Tara MacDonald

Tara MacDonald is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen's University. She holds a B.A. (Hons.) from the University of Western Ontario (1991) and a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo (1996). Her research focuses on cognitive neglect in decision-making, particularly how alcohol intoxication influences risky behaviors like drunk driving and unsafe sex. She also investigates attitudinal ambivalence and the impact of romantic relationships on health outcomes.

Key research interests include understanding why individuals engage in behaviors conflicting with their stated attitudes, such as unprotected sex despite knowing risks. Her work spans experimental psychology, health psychology, and social psychology, with a focus on interventions to reduce health-risk behaviors.

Publications highlight her contributions to understanding alcohol’s role in impaired judgment, relationship dynamics, and the application of behavioral frameworks in healthcare settings. Her research often integrates theoretical models like attachment theory and ambivalence to explain complex social behaviors.

While no awards are explicitly listed, her extensive publication record and systematic reviews demonstrate significant scholarly contributions. She maintains an active lab and collaborates on projects addressing public health challenges, such as improving hand hygiene compliance in long-term care facilities.