Research in the Health Promotion Lab focuses on health behaviour modification, aspects of lifestyle psychology, and motivation-oriented strategies to enhance dimensions of wellness in various populations.  Some current projects are described below.

The Healthy Kids HOME Program

HOME is a multi-faceted health promotion initiative that involves the provision of health-oriented services to children and families in four priority Thunder Bay neighbourhoods.  The program brings together residents and community partners to deliver evidence-informed programming around physical activity, nutrition, smoking prevention and cessation, mental health, and other topics identified by participants. The HOME Program is supported by partners on the Healthy Kids Steering Committee. Visit https://healthykidstbay.ca/ for more information. *Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Public Health Agency of Canada

Motivation to Move: Examining the Impact of a Self-directed versus Coaching-based Exercise Prescription Program on Health Indices and Adherence Among Adults

Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA) is a National not-for-profit corporation that provides an evidence-based and practically engineered approach to assist health care providers (HCP) with helping patients to become more physically active. With the goal of preventing and treating many chronic conditions, RxTGA links the HCP’s endorsement of physical activity to resources in their community and on-line. A ‘RxTGA’ motivates people to move into action and maintain a healthy habit. The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of RxTGA versus RxTGA plus activity coaching on physical activity adherence and health indices among prescription recipients via a 12-week intervention.

Understanding How an App-based Group Chat Impacts Physical Activity Behaviour and Mental Health Indices in an Individualized 6-week Aerobic Physical Activity Program for University Students

• Degiacomo, Brenden (2023). M.Sc. Kinesiology

Building an EMPOWERed Classroom: Examining the Impact of a Two-Session Virtual Workshop on Mental Health Literacy and Self-Efficacy to Recommend Mental Health Resources Among Postsecondary Course Instructors

•  Johnson, Delaney (2023). M.Sc. Kinesiology

We deserve that care and attention we are trying to nurture within other people: Exploring the Experiences of Co-Active Life Coaches on Self-Care and Professional Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

• Waddington, Kayla (2021). M.Sc. Kinesiology

Caring for Carers: Investigating the Impact of an 8-week MI-via-CALC Intervention on the Health and Experiences of Caregivers of Children with a Disability.

• Racine, Jonathon (2021). M.Sc. Kinesiology

“Sometimes we get stuck in our ruts”: Exploring the Utility of a Mentorship Program for Daily Physical Activity Delivery Among Elementary School Teachers.

• Kennedy, Rebecca (2020). M.Sc. Kinesiology

 “Assuming there will be ups and downs”: Exploring Trauma Awareness through the Lived Experiences of Registered Kinesiologists in Ontario.

• Wall, Elizabeth (2020). M.Sc. Kinesiology

 Exploring the Perspectives of Experienced Healthy Older Adults Participating in a Community-Based Tai Chi Program.

• Koert van der Linden, Nerida (2019). M.Sc. Kinesiology

Examining the Impact of a Short-Term Mindfulness Intervention on Resilience and Symptoms of Psychological Distress in a First-Year University Classroom.

• Glena, Victoria (2019). M.Sc. Kinesiology

“Be kind to yourself – because you’re doing fine”: Using Self-Determination Theory to Explore the Health-Related Experiences of Primiparous Women Participating in a Motivational Interviewing-via-Co-Active Life Coaching Intervention.

• Harvey, Jacqueline (2018). M.Sc. Kinesiology

 Exploring Health Care Providers’ Perspectives of Care Practices, Facilitators, and Barriers Experienced when Managing Childhood Obesity in Rural Northwestern Ontario Communities.

• Fairservice, Alyssa (2015). M.Sc. Kinesiology 

Graduate Students: Each year, Dr. Pearson accepts 1-3 students to pursue a Master’s of Science degree in Kinesiology under her supervision.  Students are encouraged to contact Dr. Pearson directly to discuss the program, their research interests, and career aspirations.  Correspondence should include an unofficial transcript; a brief write-up of any research-related or other relevant experiences acquired to date; and how the student’s interests align with the work being conducted in the health promotion lab.  

Honours Thesis Students: Dr. Pearson will accept up to two honours thesis students each year. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Pearson prior to spring of their third year; an unofficial transcript and a brief write-up detailing general research interests and career goals should be included.  

Volunteers: Dr. Pearson and her graduate students welcome industrious, goal-oriented undergraduate students to contribute to projects being conducted in the lab.  Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. Pearson directly to discuss potential opportunities; an unofficial transcript should be included.