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Dr. Margaret Lawler

Dr. Margaret Lawler

Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy

https://twitter.com/MagsLawler

Biography

Dr Margaret Lawler is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, and a Charted Health Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland. She co-ordinates and teaches four undergraduate psychology modules in the Discipline of Occupational Therapy and contributes to teaching on the MSc in Cancer Survivorship. Her research focuses on adolescents' health and wellbeing. She is particularly interested in understanding the psychological and social factors that underpin health behaviours during adolescence and applying novel interventions (e.g. mindfulness, social prescribing) to promote health behaviour change and psychological wellbeing among youth. Margaret received a BSc. (Hons) in Sport Science and Health (1st Class Honours) from Dublin City University and holds a Higher Diploma in Psychology (1st Class Honours), Post-graduate Diploma in Statistics, and a PhD (Psychology) from Trinity College Dublin. Her doctoral research, funded by a competitive Postgraduate Irish Research Council Scholarship, explored adolescents' physical activity patterns and psychosocial predictors of physical activity maintenance and behaviour change over twelve months. Prior to taking up her academic post, Margaret completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the School of Psychology, TCD, where she managed a trial jointly funded by Health Research Charities Ireland and the Health Research Board, which examined the feasibility of a novel peer-led motivational interviewing intervention for health behaviour change (smoking, alcohol, physical activity) among at-risk adolescents from low socioeconomic status communities. Margaret was recently awarded a TCD School of Medicine Research Seed Award (2022) and an IRC New Foundations Award (2022) for her novel research exploring social prescribing as a potential mechanism for supporting adolescents' and young adults' health and wellbeing. In addition, she is currently collaborating with the Gaelic Athletic Association, Camogie Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and several academic institutions across Ireland and Northern Ireland on The Gaelic Games Youth Participation Study, which is the first all-island study to explore adolescents' experiences of, and participation rates in Gaelic games. Dr Lawler has published qualitative and quantitative research papers in Q1 journals within her field (e.g. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health; Journal of Youth and Adolescence) and has presented her research nationally and internationally. She is an editorial board member for the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity and an active peer reviewer for several international journals within the area of Psychology and Health (e.g. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, International Journal of Sport and Exercise, Health Education and Behavior). Margaret has also served as an expert reviewer for ReThink Ireland evaluating grants targeted at improving positive mental health outcomes for adolescents and young adults.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Battel I, Calvo I, Harpur I, Lawler M, Walshe M, 'Biofeedback to improve the safety and efficiency of the swallow function in people with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia', PROSPERO International Register of Systematic Reviews, NHS National Institute for Health Research , 2017, - 1-5Protocol or guideline, 2017, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Lawler, M., Heary, C. & Nixon, E., Variations in adolescents' motivational characteristics across gender and physical activity patterns: A latent class analysis approach. , BMC Public Health, 17, 2017, p661 - 674Journal Article, 2017, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Costello, E. & Lawler, M, An exploratory study of the effects of Mindfulness on perceived levels of stress among school-children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. , International Journal of Emotional Education, 6, 2014, p21 - 39Journal Article, 2014, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Lawler, M., Nixon, E., & Heary, C. , Psychological and Social Factors Associated with Continued Participation in GAA Sport during Adolescence. , 41st Psychology Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Galway, Ireland , 2011Oral Presentation, 2011
  • Lawler, M., Nixon, E., & Heary, C. , Exploring psychological influences on adolescents' participation in organised sport: A self-determination theory perspective., 9th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology & British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology, , Northern Ireland. , Belfast, Northern Ireland, 2012Oral Presentation, 2012
  • Lawler, M., Nixon, E., & Heary, C. , Examining social and psychological predictors of continued participation in team sport during adolescence. , 22nd Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development, Edmonton, Canada, 2012Poster, 2012
  • Lawler, M., Nixon, E., & Heary, C. , Patterns of physical activity among Irish adolescents: A latent class analysis approach. , - Annual Meeting of the International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, Ghent, Belgium , 2013Poster, 2013
  • Lawler, M., Nixon, E., & Heary, C. , The relationship between physical activity behavioural patterns, BMI and body image among adolescents in Ireland. , Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Philadelphia, USA, 2015Poster, 2015
