Event Title
The RAE in mental health and well-being
Location
Room 320, Norman Bethune College, York University (Toronto, ON)
Start Date
17-10-2018 10:15 AM
End Date
17-10-2018 10:45 AM
Description
This paper will discuss the data supporting the supposed effects of relative age on mental health and well-being. To date, the connections have not been as robust as those found for sports or academic achievement. Nonetheless, associations with relative age have been found for self-esteem, school adjustment, youth peer relations, suicidal behaviour, and depression. The view will be advanced that the somewhat small effect sizes have been due to methodological obstacles that may be masking the strength of the relationships between relative age and well-being. Furthermore, it appears that the strong relative age literature has been based more on its phenomena than on the discovery of its underpinnings. Quite understandable for a young field of study, but it nevertheless leaves us with an absence of theory to guide ongoing research about relative age mechanisms. Research questions and approaches sparked by these issues will be offered for discussion.
The RAE in mental health and well-being
Room 320, Norman Bethune College, York University (Toronto, ON)
This paper will discuss the data supporting the supposed effects of relative age on mental health and well-being. To date, the connections have not been as robust as those found for sports or academic achievement. Nonetheless, associations with relative age have been found for self-esteem, school adjustment, youth peer relations, suicidal behaviour, and depression. The view will be advanced that the somewhat small effect sizes have been due to methodological obstacles that may be masking the strength of the relationships between relative age and well-being. Furthermore, it appears that the strong relative age literature has been based more on its phenomena than on the discovery of its underpinnings. Quite understandable for a young field of study, but it nevertheless leaves us with an absence of theory to guide ongoing research about relative age mechanisms. Research questions and approaches sparked by these issues will be offered for discussion.
Comments
Gus Thompson graduated with a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of London, England. He has served as a clinical psychologist, executive, and researcher. Gus is currently affiliated with the Institute of Health Economics and the University of Alberta. He has served as Vice-President of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, member of the Local Advisory Committee for the World Psychiatric Association's Worldwide Anti Stigma Campaign, Chair & Director of the Alberta Mental Health Research Fund, and Alberta Representative on the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group on the Mental Health of Children & Youth. Recognitions include the Alexander Leighton Award in Psychiatric Epidemiology (presented jointly by the Canadian Academy of Psychiatric Epidemiology and the Canadian Psychiatric Association). Research publications focus on relative age, suicide, depression, workplace mental health and productivity, and children's mental health.