Current Research
Calls for research participation will be updated below when available. If you are interested in future opportunities to participate in research, consider signing up for the SFU Child Research Group Database. You are also welcome to reach out to us directly to hear more about our research!
Striving for Wellness in Fatherhood (SWell)
Striving for Wellness in Partnerhood (SWell) is an eHealth program designed to improve mental health and parenting stress in non-birthing partners (fathers, 2SLGBTQ+ partners). The goal of this intervention is to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of mental illness from parents to children. The program was created out of clear pilot work demonstrating the significant unmet needs non-birthing partners face during the transition to parenthood and early childhood. SWell has been designed with fathers, for fathers to ensure it meets the specific needs of non-birthing parents. We will be recruiting for a pilot trial in the near future. Stay tuned for opportunities to be involved as a patient partner or research participant.
Adolescents with higher body weight are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Yet, these youth often face complex challenges beyond physical health leading to challenges with traditional health interventions. Emotional wellbeing and mental health can strongly influence how teens manage their health and provide an obstacle for family support. These factors can make it more difficult to adopt and sustain lifestyle behaviour changes. Our DIRECTION team is exploring new ways to support teens by combining traditional lifestyle interventions with targeted skills to promote emotion regulation and reduce distress. This study also directly supports teens and their families by including both parents and youth in the skills-based group intervention. By integrating dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) with behavioural lifestyle support, we aim to improve health outcomes for teens to build healthier futures. This project is currently recruiting in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Hamilton. Learn more about the project here.
Mental Health and Health Behaviours in Teens At-Risk for or Diagnosed with Chronic Health Conditions (DIRECTION)
Gamification of Interventions for Social Connection and Wellbeing
Adolescence and young adulthood are highly sensitive periods for social development, yet many individuals experience challenges with social functioning that ultimately affect their wellbeing. Social connection and belonging is a particular concern for youth and young adults as they transition to independent adults. Positive social wellbeing can protect against acute and long term mental health challenges. Our team is exploring innovative ways to support youth by combining evidence-based mental health strategies with role playing games. We hypothesize this approach may meet current unmet needs of specific teen populations, such as neurodiverse youth. We are working with patient partners to ensure this program can be an evidence-based, engaging solution for youth and young adults. Stay tuned for opportunities to be involved!
Cultural Diversity in the Transition to Parenthood for Newcomer Non-Birthing Parents
The transition to parenthood is a challenging time marked by major lifestyle and psychological adjustments. Yet, the wellbeing of fathers and non-birthing parents is understudied. In fact, we know little about the needs of culturally diverse non-birthing parents during this transition. Mental health concerns in all parents can lead to adverse child developmental outcomes if left untreated. Newcomer parents may face additional stressors during this time due to acculturative distress associated with language barriers, unemployment, and discrimination. Our work aims to address this research gap by investigating how cultural norms, relocation, and role identity shape parenting roles. Through this knowledge, we aim to improve supports and better address currently unmet needs of newcomer families in Canada.
We are immensely grateful for all past and present funding of this work. Thank you to the sponsors who have supported us in our goals to improve family wellbeing and child development.
