ONGOING PROJECTS
Our lab conducts research aimed at improving access to effective mental health care for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. We focus on identifying key psychological risk factors and developing accessible interventions, including digital mental health and exercise-based treatments.
Our primary research areas include:
Digital Mental Health
Development and evaluation of remote mental health interventions
Exercise
Use of physical activity to reduce mental health symptoms
Transdiagnostic Treatment
Exploration of anxiety sensitivity as a transdiagnostic risk factor
Does transdiagnostic treatment work as well as traditional disorder-specific treatment in reducing mental health symptoms?
Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or a fear of arousal-related physiological sensations, is a risk factor that might be targeted in transdiagnostic treatment. In this randomized controlled trial, we are comparing the effects of CBT for AS to disorder-specific CBT on anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress among people with high AS and anxiety and/or depression.
Collaborators: Drs. Margo Watt (StFX), Sherry Stewart & Igor Yakovenko (Dalhousie)
Funders: UNB; Canadian Institutes of Health Research
E-mental health care for parents/carevigers struggling with anxiety and depression during COVID-19
Increasing evidence shows that parents’ mental health was negatively impacted by COVID-19. This quasi-experimental study is evaluating the efficacy of an iCBT intervention, Tranquility, tailored for parents, in reducing their anxiety and depression. We are also investigating how preference for guidance (i.e., none, minimal, lots) may impact outcomes.
Collaborators: Drs. Alissa Pencer & Sam Stewart (Dalhousie), Lori Wozney (IWK Health Centre), Jennifer Richards (UNB), & Amanda Hudson (Health PEI)
Funders: Canadian Institutes of Health Research; New Brunswick Health Research Foundation
A prospective study of sport dropout during adolescence
Sport participation rates among Canadian youth tend to decline from 63% at age twelve to 37% at age nineteen. This prospective study aims to describe and examine differences between adolescents who drop out, reduce, and maintain sport participation over a two-year period. We are also investigating how these groups differ across genders and ages.
Student PI: Taylor McAulay
Organizational, environmental, and personal characteristics that support and prevent Canadian allied health professionals' prescription/recommendation of exercise for anxiety treatment
This project examines how Canadian allied health professionals use exercise as part of anxiety treatment. The first study will survey healthcare professionals to understand how often they recommend or prescribe exercise for anxiety and what individual, organizational, and environmental factors influence these practices. The second study will explore professionals’ perspectives on the structural and systemic changes needed to better integrate exercise into mental health care.
Student PI: Jennifer McWilliams
Autonomy-supportive coaching and athlete burnout in Canadian university varsity athletes
This study will examine how varsity athletes in Atlantic Canadian universities experience different coaching styles and how these styles relate to athlete burnout. Specifically, it investigates whether autonomy-supportive coaching is associated with lower burnout and whether it is more strongly related to burnout than controlling coaching. The study also explores whether factors such as the coach–athlete relationship, gender, sport type, autonomy satisfaction, and training load influence these relationships.
Student PI: Kylee Speedy
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Ryan Hamilton
Towards understanding physical activity and anxiety and depression in SCI: Mechanisms and lived experiences
This project explores how physical activity relates to anxiety and depression among adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI), a population at increased risk for mental health challenges. The first study will examine the relationship between physical activity and anxiety and depression, as well as potential mechanisms such as anxiety sensitivity, self-efficacy, social connection, and pain. The second study will use interviews to better understand individuals’ lived experiences with physical activity after SCI.
Student PI: Emma Connell
Examining the use of social media support groups by caregivers of children with cancer
A child’s cancer diagnosis can significantly influence a caregiver’s mental health, and social support acts as an important buffer against mental health symptoms. The current study seeks to (1) explore the characteristics associated with caregivers who use (vs. do not use) social media support groups; (2) examine the association between participation in social media support groups and symptoms of mental health; and (3) examine whether the alignment between type of support sought and received in social media support groups moderates the association between support group use and mental health.
Student PI: Louise Bell
The effects of cumulative trauma exposure on posttraumatic growth outcomes among Canadian first responders
This cross-sectional, self-report study is investigating whether cumulative trauma exposure can predict variation in posttraumatic growth outcomes over and above what is accounted for by PTSD-symptom severity, and whether perceived organizational belongingness moderates the mediating effect of cognitive processing on the relationship between trauma and posttraumatic growth.
Student PI: Jay Nero
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Mary Anne Campbell
Predictors of academic performance during the transition to university period
This study examines how anxiety sensitivity may influence academic performance during the transition to university. It will also explore whether physical activity and perceived social support help explain or buffer this relationship. By understanding these pathways, the study aims to identify factors that may support students’ academic success and well-being during a stressful transition period.
Student PI: Mehrdad Khanifam
Participate in Our LAB
Interested in becoming involved in the Anxiety Lab’s research? We are always looking for members to join the lab or volunteer to participate in ongoing studies. Use the links below to review available opportunities.