perceived benefits of a local intergenerational program for senior participants
- Undergraduate student perceptions of mental health resources at Trent University
- Intergenerational interactions in Mohawk community daycare
Elaine SCHARFE
(LHS C130; 748-1011 x-7354; escharfe@trentu.ca)
Research Interests: Adult Attachment relationships, Influence of relationships on health.
John Bowlby (1969/1982) defined attachment as the instinct to form relational bonds with others and the development of strategies to seek and maintain proximity to these attachment figures when distressed, ill, or afraid. These strategies are internalized into representations or internal working models that help to guide interpretation of and reactions to social situations from infancy to old age. My research explores the influence of our adult attachment representations on our social world and the decisions and choices that we make – everything from your choice of friends and lovers, your evaluation of professors, and your health and wellness habits.
I am particularly interested in the influence of attachment behaviours on ways of coping with stress during transitions, health outcomes during transitions, and cognitive reappraisals of attachment representations during transitions. I am also collaborating with faculty at other institutions on three separate projects exploring the associations with attachment and;
- the dark side of relationships
- family separations in military and incarcerated families
- health risk behaviours in emerging adults.
Relevant References:
- Scharfe, E. (2016). Measuring what counts: Development of a new 4-category measure of adult attachment. Personal Relationships, 23, 4-22.
- Henson, A., & Scharfe, E. (2011). Influence of attachment representations on undergraduate course evaluations. Teaching of Psychology, 38, 106-109.
- Pitman, R., & Scharfe, E. (2010). Are parents better than peers?: Exploring the function of attachment hierarchies during emerging adulthood. Personal Relationships, 17, 201-216.
- Scharfe, E. (2007). Cause or consequence?: Exploring causal links between attachment and depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 26, 1050-1066.
- Scharfe, E., & Cole, V. (2006). Stability and change of attachment representations during emerging adulthood: An examination of mediators and moderators of change. Personal Relationships, 13, 363-374.
- Scharfe, E. & Eldredge, D. (2001). Associations between attachment representations and health behaviors in late adolescence. Journal of Health Psychology, 6, 287-299.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Adult attachment and perception of the news
- Effects of childhood separation on reports of adult attachment and distress
Brenda SMITH-CHANT
(153 OSH; 905-435-5102 x-5069; bresmith@trentu.ca)
I am interested in cognitive development from the perspective that the experience, education and social programs have a fundamental influence on how information is organized in memory and the resulting behaviour. In particular, I am interested in exploring the science of self-regulation (Shanker, 2016) and the application of this science to learning environments in communities and organizations to create positive learning environments. I am currently the Director of Research for the Self-Regulation Institute (SRI) and a member of The MEHRIT Centre (TMC; www.self-reg.ca). My research is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals interested in evaluation.
I am currently working on multiple projects including how to assess learning environments to: identify self-regulation challenges and strengths, train parents and professionals to incorporate self-regulation principles into their daily practice, use exercise/activities to promote optimal learning environments, and incorporate cultural practices into learning environments for optimal self-regulation. In addition to the selections below, interested students can also review relevant publications at: http://www.self-reg.ca/shanker-self-reg/shanker-library/.
Relevant References:
- Bennett, C., Buchen, J., Gilmer, C., Letourneau, N. & Smith-Chant, B. (2017). A realist synthesis of social connectivity interventions during transition to parenthood: The value of relationships. [copy available from Smith-Chant]
- Gilmer, C., Buchen, J., Bennett, C., Letourneau, N., & Smith-Chant, B. (In press). Parent education interventions designed to support the transition to parenthood: A realist review. [copy available from Smith-Chant]
- Solowinski, C., LeFevre, J., Skwarchuck, S.L., Kamawar, D., Bisanz, J., & Smith-Chant, B. (2015). Refining the pathways to the mathematics model. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, (131), 73-93. doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2014.11.004
- Smith-Chant, B.L. (2009). Early childhood education and health. In D. Raphael’s Social Determinants of Health: Canadian Perspectives, Second Edition. Toronto: Scholar’s Press Inc, 143-155.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- The science of self-regulation and the application to post-secondary learning.
- The efficacy of professional learning in an on-line environment.
- Creating parenting programs that engage parents.
- Integrating exercise bikes into classrooms: The impact on academic performance.
- Social policy as a mechanism to initiate cognitive change.
Laura SUMMERFELDT (on leave 2022FA)
(LHS C120; 748-1011 x-7526; lsummerfeldt@trentu.ca)
I have several areas of research interest, bridged by the common theme of personality and psychopathology, with particular focus upon obsessive-compulsive conditions and social anxiety. These include the following:
- Personality dimensions and psychopathology in clinical and nonclinical populations
- Points of continuity (e.g., cognition, emotion regulation and competencies) across clinical and subclinical anxiety conditions and their associations with adaptive behaviour
- Models of heterogeneity of obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Diathesis stress models of cause and perpetuation. A specific focus for me has been upon a particular feature of obsessive compulsive experience - the feeling that things are “not just right” - and its links with other psychological variables (i.e., aesthetic preferences, cognition, personality).
Relevant References:
- Kloosterman, P. H., Summerfeldt, L. J., Parker. J. D. A., & Holden, J. J. A. (in press). The obsessive-compulsive trait of incompleteness in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.
- Summerfeldt, L.J., Kloosterman, P.H., Antony, M.M., McCabe, R.E., & Parker, J.D.A. (2011). Emotional intelligence in social phobia and other anxiety disorders. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 33, 69-78.
- Summerfeldt, L.J., Kloosterman, P.H., Antony, M.M., & Parker, J.D.A. (2006). Social anxiety, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal adjustment. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 28(1), 57-68.
- Summerfeldt, L.J. ( 2004). Understanding and treating incompleteness in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60, 1155-1168.
Possible Thesis Topics:
- Capturing “not just right” experiences: The relationship between obsessive-compulsive–related subdimensions and everyday behaviours, preferences, and information processing.
- Social anxiety and social and emotional competencies: Etiology and functional implications.
Relevant courses for these research topics include PSYC 2310H(236H) and 337H and PSYC 2300H(240H) and 3300H(341H)