Kyle T. Ganson

Kyle T. Ganson is an Assistant Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, specializing in adolescent health behaviors, eating disorders, and muscle dysmorphia. He leads the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, a longitudinal study tracking health trends in Canadian youth. His research bridges clinical practice and public health, with over 125 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on marginalized populations including boys and young men.

Education: PhD (Social Work, Simmons University), MSW (Wheelock College), BFA (School of Visual Arts).

Research Interests: Eating disorders, muscle-building behaviors, body image, substance use, and disparities in mental health outcomes among adolescents. His work addresses societal influences like social media, cyberbullying, and discrimination on health behaviors.

Key Projects: Investigates anabolic-androgenic steroid use, muscle dysmorphia, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Collaborates on studies with the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) cohort to explore screen time, sleep, and mental health.

Teaching: Teaches clinical social work courses including Elements of Social Work Practice and Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents.

Awards: 2021 Connaught New Researcher Award. Recognized for innovative research on male eating disorders and mental health interventions.

Public Engagement: Frequently cited in media (CBC, CTV, Healthline) for expertise on adolescent health issues. Maintains a private clinical practice integrating research insights into social work practice.