Dr. Maureen Drysdale

Lab Director, Professor of Psychology

Dr. Maureen Drysdale is a Psychology professor at St. Jerome’s University and adjunct professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses predominantly on the mental health and well-being of emerging adults, although her work often expands the entire life span. The research she conducts with her large team in the Well-Link Research and Lab examines the mental health, attitudes, and behaviours that are believed to be important for success during major life transitions. This includes mental health literacy, moral injury, peer support, social support, anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, self-esteem, self-efficacy, hope, motivation, sense of belonging, and other mental health and wellbeing constructs. Some of the interdisciplinary research studies being conducted in the lab are examining the impact of art and other leisure activities on mental health and well-being. A second focus of her work is examining the social determinants of health and access to care for marginalized populations. She is a strong advocate for ethical care for all.