Funded Research
The centre is evolving as a hub for research at Laurier. As the centre holds more calls for research funding applications, the number of ongoing research projects listed on this page will increase. Currently, CPAC is funding the following research projects:
UNDERSTANDING THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CHALLENGES AND PRESERENCES FOR NEW CANADIAN WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Investigators: Amy Gayman and Mark Eys
Given the importance of a physically active lifestyle to overall well-being, it is imperative that steps are taken to encourage earlier involvement in physical activity among newcomers to Canada. Physical activity interventions may be particularly beneficial to new immigrant women and children. The study will involve a qualitative examination of recent female immigrants’ views of physical activity after arriving in Canada to gain insight into their personal experiences, challenges, and preferences for physical activity, and to better understand their perspectives of physical activity among children in their family and community.
Professor Mark Eys is a Canada Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity and the director of the Group Dynamics and Physical Activity Laboratory.
Contact: meyes@wlu.ca.
GROUP PROCESSES AND SUSTAINED INVOLVMENT IN YOUTH SPORT: THE INFLUENCE OF EARLY SPORT EXPERIENCES ON SPORT PARTICIPATION THROUGHOUT THE LIFESPAN
Investigators: Amy Gayman and Mark Eys
The study will conduct interviews with adults (55 years of age and older) involved in team sport to gain insight into the influence of early group experiences on continued participation or re-engagement in sport following dropout in childhood or adolescence. Participants’ reflections on past and present experiences in team sport may inform the structure of sport environments to reduce or prevent current levels of sport attrition seen in child and youth sport and promote sport participation in older adulthood. Furthermore, this information may be used to enhance positive group experiences in community sport programming for both younger and older participants.
Professor Mark Eys is a Canada Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity and the director of the Group Dynamics and Physical Activity Laboratory.
Contact: meyes@wlu.ca.
Examining the Relationships Among Cultural Diversity, Cohesion and Individual Outcomes in a Youth Sport Context
Investigators: Michael Godfrey and Mark Eys
The purpose of this study is to understand how cultural diversity influences team cohesion and important individual outcomes (e.g. satisfaction) in youth sport. This will be achieved through two projects. First, the relationships among cultural diversity, cohesion, and individual outcomes will be examined. Second, a qualitative methodology will be used to gain a more in-depth understanding of how cultural diversity influences youth athletes' sport experiences and perceptions of cohesion. Overall, this study is expected to provide an initial understanding of the effects of cultural diversity in youth sport environments.
Professor Mark Eys is a Canada Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity and the director of the Group Dynamics and Physical Activity Laboratory.
Contact: meyes@wlu.ca.
Impact of Team Member Hormone Profiles on Group Cohesion
Investigators: David Webster and Mark Eys
The purpose of this study will be to use the Group Environment Questionnaire to measure group cohesion. The study's plan is to recruit 15 varsity sports teams, each with an estimated 15 members. Testosterone and cortisol levels in all team members of all groups will be measured. The outcome of this research project could demonstrate a critical determinant of cohesion and offers a unique perspective on group dynamics by combining psychological and physiological methods.
Professor Mark Eys is a Canada Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity and the director of the Group Dynamics and Physical Activity Laboratory.
Contact: meyes@wlu.ca.
Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey for the KW Region
Investigators: Brianna Redquest, Nicole Reinders and Paula Fletcher.
The purpose of this study is to assess the physical activity and nutrition behaviours of youth and their caregivers in the K-W region. The study will collect information that will direct program development at CPAC. Steps of this research include creating a survey regarding physical activity and nutrition behaviours for youth and caregivers. Next the team will distribute surveys throughout the region to youth through schools, clubs, and teams and to caregivers through youth, advertisements, and word of mouth.
Paula Fletcher is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Contact: pfletcher@wlu.ca.