Renate Ysseldyk

Renate Ysseldyk is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science at Carleton University, specializing in Social and Health Psychology with a focus on Aging. Her interdisciplinary research combines mixed-method and community-based approaches to address mental health and societal well-being through three key themes: healthy aging, social identities (religious, ethnic, gender-based), and stress coping mechanisms.

Education: PhD in Psychology from Carleton University.

Research Interests: Dr. Ysseldyk’s work explores mental health outcomes among vulnerable populations such as older adults living with dementia, caregivers, and those facing stigma or trauma. Her studies emphasize social identity frameworks to improve psychosocial care and mental health interventions. Key topics include religious identity’s impact on health behaviors, stress management strategies, and the role of technology in aging populations.

Publications: Recent work examines pandemic mental health dynamics, vaccination intentions linked to religious beliefs, and technology training for aging adults. Her studies highlight themes like collective post-traumatic growth, social inequities in health outcomes, and the intersection of cultural identity with well-being.

Labs/Teams: Engages in community-based health research initiatives, focusing on translational approaches to address caregiving challenges and health disparities in marginalized groups.