Section and Thematic Featured Speakers

Abstract: The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a substantial negative impact on the health and well-being of older Canadians, a demographic with the highest proportion of fatalities nation-wide.  Long-term care and retirement homes have been especially hard hit, accounting for over 75% of pandemic-related deaths in Canada.  The pandemic has highlighted longstanding challenges for older Canadians in residential care, many of whom have experienced increased anxiety, fear of illness, and loss of access to family supports.  Sheltering in place can increase social isolation of older adults and contribute to feelings of stigmatization, burden, stress, anxiety, anger, and despair.  Many do not have the technology to connect with others and participate in community events virtually.  Given that older adults also have high rates of suicide, stresses associated with the pandemic (e.g., fear of infection, reduced access to professional and social supports, apathy, and hopelessness) could combine to amplify suicide risk, as it appears to have done with older adults in Hong Kong during the 2003 SARS epidemic (see Zortea et al., 2020).  Older adults who experience cognitive impairment have been profoundly affected by pandemic-related social isolation and lack of support services.  More rapid cognitive decline and increases in reactive behaviour have placed additional pressures on caregivers, resulting in declines in their mental and physical health.  Canadian psychologists have responded creatively to this public health emergency, striving to meet the psychological needs of older adults through clinical service, research, supervision, advocacy, and community engagement.  This symposium will focus on the experiences and perspectives of psychologists who work with older adults across the spectrum of care.  Interactive discussion will highlight shared experiences and lessons learned, as well as opportunities for research and clinical advocacy to enhance Geropsychology science and practice in both good times and in bad.  

Section: Adult Development and Aging / Développement adulte et vieillissement
Session ID: 66609 – Section Invited Symposium

Abstract: Having stable and satisfying relationships is critically important for psychological health. Lack of connectedness and the breakdown of intimate relationships have devastating consequences for well-being. For example, meta-analytic work has revealed that subjective loneliness, social isolation, and living alone, corresponded to a 26%, 29%, and 32% increased risk of mortality, respectively (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Social isolation has become such a problem in our modern society that in January 2018, the U.K. government appointed a Minister of Loneliness. In this presentation, I will highlight a program of research that began with a focus on depression. A series of studies have demonstrated that negative self-schemas, particularly for interpersonal content, are well-organized and appear to represent stable vulnerability factors for depression. Fortunately, this negative interpersonal structure is also modifiable through effective treatments (both psychological and pharmacological). Interpersonal core beliefs and schema structures also predict negative interpersonal behaviors (e.g., excessive reassurance seeking), life events (i.e. stress generation), and subsequent depression. Following this review, I will introduce the dyadic partner-schema model, which articulates how self- and partner-schemas impact relationship functioning, and highlight some empirical findings related to well-being.

Section: Clinical Psychology / Psychologie clinique
Session ID: 61736 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Members of several occupational groups face a disproportionately high prevalence of mental health conditions related to their work, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased stress on workers, particularly those serving as essential services personnel. In this talk, I will present results from an ongoing study examining the mental health and coping resources of Canadian essential workers during the pandemic. I will then discuss exciting data on risk and protective factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a nationally representative sample of active duty Canadian Forces service members and veterans, 16 years following their initial assessment in 2002. Finally, I will present emerging results from a study examining the neurobiological underpinnings of participation in an introductory cognitive behavioral therapy skills class among public safety personnel. Findings from these three studies will be discussed in the context of leveraging potentially protective factors for mental health problems in our evidence-based psychological prevention and intervention initiatives, and of increasing access to care for the improvement of occupational mental health and well-being.

Section: Clinical Psychology / Psychologie clinique
Session ID: 67505 – Section Speaker

Abstract: In this overview talk, Dr. Wagner will share about her team’s program of research investigating MDMA-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy and MDMA-assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Results from the pilot trial of CBCT+MDMA will be shared and methodological decisions for the CBCT+MDMA randomized controlled trial will be discussed. Additionally, the current pilot trial of CPT+MDMA will be explained, including an eye to future applications of different therapeutic modalities of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

Section: Clinical Psychology / Psychologie clinique
Session ID: 65648 – Section Speaker

Abstract:

