My research is constantly evolving. My longest standing interest is in longitudinal perspectives on Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), although my research also includes variables related to temperament/personality, substance abuse/dependence, and factors predicting remission of ADHD symptoms. I have some other streams of research, but ADHD research is where I seem to find the most interesting questions over time.
The LACE Lab is a cooperative group led by Dr. Miller. We meet on Thursdays at 11:30 year round (unless Dr. Miller is out-of-town) in the lab.
You can find us on Instagram. In an effort to be more inclusive in how we communicate our research results, Instagram is where we will post infographics for all of our publications going forward.
Evaluation of a Novel Unstructured Performance-Based Executive Functioning Test for University Students with and Without Attention Problems
(Bailey Rand's MA thesis, 2025)
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs), higher-level cognitive skills, have been identified as a specific neuropsychological correlate of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other attentional problems. Currently, there is no consensus in how EF skills should be measured with competing models using objective structured, performance measures and subjective rating scales. Scores on these measures often do not correlate with each other, which has been suggested to be a result of a discrepancy in their ability to capture self-direction (i.e., rating scales are better able to assess for self-direction than performance measures). This study evaluated the concurrent validity of a novel, unstructured, performance-based task (UPT) for assessing EF that aims to captures self-direction, in university students with a range of attentional abilities. Method. Eighty-three students from the University of Windsor, ages 18-28, completed the UPT, previously validated performance measures and rating scales of EF, a self-report measure of attention symptoms, and a questionnaire including questions about mood and demographics. Results. Scores on the UPT were correlated with the performance measures (ρ = -.16, p = .18), though neither were correlated with the rating scale (ps >.10). In contrast to the other EF measures, only the rating scale scores were able to significantly predict attention symptoms (ρ = .31, p < .01). However, unlike performance measures and rating scale scores, the UPT was relatively unaffected by mood symptoms (ps >.05). Conclusion. No evidence was found suggesting that the UPT better captures self-direction than traditional performance measures. However, the UPT may provide additional information to currently used EF measures, as it demonstrates objective EF performance that is relatively unaffected by mood symptoms.
Loneliness, Risk-Taking, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Rebecca Nurgitz's PhD dissertation, 2024)
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, commonly associated with impulsivity, risk-taking, and greater reported loneliness. Risk-taking can manifest in various ways, including reduced regard for health-conscious practices. Recent research indicates that individuals with ADHD may be less likely to follow pandemic safety instruction. (e.g., not following social distancing recommendations). Given that individuals with ADHD tend to discount the value of delayed reward in favour of immediate gratification, it can be presumed that individuals with greater ADHD symptomology may be more likely to not follow social distancing guidelines in an attempt to relieve acute feelings of loneliness. The present project is comprised of two studies that sought to better understand the relation between ADHD, loneliness, and risk-taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 tested and validated a measure of COVID-related risk-taking (CrRT) that was developed for the main analysis in Phase I of Study 2. We investigated CrRT in 318 undergraduate students recruited from a Canadian university. With exploratory factor analysis, we identified a two-factor structure of COVID-related risk-taking: social non-avoidance and personal protection non-compliance, which is consistent with other related studies. Our scale was validated with results from multiple regression analysis showing that younger age, lower risk perception, lower stress, non-planning, and greater risk-tolerance significantly predicted public health risk-taking behaviours, also validated by previous work. Study 2 was divided into two phases. Phase I explored ADHD-related problems and health-risk behaviours in emerging adults within the context of the pandemic. Using multiple regression analysis, we investigated predictors of COVID-related risk-taking (i.e., reduced adherence to public health and safety measures) in 456 young adults. It was hypothesized that: (1) Participants with more ADHD-related symptoms would report greater loneliness, emotional dysregulation, and negative emotional states during the COVID-19 pandemic than non-ADHD individuals; and (2) Greater ADHD symptomology, loneliness, and substance use would predict risk-taking behaviours. Findings supported the first hypothesis and partially supported the second hypotheses. Participants with more ADHD symptoms reported higher ratings of psychological distress, emotional dysregulation, loneliness, and cannabis use compared to participants with low ADHD symptoms. More severe ADHD symptoms were predictive of COVID-related risk-taking, including non-adherence to pandemic health measures. Phase II used qualitative analysis to answer the following questions: (1) What are the overlapping themes in relation to resilience, emotion regulation, and successful coping?; and (2) What role does ADHD symptomology play in coping with pandemic-related difficulties? Results indicated that external-avoidance strategies (e.g., distraction) were the most frequently used, however, respondents rated internal-approach strategies (e.g., cognitive restructuring, acceptance, exercise) to be the most effective overall. Results suggest that psychological well-being is associated with strategies designed to engage with or move through distressing experiences, greater self-compassion, and emotional regulation. These studies provide an initial overview of coping and risk-taking behaviours during a global health crisis. Findings are consistent with similar research, which suggests that individuals with more severe ADHD symptoms are more vulnerable to distressing situations and, as a result, may engage in high-risk behaviours. The current dissertation’s findings highlight clear targets for intervention tailored for individuals with ADHD during times of heightened distress. Specifically, interventions may include skills-based training that facilitates emotion regulation strategies (e.g., distress tolerance, emotion recognition), self-compassion, problem solving, and attentive awareness. This research provides meaningful insights that may be used to guide intervention planning for individuals with ADHD symptomology in clinical and academic settings.
