Dr. Margaret Lawler
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Biography
Dr Margaret Lawler is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Discipline of Occupational Therapy. Margaret completed her PhD in Psychology in Trinity College Dublin. Her doctoral research funded by a postgraduate IRC scholarship, examined adolescents" physical activity patterns and psychosocial predictors of behaviour change over one year. She subsequently completed a postdoctoral research fellowship, in the School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, which involved delivering, implementing, and evaluating community-based peer-led health behaviour change interventions for at-risk adolescents in marginalised communities.
Dr Lawler is a Chartered Health Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland and a member of the European Health Psychology Society. Her research focuses on children and adolescents" health and wellbeing. She is interested in the psychosocial mechanisms underpinning health behaviour and developing interventions to promote behaviour change and optimal wellbeing among children and young people. Her current research is exploring social prescribing as a novel and person-centred solution for supporting the physical and mental health needs of children and young people. Margaret is also leading a cross-university collaboration examining the effects of social connection, physical activity and coping responses on students" stress and wellbeing.
Dr Lawler is an active member of the All Ireland Social Prescribing Research and Evaluation Committee. She is an editorial board member of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity and an invited reviewer for several high impact journals. Margaret has also served as an invited external reviewer for Rethink Ireland, evaluating competitive grant applications in her field.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
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
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
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
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
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
- The effects of social connection and physical activity on perceived stress, coping, and wellbeing of university students. A latent profile analysis
- Funding Agency
- TCD Research Boost Award
- Date From
- 01/09/2024
- Date To
- 31/08/2023
- 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
- 16/12/2022
- Date To
- 31/12/2024
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 for the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. In this role, I am responsible for reviewing manuscripts and evaluating their suitability for publication. I am the only Irish representative on this editorial board.
Please see https://publons.com/researcher/4433907/margaret-lawler/. I have served as an invited peer reviewer for 22 papers from the following journals: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Health Education and Behavior, Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, Journal of Child and Family Studies, Children and Youth Services Review, and European Physical Education Review.
Invited External Reviewer for Rethink Ireland Sport and Wellness Fund (50,000+). I reviewed 2 grant applications.
Invited external reviewer for Rethink Ireland HeadStart Fund (2023) (3,000,000 euro). I reviewed 5 grant applications.
Invited member of research advisory board for The Gaelic Games Youth Participation Study, a large-scale national survey undertaken by the Gaelic Athletic Association, which examined adolescents experiences of participating in Gaelic games in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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