COVid Elicited Responses to Sexual health (COVERS) study

COVid Elicited Responses to Sexual health (COVERS) study

This survey is now closed

Researchers from UBC’s Sexual Health Research are conducting a study to gain insight on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sexuality.

Dr. Lori Brotto, director of UBC Sexual Health Research, Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute, and professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, specializes in women’s sexual health with a focus on the development of mindfulness-based psychological treatment for women.

Dr. Brotto is conducting research to answer our questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic could affect social, psychological, and behavioural aspects of sexual health, and to identify groups most vulnerable to adverse outcomes. Please click here to find out more about the COVERS Study.

What do you hope to learn from this research?

The goal of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of COVID-19 on aspects of sexual health. Specifically, we aim to understand how changes in individuals’ lives related to COVID-19 impact sexual behaviour (changes in frequency and types of solitary and partnered sexual activity), relationship status and satisfaction, sexual health behaviours (birth control and condom use), sexual motivation, sexual coercion, sexual satisfaction, anxiety and depression levels. The findings can be used more broadly to understand the impact of other pandemics.

How might the COVID-19 pandemic affect each of us differently?

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Individuals’ lives have changed abruptly, and the lasting impact of these stressors is yet to be determined. There is great uncertainty around the timeline of these current conditions and many individuals’ lives have changed across many domains but most notably in terms of their social support. People may be faced with changes in their romantic and sexual relationships due to the lifestyle changes that have resulted from the global response to COVID-19.

What do we know about sexual well-being during pandemics?

Research on sexual well-being during pandemics are almost all limited to sexual risk taking and prevention during the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With the implementation of necessary measures such as social distancing and self-isolation it is unclear how these abrupt changes to individuals’ social support and relationship structures will impact their sexual and psychological well-being. Many have raised concerns about a new baby boom, condom shortages, increases in divorce rates and both consensual and non-consensual sex. These concerns highlight a need to capture these potential changes in order to understand how sexual health and well-being are impacted during times of extreme stress and sudden change.

How can people take part in the study?

We are incredibly grateful to anyone who is interested in participating in our research. The study is entirely online and involves completing one online questionnaire package every 4 weeks for 6 months. For each online questionnaire package, participants will be entered into a monthly draw for a chance to win one of eight $50 Visa gift cards.

People who are interested can learn more about the study by visiting our website: https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca, or participate by completing this survey COVERS.

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Lori Brotto

Co-Investigators:
Faith Jabs
Natalie Brown
Sonia Milani

Perfectionism & Psychopathology Lab

UBC’s Perfectionism & Psychopathology Lab currently has an opening for a volunteer Research Assistant (RA) able to work in their lab during the summer. At our lab, we investigate trait perfectionism, its correlates, and associated psychopathology in adolescents and adults. The main tasks to be done by an RA involve conducting literature review, coding, data entry, as well as performing other administrative tasks in the laboratory. Training on all skills necessary for the position will be provided.

This position requires a commitment of at least 8 hours per week regularly in the summer until end of August, and into Fall 2020 if possible. Research will be conducted in lab, so we require someone who is available to come to campus as soon as social distancing restrictions are lifted. Ideal candidates have a keen interest in perfectionism, related or relevant psychological research experience, an average grade of 75% or above, and are able to commit for at least 1 year.

If you are interested, please fill in the application form, or email us directly at hewittlab@psych.ubc.ca with the following:

  • your resume/CV
  • your unofficial transcript with current and past courses
  • your regular weekly availability (June to August)

The deadline to apply is May 29th, 2020.                                       

COVID-19 and Wellbeing Study

This survey is now closed

Studying risk and resilience in times of stress

A team of researchers in UBC’s Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Lab are conducting research on how people are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic—with the hopes that this information will help people over the coming months.

Dr. Joelle LeMoult, director of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Lab, answers some questions on human resiliency under stress and how the COVID-19 pandemic could affect each of us differently.

The online study involves completing surveys and two weeks of daily diaries (brief questions at the end of the day). Learn more about the study by visiting the website: covidstudy.ca

LEARN MORE:

COVID-19 and Wellbeing Study

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Joelle LeMoult

Co-Investigators:
Ellen Jopling
Dr. Katerina Rnic
Ashley Battaglini

Tracking Health and Relationships In Varying Everyday contexts (THRIVE) Study

NOTE: this study is no longer recruiting participants

How can we engage in meaningful activities and remain socially connectedin times of social distancing? Share your experiences to help us better understand how people can thrive in uncertain times.

