Research Areas of Focus

I am interested in using basic and applied approaches to address the risks and needs of at-risk and underserved populations. See below for details on my past and current research projects.

Externalizing Traits and Behaviors

Most of my research broadly focuses on the externalizing spectrum of traits, behaviors, and disorders (McDonald et al., 2021; Clayson, McDonald, 2023)—including aggressive and criminal behavior (Verona, et al., 2022; Bresin et al. 2023), antisocial and substance use disorders, psychopathy (Fournier, McDonald, et al., 2021), as well as dysregulated (McDonald & Verona, 2022) and antagonistic personality styles (McDonald & Verona, 2019). The hope is that by gaining a better of understanding highly externalizing individuals, we can develop better ways of helping these individuals from causing harm to themselves or others.

Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation

I am particularly interested in understanding how intense emotions can contribute to violent, impulsive, and self-destructive behaviors (McDonald et al., 2021, Fournier, McDonald, et al., 2021; Verona, et al., 2022; Bresin et al., 2023). My master’s thesis (McDonald & Verona, 2022) explored how stress alters cognitive processes to influence engagement in dysregulated behaviors (e.g., impulsivity, aggression, substance use, self-harm). Results showed that stress exposure disrupted self-control, and, in turn, was related to increased proneness towards dysregulated behavior. A more precise understanding of how stress impacts cognition and emotion, can help researchers and practitioners better manage stress-related breakdowns.

Evidence-based Interventions

I value research that integrates clinical science and practice. For instance, I have turned some of my unique and challenging clinical experiences into scientific presentations and publications (McDonald & Rancourt, 2021; Hyland, McDonald, et al., 2022). I believe real-world clinical experiences add a valuable perspective to the treatment literature. I am also interested in research on the development, adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral interventions (e.g., Verona, McDonald, et al., 2024). I became increasingly interested in implementation science through my work with the Center for Justice Research and Policy, where I led the development of a novel jail-based DBT skills group adaptation for use in a grant-funded double RCT evaluation of correctional programming.

Open and Reproducible Science Practices

As a complimentary line of research, I am interested in how open science practices can be used to improve psychological science. I believe that greater openness in the research process can benefit individual researchers, the scientific community, and those outside of academia. I also acknowledge that change is difficult, and that many researchers have valid concerns when it comes to adopting open science practices within their own research. My dissertation (OSF project page link) focused on examining attitudes towards, and experiences with, various open science practices among researchers in psychology. I also plan to explore some of the unique implications that open science adoption can have for researchers in different areas and career stages.

If you're interested in collaborating or want to learn more, please feel free to contact me!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse