Through the Eyes of a

Research

Assistant

A recent University of Toronto graduate aspiring to pursue

a career in psychotherapy shares her experience working at a psychology research lab.

By Maya Awad

Research consistently shows the impact of the environment and familial context on a child's social and emotional well-being (Malti, 2020). These factors lay the foundation for a child's future cognitive and emotional capabilities, influencing their ability to navigate challenges and form healthy relationships. This understanding has fueled my desire to advocate for supportive environments that foster growth which led me to join the Laboratory for Social-Emotional Development and Intervention (SEDI Lab), first by volunteering as a research assistant now working here part time.

pip o. team working lunch

Pei & Maya set up for the art exhibit

At the SEDI Lab, we focus on ways to support caregivers, educators, and communities in nurturing children’s healthy development. As a psychology student, I learned various theories and principles about child development and mental health. As a research assistant, I was trained to incorporate research-informed practices and strategies into our resources to promote social-emotional development in children. I contribute to the development of our educational materials and assist in planning and coordinating our community-based events and workshops. I also received training to facilitate sessions, lead activities, and moderate discussions about mental health and well-being during events to engage participants. My role has allowed me to extend research beyond the lab and help transform knowledge into action.

As a recent graduate aspiring to pursue a career in psychotherapy, this experience has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of human development and the factors that influence mental health and well-being. the classroom and can be extremely beneficial for personal and professional growth.

In reflecting on my journey at the SEDI Lab, I realize that understanding social-emotional development is not just a scientific principle but a collective responsibility. As we look deeper into this exploration together, remember that by creating a supportive environment and recognizing the crucial role caregivers and educators play, we contribute to a future where every child can flourish emotionally and thrive. I feel deeply privileged to be able to contribute to meaningful projects that aim to promote the well-being and ethical development of children and youth.

Final thoughts