The accurate identification and quantification of cognitive impairment is the _sine qua non_ of clinical neuropsychological assessment. However, comprehensive, psychometrically sophisticated approaches to identifying and quantifying cognitive impairment, across a battery of tests, have not been widely adopted in research or in clinical practice. In this presentation, definitions of, and classification systems for, cognitive impairment will be reviewed. Five fundamental psychometric principles for interpreting a battery of test scores will be illustrated using analyses of standardization samples from co-normed batteries of tests (e.g., WAIS-IV/WMS-IV, NEPSY, NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, and NAB). These fundamental principles are as follows: (1) low scores are relatively common across all test batteries; (2) low scores depend on where you set your cutoff score; (3) low scores vary by the number of tests administered; (4) low scores vary by demographic characteristics of the examinee; and (5) low scores vary by level of intelligence. Empirically based, psychometrically-derived criteria for identifying mild cognitive impairment, applicable to children, adults, and older adults will be presented.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES As a result of attending this presentation, attendees will be able to: * Use refined definitions of cognitive impairment in research and clinical practice. * Apply analyses from co-normed batteries to inform decisions relating to whether combinations of low scores reflect acquired cognitive impairment. * Explain how using different cut-off scores, and combinations of low scores, can improve the accuracy of identifying cognitive impairment in people with below average or above average intelligence.
Section: Clinical Neuropsychology
Session ID: 67770 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Social justice is defined in the Oxford dictionary as “justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.” Indeed, many definitions would include not just privilege, but basic human rights, including access to healthcare. As mental health practitioners and scholars, social justice is an imperative for our field not only in terms of those we serve, but those with whom we work. Despite its importance, at times we may find ourselves as professionals unable, unwilling, or unsure of how to address social justice in our work, even as seasoned advocates. We may construe ourselves as constrained by system dynamics, policies, and regulations to neglect the needs of potential clients or to neglect responding to colleagues in caring and inclusive ways. How can we foster solidarity in professional settings and associations, thus nurturing one another as change agents within the systems in which we work? How do we engage in and elevate everyday dialogues and actions to help create social change? We will explore these and related questions together during this keynote presentation.  

Section: Counselling Psychology / Psychologie du counseling
Session ID: 61807 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: As a society, we have become increasingly concerned about the impact of excess screen time on developmental wellbeing for children and youth. Indeed, technology-engagement is very high among younger demographics, and we are concerned about linkages to anxiety, depression, and loneliness (although work is emerging that suggests we may have over-estimated the impact of technology on mental health). Regardless, COVID-19 has forced youth into virtual settings more than ever before, with all aspects of their social, educational, and family lives increasingly happening online. This presentation will provide an overview of the role that technology plays in an adolescent’s life, as well as present recently collected data from the CyberTeens research project, with a focus on COVID.

Section: Educational and School Psychology / Psychologie éducationnelle et scolaire
Session ID: 66997 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Canada is fortunate to have abundant natural environments spanning vast remote green spaces to urban parks. Although we sometimes overlook it, ‘nearby nature’ can be a source of well-being for individuals and the broader community. Dr. Zelenski will describe recent research on the potential benefits of nature with a focus on positive emotions, pro-sociality, and sustainable behaviours. Beyond time actually spent in nature, developing a subjective sense of connection with the natural world is associated with many of the same desirable outcomes. Dr. Zelenski will argue that incorporating nature into daily life has good potential for making happier people and a healthier community and planet. 

Section: Environmental Psychology / Psychologie de l’environnement
Session ID: 61706 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Description of Issues: Abundant theories exist concerning psychological susceptibility to embracing extremist ideologies and engage in terrorist or supportive behaviours.  Existing approaches are limited by focusing on a narrow range of micro-issues, resulting in seeing the trees but not the forest.  Consequently, psychologists and other behavioural scientists are less than optimally successful in formulating effective measures to eliminate extremism and terrorism in Western societies. Resolution of Issues: These limitations will be addressed by presentation of a multilevel framework that models extremist/terrorist organizations from a hierarchical organizational perspective. A literature review then examines differential psychological traits, abilities and motivations within rungs of the hierarchy. Convergent evidence from social psychology to cognitive neuroscience will be presented.      