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14776/9737
Mental Health, Sport-Related Concussion, and App-Based Mindfulness: A Pilot Study with Female University Student-Athletes
(Taylor McEachnie's MA thesis, 2023)
Abstract
Purpose: This thesis aimed to examine the accessibility, use, and impacts of app-based mindfulness on the well-being of female university student-athletes. Method: Participants (N = 34) were recruited from various UWindsor sports teams, completed baseline and follow-up surveys, and were asked to meditate with an app for 12 weeks. Surveys queried demographics, concussion experiences, and self-reported mindfulness, stress, and burnout. The app provided stress and app use data. Multiple regression was used to assess predictors of meditation engagement and post-intervention stress. Results: The sample was small with predominantly full-time student-athletes who reported no recent concussions during the study. Eighteen athletes meditated with the app in a variety of cities and times of the day, but meditation was often brief and inconsistent. Concussion history, baseline mindfulness, and baseline stress significantly predicted meditation engagement (R2 = 0.26, F(3, 30) = 3.59, p < .05, f2 = 0.36), though after removing an outlying influential case, the model was no longer significant (R2 = 0.10, F(3, 29) = 1.07, p > .05, f2 = 0.11). In predicting post-intervention stress, a model comprised of baseline mindfulness and meditation engagement was significant (R2 = 0.35, F(2, 31) = 8.26, p < .01, f2 = 0.53), in which baseline mindfulness was a significant predictor (B = -0.39, SE = 0.12, t(31) = -3.29, p < .01). Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study depicted challenges, gaps, and benefits of app-based mindfulness. In addition, predictors of meditation engagement and post-intervention stress were examined to help inform future research, which demonstrated the importance of concussion history, baseline stress, and baseline mindfulness. Continued research on this app-based intervention is needed.
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14776/9743
"Move&Connect Caregivers": The feasibility of a virtual group-based intervention for caregivers of youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms
(Hiba Al-Hakeem's MA thesis, 2022)
Abstract
Youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) experience challenges in physical, social, and emotional domains. Around 30% of youth experience PPCS that continue beyond four weeks post injury, making it difficult for them to return to meaningful activities. Prolonged concussion recovery has also been found to affect caregivers’ mental health and family functioning. Further, parental stress adversely affects the well-being of youth with PPCS. Despite the critical role that caregivers play in youth recovery post-injury, there is no empirically-validated intervention tailored to the specific needs of caregivers of youth with PPCS. The overall thesis objective is to explore the feasibility of a novel, virtual group-based intervention, Move&Connect-Caregivers (M&C-C). The intervention was delivered twice, where the first group included four caregivers, and the second group included five caregivers (total n=9). Feasibility metrics and semi-structured interviews were collected. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings demonstrated that M&C-C is a feasible intervention for caregivers of youth with PPCS. A visual model was developed to capture the salient features of caregivers’ experience with M&C-C, and included four categories: (1) Caregiver Background, (2) M&C-C Intervention: Structure, (3) M&C-C Intervention: Engagement, and (4) Key Takeaways. Results suggest that M&C-C is a meaningful virtual intervention that merges the benefits of social support, concussion education, and advocacy tools to support caregivers of youth with PPCS.
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14776/8337
** PLEASE NOTE: All results for studies associated with honours theses are posted on the thesis course website that is part of the psychology department website.
(click on the topic headings to link to the article)
What do educators and ADHD coaches think the priorities should be with ADHD?
What do we know about the mental health and coping of women with ADHD?
What priorities do healthcare providers have for ADHD research funding?
What are the risk factors for cannabis problems in emerging adults?
Does race matter in how students get accommodation and treatment for attention problems?