The THRIVE Study seeks to better understand how Canadians can maintain their wellbeing and social connectedness in times of social distancing. We recognize that these are extraordinary circumstances that require all of us to flexibly adapt. We are particularly interested in what distinguishes good days from less good days, to figure out what helps people thrive in uncertain times.

Participation includes a 45 to 90-minute online questionnaire asking questions about individual backgrounds, personality, social relationships, attitudes, and wellbeing. Then, for ten days, participants are asked to complete two brief surveys per day: one in the morning and one in the evening. These brief surveys capture participants’ unique contexts, their thoughts and outlook on the day, challenges that need to be addressed, social interactions and experienced wellbeing.

For more information email thrive@psych.ubc.ca, phone 604-822-3549, or visit blogs.ubc.ca/thrivestudy

Primary Investigator

Dr. Christiane Hoppmann
Professor of Psychology and Canada Research Chair in Health and Adult Development
Director,  Health and Adult Development Lab

The Health and Adult Development Lab
The Health and Adult Development Lab is a health psychology laboratory located at the University of British Columbia. We conduct research that examines how social relationships and motivational processes shape well-being and health across the adult lifespan. We also look at how long-term changes in health influence and are influenced by close others such as spouses.

Centre for Collaborative Research on Hoarding

The Centre for Collaborative Research on Hoarding at the University of British Columbia is a psychology research lab interested in the phenomenon of hoarding disorder. The Centre is seeking an undergraduate Arts student to join our research team as a project assistant. The undergraduate student will work closely with faculty members and graduate students to contribute to studies examining cognitive functioning and community-based interventions in relation to hoarding disorder.

Research in the area of hoarding disorder is relatively new and not clearly understood. The current projects seek to examine the relationship between cognitive functioning and different aspects associated with hoarding disorder, such as saving behaviours, severe clutter in the home, and emotion and empathy for objects.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
• Recruit potential participants using posters and online websites.
• Complete a multi-week training provided by the lab on conducting telephone screening for research participants, including learning to conduct the MINI-H (an assessment of hoarding disorder).
• Contact and determine eligibility of potential participants by administering the MINI-H over the phone.
• Schedule and follow-up with participants about their study appointments.
• Set up experimental equipment and administer study measures according to lab protocols.
• Enter and double check data using Microsoft Excel according to established protocols.
• Assist with validating and cleaning of data.
• Position may include assisting with data analysis.

These duties and responsibilities will be performed under the direct supervision of the principal investigator and senior lab staff. The student will attend weekly lab meetings to ensure effective communication. In addition, the student will engage in regular meetings with graduate students to receive feedback and ensure optimal performance is being achieved. The student will be encouraged to ask questions and suggest ways in which their learning experience could be improved. These tasks will require a strong commitment in time and effort. The tasks also require that the student acknowledge the sensitive and confidential nature of the lab’s work. As such, the student must adhere to strict ethical standards and confidentiality, as well as maintain rapport with potential participants and individuals in contact with the lab.

This role will provide opportunities for the student to work closely with researchers, interact with people from different backgrounds, build connections, and develop professional, social, and communication skills. The job will also help the student to cultivate a sense of responsibility, self-knowledge, and self-confidence, and to strengthen his/her sense of connection with the community and University.

How To Apply:
1. Visit UBC Careers Online at https://ubc-csm.symplicity.com/index.php/pid090564?
2. Search for our “WL S20 Research Assistant” posting using “ID: 875441”.
3. Apply with your cover letter, unofficial transcript, and resume on Careers Online.

 

Research Associate (non-tenure track)

The Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia invites applications for the position of a Research Associate at the UBC Vancouver Campus.

