Carie Buchanan

Carie Buchanan is an Associate Professor and Department Head in the Department of Psychology at St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan. She specializes in developmental psychology with a focus on social development across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood, particularly in the areas of peer relationships, victimization, and university transitions.

Education:

• B.A. (High Honours), University of Saskatchewan
• Ph.D., University of Saskatchewan

Research Interests:

Buchanan's research centers on how peer relationships—both positive and negative—affect psychosocial adjustment during critical developmental transitions. Her work explores the impact of peer victimization, gender conformity, and social support on well-being, particularly during the transition from high school to university. She is also actively involved in evaluating interventions aimed at preventing sexual assault through prosocial bystander training.

Research Trends:

Her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on the long-term effects of adolescent peer victimization, with studies spanning over a decade. Themes include gender-based victimization, the role of social status in victimization experiences, and the development of interventions to support students during university transitions. Her work increasingly incorporates applied outcomes, such as sexual assault prevention and consent education.

Scientific Contributions & Collaborations:

• SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2019–2021): Evaluating Prosocial Bystander Intervention Training with Undergraduate Students in Preventing Sexual Assaults (with Drs. K. Lawson and D. McCreary)
• Collaborative studies on peer interactions and university adjustment (with Dr. P. McDougall)
• Multi-institutional research on factors influencing student success in post-secondary education

Teaching & Administrative Roles:

Buchanan teaches a range of undergraduate courses in developmental psychology and research methods, including Adolescent Development, Research Methods and Design, and Advanced Developmental Psychology. Administratively, she serves as Department Head and is actively involved in various college committees, including the Engaged Learning Working Group, the Special Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, and the STM Teaching Committee.