Contributing to our Health -- A Series About StFX Research Making A Difference In Our Communities
StFX is a leader in health innovation and entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia. In this ongoing series, we proudly shine a spotlight on our health research leaders, research and community health partnerships and their impact. For more on the Contributing to our Health series, click the link below.
Contributing to our Health series
“Substance use and mental health account for a considerable portion of the global burden of disease and adolescence and young adult is a particularly vulnerable time when these issues first emerge. Being able to intervene at this important developmental period can have life-long consequences for health and well-being.” ~ StFX psychology professor Dr. Kara Thompson
Dr. Kara Thompson: Supporting positive mental health and healthy choices related to substance use
Dr. Kara Thompson is a faculty member in the StFX Department of Psychology. She is widely recognized for her research contributions on alcohol policy and substance use in young adulthood. She is a scientist on the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project and was a scientific expert for the development of Canada’s new guidance on alcohol and health. She leads the Substance Use and Health in Emerging Adulthood (SHEA) Lab at StFX.
Tell me about your research program?
My research program focuses on substance use and mental health in young adulthood. As a developmental psychologist, I am particularly interested in strengthening our understanding of how mental health and substance use change across the life course, and the implications of specific trajectories for health. Substance use and mental health account for a considerable portion of the global burden of disease and adolescence and young adult is a particularly vulnerable time when these issues first emerge. Being able to intervene at this important developmental period can have life-long consequences for health and well-being.
What drew you to health research?
I really value conducting applied research that has the potential to better someone’s life and that can be used to inform and strengthen policies and programs to support them in that.
What impact do you hope it will have?
The key objectives of my research program are to inform policies and practices that will support positive mental health and healthy choices related to substance use, particularly for youth. The ultimate goal is to assist youth in successfully transitioning into adulthood and minimize the negative impacts that mental health and substance use problems can have on healthy development.
Could you talk about any impact?
I have had the pleasure of working with several large national teams of researchers on important projects that have shifted alcohol policies in Canada. The Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project is a national project that evaluates provincial alcohol policies against best practice. Each province and territory receives a “report card” about their current policy strengths and areas for improvement. As a result of this project, we have seen many changes in alcohol policy across Canada. I am currently leading a similar project evaluating campus alcohol policies against best practice. I hope the results from this project will strengthen campus-specific alcohol policies as well.
Could you tell me about yourself and any awards/accomplishments?
My PhD is in lifespan development psychology from the University of Victoria. As a researcher, I have received over $4 million in funding as a principle or co-applicant for various research projects, and I have 70 peer-reviewed publications. I’m regularly contacted by the media for interviews related to my work. At StFX, I was awarded the 2021 President’s Research Award. I am originally from Prince Edward Island, so being able to contribute to enhancing health and wellness within the Maritime provinces is very rewarding.
How did you become a researcher?
As an undergraduate student I worked as a research assistant in a child development lab. This really sparked an interest in research. In graduate school I had the opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. Tim Stockwell, and Dr. Bonnie Leadbeater, who are renowned scholars in the areas of alcohol policy and youth health. It was through their mentorship that I really began to see the importance and value that research can have on communities. Research is full of possibilities, and it is exciting to be a part of furthering knowledge and creating change in the world.
What excites you about being a researcher at StFX?
Because StFX is a small institution, I feel that my research has made a valuable contribution to the campus community. With expertise in health in young adulthood, I have had the opportunity to work collaboratively with student services to aid in enhancing student health and informing the development of campus programming. This is incredibly rewarding.
What’s something surprising about yourself that people wouldn’t know?
I love to have a creative outlet so when I am not writing grants or driving children to hockey practice, I create and sell macrame products (@nishknots). It is very rewarding to create something with your hands and this hobby has really broadened my community. It is a pleasure to be part of the thriving artistic community in Antigonish.