Section: Extremism and Terrorism / Extrémisme et terrorisme
Session ID: 65238 – Section Chair Address

Abstract: In this presentation, I will review what we know about family resilience and show that while we understand much about intrafamilial protective processes, we know less about systemic interactions that are associated with family wellbeing in challenging contexts. My purpose is to address this gap in knowledge and present a map of family resilience that shows how social contexts, adverse situations, values, and resources influence the resilience of family systems. This map, and the social ecological theory of resilience which informs it, accounts for varied adaptational pathways of families coping with adversity. Seven specific pathways to resilience are reviewed along with several dimensions of family resilience that must be considered. These include: the risk factors families face; the social discourses that define families as resilient; and the qualities of families, communities and government systems that affect the availability and accessibility of the resources families need. The presentation concludes with reflection on how we can assess family resilience and the application of this map to family therapy. 

Section: Family Psychology / Psychologie de la famille
Session ID: 65057 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: The CPA is a member of the Global Psychology Alliance (GPA), a body comprising over 60 psychology associations from around the world to apply psychological science to large-scale problems of global consequence. Leaders from participating associations collaborate on issues relevant to human rights, health, and well-being and examine ways in which evidence-based solutions can be applied. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the GPA have joined forces on several initiatives, including a resource to help psychologists respond to home-based violence, a streamlined stress-management resource for essential workers, and a joint statement on the importance of psychology to humanity. Member organizations have also engaged in local responses to the pandemic in their own spheres of influence. This panel discussion, with panellists drawn from the leadership of a few GPA member organizations, will address the initiatives of GPA member associations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will use that experience to inspire psychologists and trainees to use their knowledge and experience to contribute to solving global problems.

Section: General Psychology / Psychologie générale
Session ID: 66052 – Panel Discussion

Abstract: Personal goals are potent predictors of our well-being because they organize our lives and help us realize visions for their future. However, not every goal is accomplished, and not every accomplished goal will result in greater well-being. I will summarize how our motivation for personal goals has important implications for outcomes related to the goal and the person. I will examine distinct phases in the lifecycle of a goal – from the early stage of goal setting to possibility of goal disengagement – arguing that issues of autonomy versus control are pivotal across the entire lifecycle of a goal. I will also discuss the role of personality and other people in goal pursuit, suggesting that the fate of our goals is partly determined by who we are and who we surround ourselves with.

Section: General Psychology / Psychologie générale
Session ID: 66909 – CPA Donald O. Hebb Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology as a Science

Moderator: Corace, Kim

Section: General Psychology / Psychologie générale
Session ID: 66906 – CPA President’s New Researcher Award Presentation

Abstract: TBD

Section: General Psychology / Psychologie générale
Session ID: 67227 – CPA Humanitarian Award Keynote

Abstract: TBD

Section: General Psychology / Psychologie générale
Session ID: 66911 – Conversation Session

Additional Authors: Winer, Shahnaz ; Botia , Alejandra

Abstract: In May 2019, the CPA co-hosted a summit with the Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR) on careers for researchers inside and outside of the academic setting; the Summit ended with a half-day meeting of psychology attendees only.  Amongst the many recommendations coming out of the Summit was the need for information on how to find/pursue a career outside of academia, career resources, and mentoring.  Join us in the session to discuss career-related issues for psychology graduates, and hear three members of the CPA’s Scientific Affairs Committee speak to the following: 1. CPA’s work over the last year on career development including an inaugural career fair held in November 2020, launch of a Career Hub on the CPA’s website, and three webinars delivered by members of the CPA’s Industrial/Organizational Section on preparing one’s CV, preparing for an interview, and negotiating an employment agreement   2. how to meet, engage with, and work with a mentor.   3. the CPA’s Student-led mentoring program

Section: General Psychology / Psychologie générale
Session ID: 67255 – Conversation Session

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and Canada’s response to it has produced an unprecedented impact in the daily lives of all Canadians, and on consequent mental and physical health and well-being. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic has also served to underscore the role and opportunity for health psychology and behavioural medicine to contribute to understanding and supporting Canadians’ health, and informing how best to support adherence to personal protective health behaviours, vaccination uptake and the concomitant need for behaviour change initiation and maintenance over time. In this symposium, we showcase the work of three teams that from the start and throughout the pandemic, have leveraged insights from health psychology and behavioural medicine to understand and support Canadians’ through the pandemic. Each speaker leads major national or international studies and will highlight key findings and their implications for continuing to support Canadians through this pandemic and perhaps enable greater preparedness for the next one.

