This event is part of 60 Research Talks at Brock, celebrating 60 years of impactful research at Brock University.

Various pressures related to parenting, bullying, perfectionism, working in high stress environments and grappling with environmental sustainability will be explored at the upcoming Social Sciences Research Colloquium, where award-winning researchers from across the Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) will share findings in an accessible forum.

 2023 FOSS Distinguished Researcher Danielle Sirianni Molnar and 2023 FOSS Early Career Researcher Ann Farrell (MA ’14, PhD ’18) will present alongside master’s and PhD recipients of the FOSS Student Research award.

Farrell, who works closely with students in her Empowering Youth Research Lab and with fellow members of Brock Research on Aggression and Victimization Experiences (BRAVE), says her research centres on “understanding the complexities of youth bullying, aggression and mental health.”

“We know that some young people are involved in bullying, whereas others are not, and that bullying occurs in certain social or environmental contexts but not in others,” says Farrell. “During the colloquium, I will share my research on understanding the individual, social and environmental contexts that contribute to bullying experiences.”

Molnar, a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Adjustment and Well-Being in Children and Youth and Director of the Developmental Processes in Health and Well-Being Lab, will present on the complexities of perfectionism among young people by looking at the perspectives of parents, teachers and teens themselves, whom she says are often invisible.

“Perfectionism is an issue that affects 25 to 30 per cent of kids, and it’s on the rise, but they are often ignored because they look like have it together while they’re actually falling apart inside,” says Molnar. “I’m thrilled to take part in this colloquium — not only do I get to hear about other people’s research, but I get to share what we’re doing, and if we can help one more kid out there, let’s do it.”

The virtual event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, includes the following presentations:

•  “Parental Experience Uniquely Affects Cognition and Anxiety-Like Behaviour in Both Sexes of a Biparental Species” – Anton Dinh, master’s in Psychology candidate
• “Exploring the Effect of 1:1 Acceptance and Commitment Training Sessions on Staff Engagement in Committed Actions using Ecological Momentary Assessment” – Kristin Grant, master’s in Applied Disability Studies candidate
• “Social-Ecological Empathy and its Relevance for Sustainability Science” – Hannah Marlen Lübker, PhD in Sustainability Science candidate
• “Understanding Adolescent Bullying” – Ann Farrell, Assistant Professor of Child and Youth Studies
• “Inside the Pressure Cooker: An In-Depth Look at Teen Perfectionism” – Danielle Sirianni Molnar, Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies

Both Farrell and Molnar say that collaboration is essential to their research. Molnar emphasizes that she is proud of her record of co-authored publications because of the richness afforded by different voices and perspectives.

Collaboration and cross-pollination have long been at the heart of the Social Sciences Research Colloquium, a highlight in the annual calendar since it was first launched in 2018.

“Once again, we eagerly anticipate the Colloquium’s presentations and ensuing discussions with the terrific researchers who will be sharing their illuminating and timely work,” says Dean Ingrid Makus. “We hope many will be able to enjoy us for this showcase of research insights.”

 All are welcome to attend this free, public colloquium, but advance registration is required.