Meet Professor Corinne Syrnyk

I am a developmental psychologist with specialties in social emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues in children, language development, and Human-Animal Activities (HAA). I am especially interested in the efficacy of psychoeducational systems of intervention for children with SEMH issues, particularly the Nurture Approach (NA). A popular evidence-based, government recognized school-based intervention in the UK, the NA has been validated as an effective means of improving the well-being and outcomes of students. Part of my current research (funded in part by SSHRC) investigates the applicability of the NA to marginalized, Canadian schools. I also collaborate with Dr Alisa McArthur to explore the impact of HAA’s for issues related to psychological wellness (mood, burnout, life satisfaction, personality characteristics, etc.) and aspects of lifespan development (e.g., childhood literacy).

Research Projects

WOOPH Lab

Since 2016, Dr Corinne Syrnyk and Dr Alisa McArthur have been working together in the Wellness Opportunities & Outcomes for Pets & Humans (WOOPH) lab. We use our complimentary expertise in lifespan studies to explore how human animal interactions are related to psychological wellness (mood, burnout, life satisfaction, personality characteristics, etc) and aspects of lifespan development (e.g., literacy, elder pet attachment). For example, did you know that people who volunteer their pets are more likely to have higher empathy scores than volunteers who don’t work with animals? Or that the reading performance of young children improves more after reading to a dog than reading to an adult? Currently we are expanding our research to include other animals including horses and rabbits.

Research Projects Expertise

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Collaborations in Psychology Research

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Publications and Articles Showcase

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Expertise in Psychology Field

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Contact Dr. Corinne Syrnyk

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