Biography
Chair, Applied Human Sciences; Associate Professor
BA (Bishop’s); MA, PhD (Queen’s)
Dr. MacDonald is a sport psychologist whose interests lie in the development of youth in sport.
My main research interests focus on the development of youth through sport. More specifically, I am interested in how we can use sport as a vehicle to teach children positive skills and values (such as responsibility, initiative, confidence) they will be able to use for the rest of their lives. Additional lines of research examine expert athlete development through environmental (i.e., city size of birth) and individual (i.e., coaching) factors. Finally, I have a strong interest in research methods and statistical analyses which have led to research on instrument development and validation.
Recent Publications
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Types of evidence used in Canadian provincial sport organisations
- International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2019
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Process and outcome evaluation of a positive youth development-focused online coach education course
- International Sport Coaching Journal, 2019
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A qualitative study of research priorities among representatives of Canadian Provincial Sport Organizations
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2018
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Validation of PiezoRx pedometer derived sedentary time
- International Journal of Exercise Science, 2018
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The relationship between sedentary behaviour and physical literacy in Canadian children: a cross-sectional analysis from the RBC-CAPL Learn to Play study
- BMC Public Health, 2018
Research Classification
- no classification
Research Interests
- Positive youth development
- Development of expertise in athletes coaching
Current Scholars in Applied Human Sciences
