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Interests

• clinical lifespan psychology
• close relationships
• intimate partner violence
• substance use
• mental health
• prevention
• motivational interviewing

Faculty bio

My research focuses on close relationships, with particular attention to factors such as conflict and aggression, substance use and mental health problems that can often lead to relationship difficulties.

My goals are to examine the development of harmful relationship behaviours; to understand the impact of these factors on partners, couples and children; and to develop prevention programs to enhance couple and family functioning during periods of stress and change (e.g., transition to adulthood, transition to cohabitation, transition to parenthood).

I am currently conducting a SSHRC-funded randomized control trial of a brief motivational intervention for at-risk couples during the transition to parenthood. In collaboration with my colleague Dr. Catherine Costigan, I am also conducting an evaluation of police integration in Assertive Community Treatment teams in Victoria, BC. In support of these activities, I am also affiliated with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR).

I celebrate diversity in all its many forms and believe that our individual differences serve as a resource, strength and benefit. I welcome graduate applications from members of groups who are underrepresented in the field of psychology.