Section: Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine / Psychologie de la santé et médecine du comportement
Session ID: 65318, Presenting Papers: 65674, 65675, 65676 – Section Invited Symposium

Abstract: The TRC’s Calls to Action Report was released in 2015 and CPA responded with the Indigenous Task Force which published, Psychologys Response to Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Process, in 2018. In this bold and progressive document, we acknowledged that despite CPA’s mandate to improve the health and welfare of all Canadians, we failed the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Psychology breached its professional ethics and obligations to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples in Canada. Now it is time to reclaim our code of ethics and the integrity of our profession.   This presentation will explore how Psychology is taking steps toward answering the Calls to Action. Five speakers will highlight the different initiatives that are shaping how Psychology is building more inclusive practices and processes to support Indigenous communities. This is a moment to take stock and engage in self-reflection as we consider the recommendations found in CPA’s Response to the TRC and the initiatives and best practices of the Standing Committee for Reconciliation (Dr. David Danto), Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology (CCDP; Dr. Sandra Byers); Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP; Dr. Kerri Ritchie), Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO; Dr. Philip Smith) and Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP; Dr. Judi Malone).

Section: Indigenous People’s Psychology / Psychologie des peuples autochtones
Session ID: 64926 – Section Invited Symposium

Abstract: In this talk, I will analyze some key on-going transformations of workplaces and families that the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of work from home (WFH) serve to reveal. I will draw on industrial/organizational and organizational behavior scholarship on boundaries between work and life, as well as on sociology and critical management scholarship on organizational control. I will make three arguments. First, I view COVID-19 and WFH as precipitating the erosion of the temporal, spatial and relational boundaries between work and life that had started to blur in the late 20th century. Second, I contend that managers’ loss of control in the WFH setting is precipitating the shift of organizational control towards direct quantified and AI-driven algorithmic control, as opposed to the past decades’ indirect control based on affiliation with an organization. These two dynamics are interrelated, as forced work-life integration serves organizational control objectives. Third, I will suggest paths to regain agency: at the individual level, people can strive to actively manage their technology to rebuild boundaries off and online, limit their connectivity, and protect their privacy; at the collective level, regulations can restrict employer surveillance and educational programs can reduce disparities in digital cultural capital.

Section: Industrial and Organizational Psychology / Psychologie industrielle et organisationnelle
Session ID: 64922 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: The CSIOP student symposium brings together research being conducted by students in I/O Psychology and related programs across Canada. In this symposium, 4 students will discuss their work, providing insight into the up and coming research being conducted by the next generation of I/O Psychologists. The first paper explores how the stereotype that women are more emotional than men may lead managers to avoid sharing certain information when communicating bad news to female employees. The researchers found that when managers believe the bad news will cause distress, they are more interpersonally sensitive when the recipient is female but provide less information, which ultimately could harm women’s ability to improve. The second paper examines how warmth stereotypes from non-organizational members undermine Asian employees. The authors found that stereotypes of Asians as competent but not warm undermined evaluations of Asian professors’ communication skill and lowered intentions to work with them, with pronounced effects for female professors, where warmth information is especially consequential. The paper paper examines the relationship between employers’ bipolar disorder (BD) knowledge, disability disclosure strategy, and hiring intentions. Employers who hold negative perceptions of applicants with BD but accurate knowledge of BD may buffer against stigma.

Section: Industrial and Organizational Psychology / Psychologie industrielle et organisationnelle
Session ID: 64925, Presenting Papers: 65159, 65160, 66445 – Section Invited Symposium

Abstract: This presentation will focus on defining and understanding the phenomenon of violent radicalization in Canada as it connects to social polarisations and as it plays out in Canada. It will present data from several studies informing on risk and protective factors among college students in Quebec, trajectories of violently radicalized individuals, and clinical practice based case examples. It will also inform on specific issues such as influence of online exposure to extremist content, mental health issues and the state of evidence on prevention and intervention programs. In conclusion, the presentation will focus on some promising guidelines for researchers, policy makers and practitioners. 

