|
Research interests: dieting and weight loss behaviours, mental health, eating pathologies, social media, health information seeking behaviours
Education:
MSc, Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo (2016-2018) (MSc Thesis Summary) BSc, Honours Psychology with minor in French, Faculty of Science, Mount Allison University (2012-2016) DEC, International Business, Department of Social Science, Dawson College (2010-2012) |
Presentations:
- Price M, Ferro MA, Raffoul A, Hammond D, Kirkpatrick SI. Youth and young adults attempting to lose weight use a combination of strategies, with potential implications for health. Canadian Obesity Network Student Meetup. London, Ontario. June 2018.
- Price M, Boluk K, Neiterman E, Kirkpatrick SI. #URWhatUTwEat: The potential for social media to enhance higher education. Canadian Public Health Association Conference. Montreal, Quebec. May 2018.
- Price M, Boluk K, Neiterman E, Kirkpatrick SI. Can assignments using social media outside the classroom enhance student learning and instructor engagement? University of Waterloo Teaching and Learning Conference. Waterloo, Ontario. April 2018.
- Price M, Johnston L, Godin K, Willmott L, Manlangit L. Bringing Meatless Mondays to the University of Waterloo: Students from the Meatless Mondays- University of Waterloo Initiative. Meal Exchange's National Student Food Summit. June 23, 2017. University of Guelph, Ontario.
- Wasylkiw L, Price M. Fostering positive body image through mindfulness training. Dr. Donald MacLellan Research Day (Horizon Health Network). June 2016. Moncton. New Brunswick.
- Price M, Wasylkiw L. Mindful living: The effect of mindfulness interventions on women’s body image. Psychology Research Day. April 2016. Sackville, New Brunswick.
Recognitions:
- 2016: Canadian Obesity Network Student and New Professionals Perfect Pitch case competition winner (Price M, Goyal J and Brandow D), University of Waterloo
- 2016: Marion H. Cummings Scholarship, Mount Allison University
- 2012: Entrance Scholarship, Mount Allison University
Professional Activities and Networks:
- Vice-President of Communications for the SPHHS Graduate Student Association, University of Waterloo (2016-2017)
- Vice-President of Psychology Society, Mount Allison University (2015-2016)
- Campus Ecological Representative, Mount Allison University (2014-2016)
- Web Design and Marketing Intern for Trellisys Technologies Inc. (2015-2016)
- Vice-President and member of Habitat for Humanity, Mount Allison University Chapter (2012-2016)
Summary of MSc Thesis: Sources of Nutrition Information in Relation to Weight Loss Behaviours Among Young Canadian Adults Trying to Lose Weight
- Weight loss attempts are prevalent among youth and young adult
- A range of strategies may be used to lose weight, some of which have been conceptualized as health promoting (e.g., increasing fruit and vegetable intake) while others are considered health compromising (e.g., laxative use)
- The type of weight loss behaviours used may be influenced by the information sources they seek or are exposed to in relation to nutrition, diet, and weight
- The purpose of the study was to examine patterns of weight loss behaviours and nutrition information sources utilized among young Canadian adults (16-30 years of age) who reported trying to lose weight in the previous year, and to examine associations between the sources consulted and weight loss methods utilized
- Factor analysis was used to identify patterns of weight loss behaviours and nutrition information sources
- Four weight loss behaviour patterns were identified: Dietary Changes, Purging and Restrictive Behaviours, Non-Prescribed Supplements and Formulas, and Health-Promoting Behaviours
- Four sources for nutrition information were identified: Government and Health Association Materials, Health and Weight Loss Specialists, Commercial Sources, and Easily Accessible Sources
- Building on insights from factor analyses to operationalize variables, Poisson regression modelling was used to examine associations between nutrition information sources used and weight loss behaviour
- Greater use of sources categorized as Health and Health Loss Specialists and Commercial sources was associated with greater use of Non-Prescribed Supplements and Formulas for weight loss, while use of Government and Health Association Materials was associated with decreased use
- Greater use of Health and Weight Loss Specialists, and Easily Accessible Sources was associated with greater use of Dietary Changes for weight loss
- Overall, the present study proposes a novel categorization approach for weight loss behaviours, and suggests the need for improved monitoring of health information, as information sources were found to be associated with weight loss behaviours among young Canadians