EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IMPROVEMENT TRAINING (eFIT) FOR OLDER ADULTS: IMPACT OF AN AT-HOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM.

Friday, March 24, 2023|1:00 - 2:30|RCB 6152

Dr. Mauricio Garcia-Barrera

Title: Executive Function Improvement Taining (eFIT) for Older Adults: Impact of an At-Home Physical Activity Program

Abstract:

Research on physical activity has demonstrated it can serve as a protective factor against normative aging-related changes in cognition and mental health, and concern was raised during the recent COVID-19 pandemic about older adults’ reduced amount of physical activity engagement. In fact, there are reports that feelings of depression, social isolation, and stress have increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers and government officials recommend physical activity to minimize the negative psychological and physiological impacts of COVID-19. However, older adults have generally shown less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and positive behavioural adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a need for physical activity programs and strategies targeted for older adults. Filling this gap, and in collaboration with the Tall Tree Integrated Health Clinic, our eFIT study developed and implemented a remote exercise training program for a group of healthy, insufficiently active community-dwelling adults ages 65 years and older who were recruited from communities across Canada. We are now examining the data looking at the impact of our fully remote, at-home, and self managed 8-week physical activity program. This presentation includes discussion of our earliest line of analyses, and some conclusions, learnings, and lessons, about the feasibility of these type of remote studies.

OPTIMIZING CONSULTATION FOR TREATMENT FIDELITY AND CLIENT OUTCOMES

Friday, fEBRUARY 3, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm via Zoom

Dr. Shannon Dorsey

Title: Optimizing Consultation for Treatment and Fidelity and Client Outcomes

Abstract: Successful implementation of EBPs requires effective implementation support at various levels (provider, organization, system). At the provider-level, important implementation strategies include effective training as well as supervision or consultation to support providers in using and tailoring the EBP for delivery to their clients. This talk will focus on the evidence-base for consultation and review some of the literature on measuring EBP fidelity, an important implementation outcome. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLNESS AND SELF-CARE

Friday, January 27, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm via Zoom

Dr. Marielle Collins, Cleveland Clinic

Title: The ethics of self-care: A professional imperative

Abstract: Psychologists and psychology trainees face unique demands in their clinical and professional work that create an increased risk for burnout. An ethical lens can be helpful for discussing issues related to burnout including problems that may arise due to burnout, and the ethical imperative of practicing self-care. This talk will cover the complexity of burnout diagnosis and early detection, and recommendations for graduate clinical training programs and practicing professionals for monitoring self and others for warning signs of burnout and implementing self-care.

JOINT AREA TALK ON SEXUAL WELLBEING

Friday, January 27th, 2023 | 2:30 - 4:00 PM in RCB 6152

Dr. Katrina Bouchard, University of British Columbia

Title: Couple-based approaches for treating women’s sexual difficulties

Abstract: Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall quality of life and having a satisfying sexual relationship promotes overall health. Unfortunately, sexual problems are common and tend to impact the wellbeing of both members of a couple. Despite this, researchers rarely look at sexual problems from couple perspective. In this talk, Dr. Bouchard will share emerging research on empirically supported couple-based psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions, including genito-pelvic pain and distressing low sexual desire. She will discuss future directions for managing sexual difficulties in the context of gynaecological conditions highlighting the role of psychology in interdisciplinary research and care.

Dr. Samantha Dawson, University of British Columbia

Title: Factors associated with sexual well-being and sexual pleasure among individuals and couples

Abstract: In this talk, Dr. Dawson will share recent multi-method research on sexual well-being—sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, sexual frequency—with a specific focus on factors that bolster sexual well-being for both individuals and couples. She will also discuss an often overlooked aspect of sexual well-being—sexual pleasure—and will discuss upcoming work that seeks to bridge this gap.

A Talk By Dr. Cornelia Wieman

Dr. Cornelia Wieman, MSc, MD, FRCPC


The Department of Psychology’s Indigenous Reconciliation Committee hosted a talk by featuring Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, Dr. Cornelia (Nel) Wieman, MSc, MD, FRCPC.

Cornelia (Nel) Wieman, Anishinaabe (Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Manitoba), is the Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority and has served as the President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) since 2016. Dr. Wieman’s specializations include COVID-19 Response, Vaccine Confidence, Mental Health and Wellness, Addictions, Trauma-Informed Practice, Cannabis, Communications and Wellness Initiatives. Dr. Wieman completed her medical degree and psychiatry specialty training at McMaster University. As Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, Dr. Wieman has more than 20 years' clinical experience, working with Indigenous people in both rural/reserve and urban settings. Her previous activities include co-directing an Indigenous health research program in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and the National Network for Indigenous Mental Health Research, being Deputy Chair of Health Canada's Research Ethics Board, and serving on CIHR's Governing Council. She has also worked and taught in many academic settings, has chaired national advisory groups within First Nations Inuit Health Branch - Health Canada, and has served as a Director on many boards, including the Indspire Foundation, Pacific Blue Cross and the National Consortium on Indigenous Medical Education.

A recording of the talk & slides are available on the Dept IRC website.

Psychology Department Colloquium

Dr. Geoff MacDonald, University of Toronto

Singlehood and Sexuality

Worldwide, long-term singlehood is on the rise and understanding predictors of well-being in singlehood is becoming increasingly important. Sexual satisfaction may be a particularly important predictor given that the sexual aspects of romantic relationships are harder to replace than other aspects like emotional support. In Part 1 of my talk I will provide evidence that sexual satisfaction is an important predictor of life satisfaction and satisfaction with singlehood. In Part 2 of my talk I will provide evidence that sexual satisfaction for singles is particularly low amongst those who desire partnered sexual activities but are not experiencing them. In Part 3 of my talk I will use qualitative reports of singles’ sexual and dating lives to examine who sexually active singles are having partnered sexual experiences with. Overall, I argue that understanding long-term singlehood must involve understanding how singles resolve their sexual desires.