Section: International and Cross-Cultural Psychology / Psychologie international et interculturelle
Session ID: 61703 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Moral injury is a psychological construct emerging in the academic literature as a relevant area to address in regard to recovery from traumatic stress. It refers to the persistent psychological, spiritual and social distress that can result from one’s involvement (either by action or inaction) in a high-takes situation that challenges their deeply held moral beliefs. The resulting sequalae can include many of the DSM-5 recognized Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, life-altering guilt and shame, as well as self-injurious and self-handicapping behaviours. Preliminary research and clinical perspectives suggest that moral injury is complimentary yet distinct from the fear-based PTSD construct, and that the primary loss of functioning centers on a breach of trust (in oneself and/or others) as opposed to a loss of a sense of safety. This nuanced construct holds substantial implications for the health and well-being of our national defence service members. Utilizing the current academic research, cross-cultural psychology understandings and the clinical lessons learned from assessment and treatment activities, this talk will present an overview of moral injury within a Canadian context. Aimed at engaging audiences from various branches of psychology, the history of moral injury, the available treatment options and potential future endeavours will be discussed as it relates to the promotion of best care for our Canadian Forces members and veterans.

Section: Psychology in the Military / Psychologie du milieu militaire
Session ID: 64953 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: The role of psychologists in hospitals and health centres continues to evolve as the profession faces changing practice demands from across clinical, operational, fiscal, ethical, and inter-professional spheres. Psychologists are well positioned to meet the realities and challenges of practice in hospitals and health centre settings. Never has this been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic when psychologists demonstrated the ability to be nimble and pivot to meet unique practice challenges. In this session, participants will hear from psychologists with experience in hospital and related services on how psychologists can thrive and flourish in their unique roles and bring a psychology perspective to the opportunities available in these settings. Diverse perspectives will be represented followed by a panel discussion and interactive forum on topics such as scope of practice, leadership, training, research, turnover and recruitment, and inter-professional practice.

Section: Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centres / Psychologues en milieu hospitaliers et en centres de santé
Session ID: 64963 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Psychologists and researchers working in hospitals and health centres are faced with complex challenges and unique opportunities to solve them. Such challenges include improving mentorship of early career healthcare professionals, preventing domestic violence, and ensuring equitable care among transgender patients. In line with this year’s themes of improving lives and advancing the discipline, and the sub-theme of improving and promoting health, the following three presentations will discuss how research led by graduate students can fill gaps in knowledge that can advance psychological care in healthcare settings. The first presentation compares a semi-structured mentoring curriculum between psychologists and psychiatrists and their trainees, when compared to unstructured mentoring as usual. The second presentation discusses how domestic violence-related risks are (and are not) recognized in healthcare settings based on interviews with healthcare professionals across Canada. The third presentation reviews the research examining experiences of cancer by transgender patients and discusses research and clinical recommendations and feedback from key stakeholders. This symposium will inform psychologists and trainees about the latest research conducted by psychology graduate students and their colleagues within hospitals, health centres, and related settings.

Section: Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centres / Psychologues en milieu hospitaliers et en centres de santé
Session ID: 61219, Presenting Papers: 61602, 61643, 61644 – Section Invited Symposium

Abstract: Bio-hacking is a term that has become increasingly popular in online circles to refer to an overall philosophy of self-modification with the goal of optimizing one’s body and biological functioning. Bio-hacking is grounded in the self-empowerment movement, so over-laps with patient-centred care, self-help, and health promotion approaches. Self-described bio-hackers range from amateur to expert scientists, and include people as diverse as body builders, supplement and drug developers and marketeers, and legitimate healthcare providers, sometimes with overlap between these roles. Biohacking activities are based on gathering biological data to guide and manipulate one’s own health and performance. As biofeedback and neurofeedback have been recognized as forms of bio-hacking by famous biohackers, qualified psychologists have an important ethical role to determine and advocate for professional standards to protect the public. 

Section: Quantitative Electrophysiology / Électrophysiologie quantitative
Session ID: 64368 – Section Chair Address

Abstract: Measurement, questionnaires, surveys, and testing in the 21st century are the products of nearly 200 years of critical developments in fields as diverse as education, mathematics, psychology, statistical and computational sciences, sociology, and philosophy. Influenced by historical events, cultures, and technology, we face a new world of digital innovation and a moral and ethical social justice imperative of the consequences of measurement and testing. Today, tests and measures are widely used for decision-making, ranking, and policy purposes in the social, behavioural, and health sciences using large-scale testing, regularly administered tests of a population over time, and social, health, and economic surveys. I describe an emerging paradigm to address the question: To what extent might we be measuring, unintentionally, other (un)important constructs not meant to be included in our inferences of “psycho-social constructs” and “learning outcomes”, such as conformity to expected cultural norms (related to, for example, multiculturalism, ethnicity, gender identity, and gender roles)? This paradigm embodies statistical and psychometric models, an ecological model of item and test performance, and a form of abductive reasoning that by observing the testing situation we hope to identify clues about the way the test is constructed, understood and performed as a social occasion.

