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The Mental Health in the Digital Age Lab is a research hub that explores the intersections between mental health, technology and learning across the lifespan. We investigate what it means to flourish in the digital age by researching digital wellness, individual and collective well-being, positive psychology and flourishing, educational psychology and trauma-informed care. Through our action-based research, we are dedicated to promoting holistic wellness to make our communities healthier. 

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Our Research

Our Lab focuses on educational and psychological research that explores moderators that influence the success of prevention and intervention approaches. Our five core research and outreach areas include digital wellness, individual and collective well-being, positive psychology and flourishing, educational psychology and trauma-informed care. 

DIGITAL WELLNESS
  • Relationship between technology and well-being

  • Tech with a conscience (design and delivery)

  • The Literacies

    • Digital, AI, Mental Health​

  • Digital wellness skills:

    • Emotional intelligence​

    • Mental health literacy

    • Critical thinking

    • Socio-emotional learning

    • Mindfulness

INDIVIDUAL & COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING

  • Holistic approaches to well-being 

  • Community, family and organizational wellness

  • Prevention and intervention methods

  • Coping strategies and self-care

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
  • Flourishing

  • Empowerment

  • Healthy lifespan development

  • Leadership

  • Authentic happiness and thriving

POSITIVE
EDUCATION
  • Educational Psychology and Psychoeducation

  • Learning and performance

  • Creative arts and creativity

  • Cultural competencies

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
  • Therapeutic interventions

  • Educational approaches

  • Workplace strategies

  • Hope and Compassion

  • Crisis intervention

Knowledge Mobilizers through Community Outreach

We are passionate about sharing evidence-based strategies and resources with the community! One of our main impact goals is to promote Community Flourishing through Community Outreach, Action-Based Research, Knowledge Mobilization, and Empowerment Projects (CAKE).

 

Throughout the year, we host conferences, webinars, workshops and trainings, and post various multimedia resources for community members to have up-to-date, research-supported strategies and practices to use in their personal and professional lives.

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Graduate Student Research

As part of the Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University, graduate students enrolled three affiliate courses, Mental Health in the Digital Age, Trauma-Informed Education and Digital Wellness, in the Master of Education program are Lab partners!

 

This innovative approach to learning bridges research and practice by integrating experiential learning opportunities into these graduate courses and promoting student research and projects as part of the Lab.

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Latest News from the Lab

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Participant Opportunity for Research: Youth's Digital Wellness

We are embarking on a journey to explore youth digital wellness, and we want to hear your thoughts!

 

If you're a Canadian student between the ages of 13-24, interested in the connection between digital wellness, mental health, and technology, and eager to make an impact, be a part of our study! 

The Mental Health in the Digital Age Lab team is based across Turtle Island, the traditional lands of many diverse Indigenous Nations and Peoples. We acknowledge and express deep gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for and continue to protect the lands, waters and resources on which we live, work, and learn. As a team committed to well-being, equity, and community flourishing, we are dedicated to ongoing learning, unlearning, respect, and action in support of truth and reconciliation. We encourage everyone engaging with our work to learn about the Indigenous territories they are on and consider how they can support Indigenous communities. Click here to learn more.

Our Partners

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  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Let's Connect!

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© 2025 Dr. Jennifer Laffier. All rights reserved. 

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