Required qualifications are a PhD in a relevant discipline (Psychology, Neuroscience, or Biology) and a strong record of research productivity in the area of behavioural neuroscience. The successful candidate will take a lead role in a study of steroids and reward-related brain circuits and will be expected to contribute to developing an innovative program of neurobehavioral research using novel technology. Expertise in mass spectrometry, rodent operant conditioning, and brain microdissection is, therefore, desirable. Postdoctoral experience is also highly desirable, as is expertise in immunohistochemistry and miscroscopy. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated excellence in supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and will be expected to participate fully in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate trainees. They will also be required to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and interact effectively with collaborators from other departments.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications should be directed to Dr. Kiran Soma (ksoma@psych.ubc.ca). List of documents to be submitted: CV; contact information of 3 references.

Closing date for all applications is: April 15, 2020

For further information about the UBC Department of Psychology, please visit: https://psych.ubc.ca/

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

Social Cognitive Development Lab

The Social Cognitive Development Lab is currently looking for volunteers interested in research. At the Social Cognitive Development Lab, we explore how children establish preferences for and beliefs about other people. Through our research, we hope to understand how preferences for and stereotypes about people are acquired and change across development on both a conscious and an unconscious level of processing.

We will be looking for volunteers able to minimally 8 hours per week regularly in the summer, from now until end of August, and if interested can continue onward into Fall 2020. Research will be conducted at the Living Lab, at Science World. We will be looking for candidates until positions are filled.

Ideal candidates will have a keen interest in research with infants and children, related or relevant experiences with children, infants and/or research, and an average grade of 80% or above.

If you are interested, please email baronlabmgr@psych.ubc.ca with the following:

Applications will be checked regularly. Apply ASAP, as interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible.

The deadline to apply is May 15th, 2020.

Centre for Cognitive Development

Are you looking for a chance to get involved in research? Do you enjoy working with children or have an interest in Developmental Psychology? The Centre for Cognitive Development is looking for volunteer Research Assistants over the summer to help out in-lab (with children or adults) and at daycares.

Their studies focus on the topics of cognitive abilities and how our social capacities or language enriches our ability to reason about the world. As a research assistant, you will gain experience running studies, recruiting participants, attending weekly lab meetings, and doing background readings.

There are three different types of positions currently open and applications are accepted on a rolling basis:

  • Daycare RAs (working with kids 3-8yo)

    Commitment of 10h/week
    Position length: May through June, with an option to continue into July
    Applicants must have two weekday mornings available until 1pm

  • In-lab Kid RAs (working with kids 2-12yo)

    Commitment of 10h/week
    Position length: May through July
    Flexible date to begin in May with flexible end date in August (ex. if you start later in May, you can end later in August)

  • In-lab Adult RAs

    Commitment of 10h/week
    Position length: May through July
    Flexible date to begin in May with flexible end date in August (ex. if you start later in May, you can end later in August)

Interested students should email ccd.joinus@ubc.ca with the position they are interested in for more information on how to apply.

UBC Centre for Infant Cognition

The Centre for Infant Cognition (CIC) at UBC is looking for a volunteer for their research lab focused on social and moral development of infants, toddlers, and young children. This volunteer position would require a commitment of approximately 10 hours/week for 8 months.

Position description and responsibilities:

  • Maintaining ongoing positive relationships with participating families including contacting families and scheduling appointments using a research database
  • Setting up experimental equipment according to prescribed protocols (e.g. Eye Tracking devices and recording materials)
  • Helping with the consenting process with participating families
  • Administering studies and assessments according to prescribed protocols at both labs
  • Entering data into research database according to established protocols
  • Assisting with validating and cleaning of data
  • And other opportunities matched to your strengths!

Interested students should send their resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts (screenshot of SSC will suffice). and availability Monday – Saturday (9AM-5PM) to hamlinlab@psych.ubc.ca.

The deadline to apply is April 10th, 2020.

The Culture and Self Lab

The Culture and Self Lab is looking for curious and dedicated volunteer research assistants. If you are interested in cultural psychology, meaning maintenance, and genetic essentialism, we would love to meet you. Research assistants will have the responsibility of running experiments and managing data.

More details:

  • A time commitment of 5-7 hours per week is expected.
  • A minimum GPA of 75% is strongly recommended.

To apply, please visit our lab website at: https://heinelab.psych.ubc.ca/participate/. If you have any questions, you may contact our lab manager, Vanessa Kong at mecclabs@psych.ubc.ca.