About me
I am an assistant professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Guelph (Guelph, ON, Canada). Broadly speaking, I conduct research that aims to further our understanding of the role of socio-cultural influences on human motivation and behavior, particularly in the contexts of health-related behaviors, immigration and biculturalism, as well as social conflicts.
For the most part, my research examines: (a) some of the cognitive processes through which individuals derive identities and norms from socio-cultural groups, (b) the impact of group membership on human motivation, particularly with regards to the acquisition and maintenance of undesired behaviors and involvement in intergroup conflicts, and (c) approaches to change group processes that foster social dysfunction.
These interests have led to projects illustrating the powerful influence of socio-cultural groups on a range of behaviors (e.g., binge drinking, addictive-impulsive behaviours, physical activity, procrastination, political demonstration) and on psychological well-being (e.g., self-esteem, life satisfaction, social anxiety).
Some of my current work examines: (a) the impact on self-regulation of aversive social emotions (e.g., guilt, pride) stemming from the transgression of social norms, (b) the influence of social outcomes on undesired behaviors, particularly those pertaining to social affiliation and exclusion and (c) norm based interventions, such as social marketing campaigns, to change group processes that hamper health.