Barbara M. Gfellner

Biography

Dr. Barbara M. Gfellner is a developmental psychologist in the Department of Psychology at Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. She has expertise across the lifespan with a focus on adolescence, emerging adulthood and aging. Her research has covered a range of contemporary issues in terms of risk and resilience for psychological well-being.It has included assets and barriers to seniors’ independence, adolescent substance use and problem behaviors as well as early work in the area of problem gambling. More recently, her research has focused on emerging adulthood and transitions during the post-secondary years including adjustment to university,challenges in identity development, and the promotion of optimal functioning. This work involves international comparative research focused on contextual factors that impact upon personal identity development and well-being. In addition, her cross-cultural research highlights racial and ethnic identity as a protective resource in relation to risks such as discrimination and racism among Indigenous adolescents and young adults as well as recent immigrants.  

Research Interest

Emerging adulthood, identity development, racial and ethnic identity, psychosocial development, adjustment to university, risk and resilience, Indigenous youth, immigrant adolescents, mental health and psychological well-being, ego strengths