  • O'Byrne, C., Jagoe, C., & Lawler, M. , "I May Have Dyslexia but Dyslexia Does Not Have Me" - Students experience of Dyslexia and their transition into third level education., European Federation of Psychology Students' Associations, Junior Researcher Programme Conference, Dublin, Ireland , 1st - 4th August , 2017Oral Presentation, 2017
  • McNamara, J., & Lawler, M., Teachers' Perspectives and Practices Regarding the Irish Language Learning and Home Language Maintenance of Children for whom English is an Additional Language, 1st - 4th August, European Federation of Psychology Students' Associations, Junior Researcher Programme Conference, Dublin, Ireland , 2017Meeting Abstract, 2017
  • Hickey, A., Lawler, M., Nixon, E., Heary, C., Darker, C., Barry, M., Filed, C., Doyle, F., & Hevey, D. , The effects of training adolescents in a proven method for behaviour change - A pilot Study, 10th IUHPE European Conference and International Forum for Health Promotion Research, Trondheim, Norway, 24th -26th September, 2018Poster, 2018
  • Lawler, M. , Review of the book Starving the stress gremlin. A cognitive behavioural therapy workbook on stress management for young people, by K. Collins-Donnelly]. , International Journal of Emotional Education, 5, 2013, p86-87Review, 2013
  • Nixon, E., Greene, S., Coyne, I., Lawler, M., Doyle, E., & Nugent, K. , Mother infant co-sleeping practices as a window into parental ethnotheories among Irish, Polish and Nigerian mothers in Ireland. , Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) Biennial meeting., Montreal, Canada , 2011Meeting Abstract, 2011
  • Lawler, M., Hickey, A., Hevey, D., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., & Field, C. , Effects of a peer-led motivational interviewing intervention on physical activity levels of adolescents in low SES communities, Psychology Health and Medicine Conference 2019, Maynooth University , 22nd March, 2019Published Abstract, 2019
  • O'Byrne, C., Jagoe, C., & Lawler, M. , Experiences of dyslexia and the transition to university: A case study of five students at different stages of study, Higher Education Research and Development, 38, (5), 2019, p1031 - 1045Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
  • Lawler, M., Hickey, A., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., Field, C., & Hevey, D., Effectiveness of a peer-led motivational interviewing intervention for increasing physical activity among at-risk adolescents, 33rd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychological Society, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 3 - 7 September 2019, 2019Published Abstract, 2019, URL
  • Hickey, A., Lawler, M., Doyle, F., Nixon, E., Darker, C., Barry, M., Field, C., & Hevey, D. , The effects of training low-SES adolescents in Motivational Interviewing for health behaviour change among peers., 33rd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychological Society, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 3 - 7 September 2019, 2019Published Abstract, 2019
  • Lawler, M., Heary,C. & Nixon, E, Peer Support and Role Modelling Predict Physical Activity Change among Adolescents over Twelve Months, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 49, (7), 2020, p1503 - 1516Journal Article, 2020, DOI , URL
  • Lawler, M., Heary, C. & Nixon, E., Irish adolescents' perspectives on the factors influencing motivation in team sport, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 13, (6), 2021, p1503 - 1516Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
  • Lawler, M., Heary, C., Shorter, G., .& Nixon, E., Peer and parental processes predict distinct patterns of physical activity participation among adolescent girls and boys, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20, (2), 2021, p497 - 514Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
  • Rhona Dempsey, Olive Healy, Emma Lundy, Joanne Banks, Margaret Lawler, Air travel experiences of autistic children/young people, Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 2, (2), 2021Journal Article, 2021, URL
  • Walsh, B., Dempsey, R., & Lawler, M., Family perspectives on educational experiences, post-school needs, and quality of life of young autistic adults, Irish Educational Studies , 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
  • Connolly H, Delimata N, Galway K, Kiely Lawler M, Mulholland J, O'Grady M, Connolly D., Exploration of Evaluation Practices in Social Prescribing Services in Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Healthcare, 12, (2), 2024, p219 - 229Journal Article, 2024, DOI
  • Horgan, Peter; Donnelly, Paul; Lane, Aoife; McKay, Michael; O'Brien, Wesley; Lawler, Margaret; Donoghue, Kevin; Fogarty, Niamh; Harmon, William; Heffernan, James., Youth Participation in Gaelic games: A State of Play Review, EASM 2023 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, 31st European Association for Sport Management Conference, Belfast, Northern Ireland,, 12-15 September 2023, 202, 2023, pp387 - 388Oral Presentation, 2023, URL
  • Lawler, M. & Nixon, E., Body Dissatisfaction Among Adolescent Boys and Girls: The Effects of Body Mass, Peer Appearance Culture and Internalization of Appearance Ideals, Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 40, (1), 2011, p59 - 71Journal Article, 2011, DOI
  • Theoretical & Methodological Considerations in Assessing Body Image among Children & Adolescents. in, editor(s)S.B. Greene , Body Image: Perceptions, Interpretations and Attitudes. , Nova Publishers, 2011, pp227 - 244, [Lawler, M. & Nixon, E.]Book Chapter, 2011
  • Horgan, P., Donnelly, P., Lane, A., McKay, M., McGourty, P., O'Brien, W., Lawler, M., Donoghue, K., Fogarty, N., Meyers, E., Heffernan, J., and Harmon, W., The Gaelic Games Youth Participation Study, Gaelic Athletic Association. Dublin, Ireland, 2024Report