Section: Quantitative Methods / Méthodes quantitatives
Session ID: 61708 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Longstanding challenges exist related to recruitment and retention of psychologists into rural and northern areas of Canada.  Within this chair’s address, a brief overview of these challenges (e.g., professional isolation, ethical practice, generalist training requirements) will be discussed alongside potential solutions within the context of COVID-19 practices (e.g., widespread adoption of virtual services).  Audience discussion will be strongly encouraged.

Section: Rural and Northern Psychology / Psychologie des communautés rurales et nordiques
Session ID: 65028 – Section Chair Address

Abstract: Ethical psychological practice in Canada includes adherence to the four overarching principles: respect for dignity of persons, responsible caring, integrity in relationships, and responsibility to society.  It is a responsibility that all practicing psychologists share and therefore ethical dilemmas are not unique to rural practice; they exist in all settings and have no boundaries.  Nevertheless, there are aspects of rural practice (e.g., geographical isolation, generalist practice, population size) that increase the probability of encountering an ethical dilemma compared to urban practice.  However, it is possible to have a satisfying professional and personal life within rural settings, without sacrificing ethical standards.  This symposium will use case examples to illustrate successful navigation of ethical dilemmas in rural practice.

Section: Rural and Northern Psychology / Psychologie des communautés rurales et nordiques
Session ID: 65078, Presenting Papers: 65128, 65129, 65130 – Section Invited Symposium

Panelists: Wilson, Anne E. ; Muise, Amy ; Axt, Jordan R.; Fournier, Marc A.; de la Sablonnière, Roxane

Abstract: The session is intended to showcase ongoing Canadian research in the area of Social and Personality psychology. Invited speakers with diverse research backgrounds including, self and other perceptions, attitudes, personality, applied interventions, and intimate relationships will discuss their current research. More specifically, Dr. Anne Wilson (Wilfrid Laurier University) will review a program of research considering how people make sense of past wrongdoings of self and others and their subjective implications for the present. Dr. Jordan Axt (McGill University) will describe his research on implicit transgender attitudes and associated outcomes. Dr. Marc Fournier (University of Toronto) will discuss his research on personality coherence (i.e., the extent to which a person’s psychological characteristics are coordinated, unified, and integrated) in samples of emerging and midlife adults. Finally, recent research in the context of the pandemic will be described as it relates to community interventions to improve well-being in adolescents and young adults (Dr. Roxane de la Sablonnière, Université de Montréal) and relationship processes that help buffer the effects of COVID-19 on intimate relationships (Dr. Amy Muise, York University).

Section: Social and Personality Psychology / Psychologie sociale et de la personnalité
Session ID: 65441 – Section Panel Discussion

Abstract: Different forms of racial discrimination are part of the daily lives of people from Black communities in Canada (racial discrimination in employment, unfairly fired, racial discrimination in health care, racial profiling, denied housing, etc.). However, studies on prevalence, intensity and consequences of racial discrimination on physical and mental health remain almost non-existent. Yet, it is recognized that racial discrimination is an important risk factor for the mental health of people from Black communities. In addition, mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, etc.) are poorly trained to deal with racial discrimination and address traumas and disorders related to racism. Thus, this presentation has three main objectives: 1) examine the association between everyday racial discrimination, major racial discrimination, racial microaggression, internalized racism, self-esteem, and the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, using data from the Black Communities Mental Health (BCoMHeal) survey; 2) analyze the impact of different forms of racial discrimination on the use of mental health services smong Black communities; 3) present the How to Provide Antiracist Mental Health Care training developed by the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience and Culture Laboratory (V-TRaC Lab) at the University of Ottawa, which is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association; 4) examine the initial results related to changes in clinical practice among mental health professionals who have taken this training.

