Biography
Dr Margaret Lawler is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and a Chartered Health Psychologist. Her research focuses on the psychosocial factors that shape adolescent health, wellbeing and behaviour change. She has a particular interest in translating this knowledge into practice, with expertise in the development, implementation and evaluation of community-based interventions to improve young people's health and wellbeing. Her research spans cross-sectional and longitudinal designs and draws on quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Dr Lawler is a co-applicant on a Health Research Board-funded project exploring the relationship between digital and real-world leisure activity patterns and adolescent mental health using large-scale national datasets (HRB SDAP 2025). She is leading a study investigating the role of physical activity, social connection and coping in student wellbeing (TCD Research Boost Award). Dr Lawler is also co-leading the Irish arm of an international collaboration examining climate-related coping and youth mental health (CliMent COST Action CA23113). A further strand of her research focuses on social prescribing as a community-based approach to supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Prior to taking up her current academic post, Dr Lawler completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the School of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin. Her research focused on the implementation and evaluation of peer-led health behaviour change interventions for adolescents in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Her PhD, funded by a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, explored the psychosocial predictors of adolescents' physical activity patterns and behaviour change over twelve months. Dr Lawler is a member of the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Adolescent Research and the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. She is also a member of the All-Ireland Social Prescribing Network Research and Evaluation Committee and the European Health Psychology Society.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Angela Hickey, Margaret Lawler, Catherine D Darker, Margaret M Barry, Catherine A Field, Frank Doyle, & David Hevey., Peer-to-peer motivational interview intervention for smoking, alcohol, and physical activity among at-risk adolescents in low SES communities: A feasibility trial., Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland, 24 April 2026, 2026
Margaret Lawler, Amanda Daley, Natasha Joksimovic, & Deirdre Connolly, Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals Engaged in Social Prescribing for Children: Perceived Suitability, Barriers, and Facilitators, All Ireland Social Prescribing Network Conference 2026, Louth, Ireland, 11 June 2026, 2026
Lawler, Margaret & Nixon, Elizabeth, Latent profile analysis of adolescents" physical activity motivation: A Self-Determination Theory approach, 38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Cascais, Portugal, 3-6 September 2024, 2024
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 - 229
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 - 388
Dempsey, Rhona, Healy, Olive, Lundy, Emma, Banks, Joanne, Lawler, Margaret, Air travel experiences of autistic children/young people, Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 2, (2), 2021
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 - 1516
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 - 514
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 , 2021
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 - 1516
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, 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 - 1045
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2018
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 - 674
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 , 2017
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 , 2017
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, - 1-5
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, 2015
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 - 39
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, p86-87
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 , 2013
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, 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, 2012
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 , 2011
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.]
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 - 71
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 , 2011
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Daniel O' Sullivan, Margaret Lawler, Emma Frawley, 'The Effectiveness of Family and Caregiver Interventions on Clinical Mental Health Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review', PROSPERO, 2026, - CRD420261436682
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, 2024
Research Expertise
Projects
- Title
- Digital and Real-World Leisure Activities: Tracking the Wellbeing Impacts of Teen Pastimes
- Summary
- Supporting youth mental health is a key national and international policy objective. Evidence indicates that how adolescents spend their leisure time including the type of physical, social or creative recreation activities they engage in can have important implications for their mental wellbeing. However, existing research in Ireland is limited, with little known about the type, frequency and number of leisure activities youth engage in or the comparative effect that different online/offline leisure activities have on youth mental health. Additionally, there is a lack of research examining how these patterns and relationships fluctuate across time, developmental stage, geographical region or socio-economic factors. This project aims to address these knowledge gaps through the secondary analysis of two large, datasets (Planet Youth and Growing up in Ireland). Specifically, the research aims to: 1. Identify and track patterns in adolescents' online and offline leisure practices concurrently, over time (2018-2026) and across adolescence (aged 9-18 years). 2. Determine whether youth's leisure participation varies across social and geographical profiles. 3. Examine the relationship between leisure activity patterns and adolescent mental health across key temporal (2018-2026) and developmental (9-18 years) periods. Through multilevel modelling and latent class/transition analyses and the support of a youth advisory group, this research will shed light on how adolescent mental health and leisure practices have changed over time, and generate key developmental insights on how leisure participation impacts mental health across adolescence. Findings will provide timely, policy-relevant evidence for youth services, community organisations, and local authorities that aim to enhance mental health outcomes through accessible, inclusive leisure supports.
- Funding Agency
- Health Research Board
- Date From
- 15/12/2025
- Date To
- 15/12/2028
- Title
- Multinational Validation of a Climate Coping Questionnaire for Young People
- Summary
- This project aims to develop a multinational questionnaire measuring climate related coping in young people. The Climate COPE will be translated into several European languages and data collected from young people (ages 15-25) in participating countries via an online survey. The study will also explore associations between coping strategies and outcomes related to well-being and engagement.
- Funding Agency
- CliMent COST Action CA23113
- 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
- 16/12/2022
- Date To
- 31/12/2024
- Title
- The effects of social connection and physical activity on perceived stress, coping, and mental wellbeing of university students. A latent profile analysis
- Funding Agency
- TCD Research Boost Award
- Date From
- 01/09/2024
- Date To
- 31/08/2025
- Title
- Social Prescribing for at-risk Adolescents
- Summary
- This project explored perspectives on social prescribing for children among 237 healthcare professionals' and 40 link workers' across Ireland and the UK.
- Funding Agency
- TCD MED Seed Awards 2022
- Date From
- 03/03/2022
- Date To
- 31/-3/2023
- Title
- Exploring the suitability and acceptability of social prescribing for men with prostate cancer
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- Title
- Transitions in Physical Activity among Irish youth
- Summary
- Principal Investigator
- Funding Agency
- Irish Research Council (formerly IRCHSS)
- Date From
- 2010
- Date To
- 2013
Recognition
Representations
Editorial Board Member - Journal of Adolescent Research
Invited External Grant Reviewer - Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Editorial Board Member - International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Invited Peer Reviewer for several high impact journals in Psychology and Health. Please see https://publons.com/researcher/4433907/margaret-lawler/.
Invited External Grant Reviewer - Rethink Ireland Sport and Wellness Fund (50,000+)
Invited External Grant Reviewer - Rethink Ireland HeadStart Fund (3,000,000 euro)
Invited Research Advisory Board Member for The Gaelic Games Youth Participation Study, a large-scale all-Ireland survey led by the Gaelic Athletic Association
Ordinary Committee Member- Division of Health Psychology, Psychological Society of Ireland
Research and Postgraduate Committee - Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, TCD.
Ordinary Committee Member - Women in Research Ireland (WIRI)
Awards and Honours
TCD Research Boost Program (Stream 2 Boost)
IRC New Foundations Award
TCD MED Research Seed Award
TCD Discipline of OT Research Master Bursary
Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin Conference Bursary
TCD Trinity Trust Travel Bursary
Irish Research Council (IRC formerly IRCHSS) Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
TCD School of Psychology George White Memorial Prize- 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)
Trinity College Dublin Postgraduate Research Studentship
Memberships
Chartered Health Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland
Division of Health Psychology (Psychological Society of Ireland)
European Health Psychology Society
International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity