معرفی
Dr. Alexander Penney serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology within MacEwan University's Faculty of Arts and Science in Edmonton, Alberta. He joined the institution in 2014 following completion of his PhD at Lakehead University, where he established his research program focused on anxiety disorders.
His academic credentials include:
- PhD in Psychology from Lakehead University
Dr. Penney's research program centers on adult anxiety disorders with dual specialization in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and health anxiety (including hypochondriasis and illness anxiety disorder). He investigates cognitive-behavioural models, particularly testing the Metacognitive Model and Intolerance of Uncertainty Model of GAD through experimental and survey methodologies. His secondary research area examines health anxiety mechanisms, including development of induction procedures and exploration of underlying cognitive processes. This work is conducted through the Worry and Health Anxiety (WAHA) Lab, which actively involves undergraduate researchers.
Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2016-2025) reveals consistent investigation into anxiety maintenance mechanisms, with particular emphasis on metacognitions, intolerance of uncertainty, and negative worry beliefs. Recent work addresses contemporary issues such as pandemic-related anxiety while maintaining focus on core theoretical models. His research demonstrates methodological diversity through cross-sectional surveys, experimental designs, and clinical assessments across multiple anxiety disorders.
His scientific recognition includes:
- Scholarship Support Grant, MacEwan University (2021)
- Scholarship Support Grant, MacEwan University (2023)
- Faculty Project Grant, MacEwan University (2020)
- Faculty Project Grant, MacEwan University (2023)
Dr. Penney actively mentors undergraduate researchers through honours thesis supervision and the WAHA Lab volunteer program. His teaching portfolio includes PSYC 105 (Introductory Psychology II), PSYC 233 (Personality), PSYC 339 (Abnormal Psychology), and PSYC 405 (Special Topics: Anxiety Disorder Mechanisms). He contributes to university governance as a member of the MacEwan Research Ethics Board and maintains professional affiliations with the Canadian Psychological Association and Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (as a founding member).
The Worry and Health Anxiety (WAHA) Lab serves as the primary research environment for Dr. Penney's investigations, providing structured opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in data collection, analysis, and theoretical development related to anxiety mechanisms. Current lab projects examine cognitive mediators in health anxiety and the interaction between metacognitive processes and emotional disorders.