Section: Students in Psychology / Étudiants en psychologie
Session ID: 61403 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Work integrated learning (WIL) activities are now seen as playing a key role in preparing students for future success. Given this is true, why not run them in our very large Introductory level courses? In this talk I will describe the WIL activities I completed in the Fall of 2020, with 1600 fully online students. The approach combines peer-assessment with a hack-a-thon like approach to whittle and hone the original submissions into the ten best. Students could choose to work in groups to ultimately pitch their evidence-based eLearning enhancement ideas to the Ontario Provincial Government, or they worked as individuals to offer evidence-based advice on how a local flight school could enhance student engagement during lectures. These activities became overarching themes of the course, allowing me to connect issues related to attention, memory, learning, and the research process itself, showing the relevance of what they were learning in the context of current real world issues.  At a more general level I believe this example will demonstrate how we can give students deep learning experiences even in very large and fully online courses. A core component of the learning is focused on developing the core transversal skills in students, such as those critical to problem solving (critical and creative thought) and those involved in working with others effectively (receptive and expressive communication, collaboration), all while also teaching students how to improve their work via a formal analysis of feedback. Doing this in an authentic context makes it all more engaging. 

Section: Teaching of Psychology / Enseignement de la psychologie
Session ID: 65189 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: Child sexual abuse is a significant public health issue due to its high prevalence and associated adverse consequences. This presentation aims to reflect on how some of our questions regarding outcomes following child sexual abuse have evolved over the past three decades and on why we are still facing challenges in designing and implementing efficient treatment and prevention programs to tackle this issue. Drawing upon findings from academic centers in Quebec engaged in collaborative efforts with practitioners, this presentation will highlight the diversity of profiles in youth confronted with sexual abuse and the crucial mediators influencing outcomes including revictimization in other contexts (peer victimization, teen dating victimization) as well as potential trajectories of resilience. Findings from an evaluative study of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as implemented in the Child Advocacy Center situated in Montreal will be summarized. The presentation will also illustrate promising initiatives emerging in Quebec to address prevention of sexual violence in school and community settings across different developmental stages.

Section: Traumatic Stress / Stress traumatique
Session ID: 61749 – Section Featured Speaker Address

Abstract: The intergenerational continuity (IC) of child maltreatment (CM) is a deleterious phenomenon perpetuating harmful family processes and trauma exposure across generations. Fortunately, some parents break these cycles and provide their children with a rearing environment free of violence. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the IC and discontinuity of CM is essential to our ability to help families thrive despite traumatic childhood histories. While dozens of studies have documented the risk and protective factors associated with the IC, no synthesis of that research had been done previously, impairing our ability to propel this field forward. In that context, this symposium proposes first to present a systematic overview of past research on the IC of CM (Rachel Langevin). Then, Julia Garon-Bissonnette will present recent findings from innovative research that looks at intimate partner violence in pregnant women with a CM history and the mediating role of mentalization. Finally, Karine Baril will discuss the challenges associated with the study of the IC of child sexual abuse and recent findings from her research projects examining that issue. Recommendations for policy development, prevention, and intervention will be provided, as breaking these intergenerational cycles is essential to foster healthy family relationships for the generations to come.

Section: Traumatic Stress / Stress traumatique
Session ID: 66359, Presenting Papers: 66360, 66361, 66362 – Section Invited Symposium

Abstract: Violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people represents one form of genocidal practice that has taken place in Canada for hundreds of years. Not only a terrible part of our history – it is ongoing and, furthermore increasing (Reclaiming Power and Place, 2019). For more than two years, a national inquiry heard from family members, survivors, experts, and Knowledge Keepers. _Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls_ (MMIWG Report) makes 231 recommendations: calls for justice intended to restore safety to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. This panel has been organized by the Status of Women Committee of the Section on Women and Psychology, the Indigenous Peoples Psychology Section, the Student Section, and the Rural and Northern Psychology Section. CPA President-elect, Dr. Ada Sinacore, will moderate a panel responding to the MMIWG Report. Key presenters, respected and influential members and students of CPA who represent the present and the future, will be invited to take 5 minutes each to speak to one recommendation of the report and ways CPA can support it. The moderator will then facilitate audience questions and comments. The panel will produce a list of recommendations for Canadian psychologists. We hope that this panel will be energizing regarding the crucial task of supporting Psychology towards becoming more supportive and inclusive of Indigenous people in Canada. We intend to honour the victims, survivors, Knowledge Keepers, and family members who want to know, “… what is Canada, all of Canada going to do?” (Melanie B., MMIWG Report, 2019, p. 66). 

Section: Women and Psychology / Femmes et psychologie

Co-Sponsoring Sections : Rural and Northern, Students, Indigenous Peoples’ Psychology
Session ID: 65367 – Section Panel Discussion