Psychology

UWindsor alumnus wins inaugural Royal Society of Canada prize for public health impact

Image of Dr. Sean Rourke speaking to audienceDr. Sean B. Rourke, University of Windsor alumnus and professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Royal Society of Canada’s Eric Jackman Prize for research in the behavioural and social sciences. (UNITY HEALTH TORONTO/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao

From his Toronto office, Dr. Sean Rourke is tracking a bold experiment in public health — a national network of smart vending machines designed to deliver life-saving resources directly to people who might never set foot in a clinic. 

For Rourke, every item dispensed through Our Healthbox represents a tangible act of prevention, dignity and trust. 

It is the kind of measurable, lasting impact that has now been recognized at the highest level.

Exploring hidden factors that influence concussion recovery in athletes

Neuropsychology PhD student Vanessa Correia and professor Dr. Christopher AbeareNeuropsychology PhD student Vanessa Correia and professor Dr. Christopher Abeare, who also serves as clinical supervisor at the Sport-Related Concussion Centre (SRCC) at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2025. (DAVE GAUTHIER/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton 

We spend about a third of our lives asleep, and those hours are crucial for everything from mood to muscle repair. 

Now, University of Windsor researchers are asking whether poor sleep could put athletes at greater risk of concussion—and affect how they recover. 

UWindsor partners in Canada’s first COMPASS Station network to provide crisis support

3 UWindsor members of the Lifeline Windsor Project team stand beside a new COMPASS station on Windsor's waterfront.UWindsor members of the Lifeline Windsor Project team stand beside an example of a new COMPASS station on Windsor's waterfront (left to right): Dr. Mohsan Beg, Counselling & Wellness Services; Mike Akpata, Special Constable Service; Katie Chauvin, Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, & Inclusion. (SUBMITTED BY KATIE CHAUVIN/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle 

Content notice: This article discusses themes of suicide. 

The University of Windsor has joined a groundbreaking effort to support mental health and improve safety along the waterfront.

As a key partner in the new Lifeline Windsor Project, launched on Nov. 18, UWindsor is helping advance how the community supports people in moments of crisis.

December 6 memorial part of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence

Students standing in front of the Memorial of Hope at UWindsor with roses in the foregroundThe École Polytechnique memorial event will take place Dec. 4 at 12:10pm at the Memorial of Hope between Dillon and Essex Halls (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

On Dec. 6, 1989, Charlene Senn was procrastinating finishing her grad school homework when she saw a television news report about a shooting at École Polytechnique in Montreal. 

Participants sought for study on menstrual cycle, hormones and brain function

Taylor McEachnie, a doctoral student of clinical neuropsychology, is exploring how sex hormones interact and affect cognitive processes.Taylor McEachnie, a doctoral student of clinical neuropsychology, is exploring how sex hormones interact and affect cognitive processes.

By Lindsay Charlton

In an effort to better understand how sex hormones affect the brain, a University of Windsor PhD candidate is recruiting participants for a study aimed at closing gaps in women’s health research.

Psychology research team explores impact of mindfulness apps

Alexander Daros seated holding a bookDr. Alexander Daros and the MAST Lab published research showing value in interim supports for those waiting for psychological services (photo care of Alexander Daros)

By Kate Hargreaves 

As demand for mental health care rises in hospitals and private practice, waitlists for these essential services continue to grow. 

That’s why assistant professor of psychology, Alexander Daros, and his research team began investigating innovative interim solutions to support people while they wait. 

Finding closure: UWindsor researcher offers a new measure

Chantal Boucher, psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Windsor,Chantal Boucher, psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Windsor.

By Lindsay Charlton

What does it mean to have closure? How can closure be measured? 

It is something mentioned often in popular media, the idea of getting closure. Sitcom fans might remember the scene from Friends when Rachel leaves a message for Ross letting him know she’s over him, saying, “Now that, my friend, is what we call closure.”  

It’s a term we hear everywhere, but what it really means — and how to measure it — isn’t as clear. 

Researchers secure $2.5 million to advance groundbreaking sexual violence prevention program

Olivia Sasso and Ewen Van Wagner review script with Charlene SennStudent actors Olivia Sasso and Ewen Van Wagner review with Charlene Senn a script for an educational film on sexual assault resistance.

Two University of Windsor professors will further their innovative work in sexual assault resistance education thanks to a $2.5 million investment from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Charlene Senn, a professor of psychology and women’s and gender studies, and Sara Crann, an adjunct professor of psychology, will use the funding to expand the Girls - Flip the Script with EAAA program, a sexual assault resistance initiative designed for high school-aged girls across Canada. The funding is part of a larger $14.5 million federal initiative to prevent youth dating violence.