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I received my PhD in Psychomotor Behavior from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and my MSc in Exercise Science from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Illinois.
Prior to joining Wilfrid Laurier University, I was an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
I am interested in examining the humanistic and psychological antecedents of exercise behavior change and sport performance. My interests are diverse in context, but common in approach, often centred upon processes of self-regulation. The goal of my research is to maximize human potential in a physical activity context. My research areas use concepts of behavioural regulation, such as goal setting, self-efficacy and behavioural intentions to influence such things as quality of life, outdoor physical activity, life transitions or coping with chronic illnesses.
I have supervised students with various research interests. Example areas of supervision include healing mental imagery, sport transitions, quality of life and outdoor physical activity for children. My approach is to work cooperatively with the student to advance their unique and specific research interests. I am willing to supervise students in both sport and exercise domains. Contact me for more information.
- Dawson, K.A. and Robertson-Wilson, J. (2019). Physical Activity Interventions. In Crocker, P. (Ed.), Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Canadian Perspective (4th edition)Toronto, ON: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- McEwen, C., Hurd Clarke, L., Bennett, E., Dawson, K., and Crocker, P.R.E. (2018). “It’s this thing of being an Olympian that you don’t get from anything else”: Changing Experiences of Canadian Individual Sport Athletes with Olympic Team Selection. The Sport Psychologist, 32(2), 81-92. Doi: 10.1123/tsp.2016-0152.
- Isnor, H. and Dawson, K. (2017). An exploratory examination of families engaged in a children’s adventure running program. The Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 9(3), 340-352.
- Dawson, K.A., Robertson-Wilson, J. (2016). Physical Activity Interventions. In Crocker, P. (Ed.). Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Canadian Perspective (3rd edition)Toronto, ON: Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Maddux, J.E. and Dawson, K.A. (2015). Promoting physical fitness in adulthood: A focus on exercise: To appear in Gullotta, T. & Bloom, M. (Eds.) (2nd Edition). The encyclopedia of primary prevention and health promotion. New York: Kluwer/Plenum.
- Maddux, J.E. and Dawson, K.A. (2014). Predicting and changing exercise behavior: Bridging the information-intention behavior gap. In R. Gomes (Ed.), Positive Human Functioning from a Multi-Dimensional Perspective. (Volume 2) (pp 97-120). New York: Nova Publishers.
- CBC Radio (June, 2019). Coast to coast radio interviews (12 in total) regarding how the Toronto Raptors stay focussed for Game 6 of the NBA Championships.
- Ontario Volleyball Association News (September, 2018): Building a Productive Team
- Canadian Running Magazine (September, 2018): Making a mantra that works
- Canadian Running Magazine (August, 2018). Runners with depression: You’re in good company
- Running for Real with Tina Muir podcast (July, 2018). Are You Satisfied With Just Performing Or Do You Want More?
- Olympic Boxer Mandy Bujold’s YouTube Channel. (April, 2018). Sport Psychology – Fulfilling Your Goals
- Canadian Running Magazine. The Shakeout Podcast. (April, 2018). Daily Habits of Highly Effective Runners
Contact Info:
F: 519.747.4594
Office location: BA513
Office hours:
By appointment.
Languages spoken: English