Research Expertise

  • Title
    Examining Gaelic Games experiences and participation rates among adolescents
    Summary
    This is the first all-Ireland large-scale study to explore participation rates in Gaelic Games and the psychosocial factors underpinning sport drop out and maintenance among adolescents in Ireland and Northern Ireland
    Funding Agency
    Sport Ireland
    Date From
    13/12/2021
    Date To
    31/01/2023
  • Title
    Exploring the suitability and acceptability of social prescribing for men with prostate cancer
    Summary
    Funding Agency
    Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute (TSJCI)
    Date From
    31 July 2022
    Date To
    1 August 2023
  • Title
    Peer-to-peer motivational interview intervention for smoking, alcohol and physical activity among at-risk adolescents in low SES communities: A feasibility trial.
    Summary
    Postdoctoral Researcher.(PI: Prof. David Hevey). https://www.hrb.ie/funding/funding-awarded/awards-made/award/peer-to-peer-motivational-interview-intervention-for-smoking-alcohol-and-physical-activity-among-at-3/
    Funding Agency
    Medical Research Charities Group and Health Research Board
    Date From
    01/03/2017
    Date To
    28/02/2020
  • Title
    Social Prescribing for at-risk Adolescents
    Summary
    This project explores the suitability and acceptability of social prescribing for adolescents
    Funding Agency
    TCD MED Seed Awards 2022
    Date From
    03/03/2022
    Date To
    31/-3/2023
  • Title
    Exploration of suitability and acceptability of social prescribing for adolescents and young adults with cancer
    Summary
    The social and emotional needs of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer differ from those of children and older adults and are often not met by paediatric or adult services. Social prescribing (SP), a community-based service that connects people to various activities and supports in the community, has positive health benefits for adults with health difficulties. However, research is needed to determine if SP is suitable for AYA living with cancer. This research will therefore explore the acceptability of SP as a support mechanism for AYA with cancer. Findings could inform development of future services for AYA with cancer.
    Funding Agency
    Irish Research Council
    Date From
    2022
  • Title
    Transitions in Physical Activity among Irish youth
    Summary
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Agency
    Irish Research Council (formerly IRCHSS)
    Date From
    2010
    Date To
    2013
  • Title
    An analysis of social and psychological predictors of transitions in physical activity patterns during adolescence.
    Summary
    Co-investigator. Principal Investigator: Dr Elizabeth Nixon. Co-investigator: Dr Caroline Heary(NUIG).
    Funding Agency
    Noel Hickey Research Bursary (supported by the Irish Heart Foundation)

Education, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Education, Population Health, Public & Environment Health, Population Health, Public & Environment Health,

Recognition

  • IRC New Foundations Award 2022
  • Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship from the Irish Research Council (IRC) 2010
  • Travel Bursary from the Trinity Trust, Trinity College Dublin 2012
  • TCD MED Research Seed Award 2022
  • George White Memorial Prize from School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin - I received this annual award for a research paper accepted for publication in Journal of Youth and Adolescence during my postgraduate studies (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-009-9500-2) 2010
  • Postgraduate Research Studentship from Trinity College Dublin 2009
  • Conference Bursary from the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin 2013
  • International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
  • Chartered Health Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland Present
  • Division of Health Psychology (Psychological Society of Ireland)
  • European Health Psychology Society Present
  • Please see https://publons.com/researcher/4433907/margaret-lawler/. I have been a reviewer for the following journals: Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Health Education and Behavior, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Public Health Nutrition, Appetite, Children and Youth Services Review, European Physical Education Review
  • Please see https://publons.com/researcher/4433907/margaret-lawler/. I have been a reviewer for the following journals: Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Health Education and Behavior, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Public Health Nutrition, Appetite, Children and Youth Services Review, European Physical Education Review
  • International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Editorial Board Member December 2021
  • Research and Postgraduate Committee - Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, TCD November 2021
  • Committee Member - Women in Research Ireland (WIRI) January 2020
  • Ordinary Committee Member- Division of Health Psychology, Psychological Society of Ireland 2022
  • Ordinary Committee Member - All Ireland Social Prescribing Research and Evaluation
  • Research and Postgraduate Committee - Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, TCD November 2021
  • Ordinary Committee Member - Women in Research Ireland (WIRI) January 2020
  • Editorial Board Member - International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity December 2021