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Dr. Margaret Lawler
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy

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

Peer-Reviewed Publications

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 Journal Article, 2024 Other DOI Other

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 Oral Presentation, 2023 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 - 1516 Journal Article, 2021 URL DOI

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 Journal Article, 2021 URL DOI

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 Journal 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), 2021 Journal Article, 2021 URL

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 Journal Article, 2020 URL DOI

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 Published 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 - 1045 Journal 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, 2019 Published Abstract, 2019 URL 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, 2019 Published Abstract, 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 Poster, 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 Journal Article, 2017 TARA - Full Text DOI

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 Meeting Abstract, 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 Oral Presentation, 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 Protocol or guideline, 2017 TARA - Full Text URL

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 Poster, 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 Journal Article, 2014 TARA - Full Text URL

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 Review, 2013

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 Poster, 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 Oral 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, 2012 Poster, 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 Oral Presentation, 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.] Book Chapter, 2011

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 Journal Article, 2011 DOI

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 Meeting Abstract, 2011

Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications

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 Report, 2024

Research Expertise

Projects

  • 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
    • 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
  • 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
    • 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)

Keywords

Applied Psychology; Behaviour Change; BODY IMAGE; CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE; Developmental Psychology; Health Psychology; Latent Class Analysis; Mindfulness ; MOTIVATION; motivational interview; PHYSICAL ACTIVITY; SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY; SPORT

Recognition

Representations

Editorial Board Member - International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity December 2021

Research and Postgraduate Committee - Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, TCD November 2021

Ordinary Committee Member - Women in Research Ireland (WIRI) January 2020

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

Ordinary Committee Member - All Ireland Social Prescribing Research and Evaluation

Ordinary Committee Member- Division of Health Psychology, Psychological Society of Ireland 2022

Awards and Honours

IRC New Foundations Award 2022

TCD MED Research Seed Award 2022

Conference Bursary from the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin 2013

Travel Bursary from the Trinity Trust, Trinity College Dublin 2012

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship from the Irish Research Council (IRC) 2010

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

Memberships

Chartered Health Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland 2022 – Present

Division of Health Psychology (Psychological Society of Ireland)

European Health Psychology Society 2021 – Present

International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2022