Dr Alexander O'Donnell
Dr

Alexander O'Donnell

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 67630

Background

I am a social and developmental psychologist specialising in how social environments shape people’s development. My research focuses on family, peer, school, and community influences on mental health, educational aspirations, and social attitudes.

My work applies advanced statistical methods, including latent class analysis, longitudinal modeling, and moderation-mediation frameworks. I collaborate with schools, clinics, and policymakers to ensure my research has practical applications for improving life outcomes and fostering inclusive social environments.

Through interdisciplinary projects, I aim to bridge psychological research and real-world practice, contributing to healthier, more equitable societies.

Availability

Dr Alexander O'Donnell is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Search Professor Alexander O'Donnell’s works on UQ eSpace

25 works between 2018 and 2025
All (25) Journal Article (25)

1 - 20 of 25 works

2025

Journal Article

Conspiracy beliefs and democratic backsliding: Longitudinal effects of election conspiracy beliefs on criticism of democracy and support for authoritarianism during political contests

Thomas, Emma F., O'Donnell, Alexander, Osborne, Danny, Bird, Lucy, Yip, Lisette, Buonaiuto, Eliana, Lizzio-Wilson, Morgana, Skitka, Linda and Wenzel, Michael (2025). Conspiracy beliefs and democratic backsliding: Longitudinal effects of election conspiracy beliefs on criticism of democracy and support for authoritarianism during political contests. Political Psychology. doi: 10.1111/pops.13075

Conspiracy beliefs and democratic backsliding: Longitudinal effects of election conspiracy beliefs on criticism of democracy and support for authoritarianism during political contests

2024

Journal Article

Longitudinal Relationships Between Financial Stress, Career Related Optimism, and Psychological Distress During Emerging Adulthood in Australia

Wake, Alexandra and O’Donnell, Alexander W. (2024). Longitudinal Relationships Between Financial Stress, Career Related Optimism, and Psychological Distress During Emerging Adulthood in Australia. Youth & Society, 56 (7), 1336-1363. doi: 10.1177/0044118x241232997

Longitudinal Relationships Between Financial Stress, Career Related Optimism, and Psychological Distress During Emerging Adulthood in Australia

2024

Journal Article

Statistics anxiety or statistics fear? A reinforcement sensitivity theory perspective on psychology students’ statistics anxiety, attitudes, and self-efficacy

Mendes, Renata A., Loxton, Natalie J., Stuart, Jaimee, O’Donnell, Alexander W. and Stainer, Matthew J. (2024). Statistics anxiety or statistics fear? A reinforcement sensitivity theory perspective on psychology students’ statistics anxiety, attitudes, and self-efficacy. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 39 (3), 2461-2480. doi: 10.1007/s10212-024-00802-z

Statistics anxiety or statistics fear? A reinforcement sensitivity theory perspective on psychology students’ statistics anxiety, attitudes, and self-efficacy

2024

Journal Article

Do conspiracy beliefs fuel support for reactionary social movements? Effects of misbeliefs on actions to oppose lockdown and to “stop the steal”

Thomas, Emma F., Bird, Lucy, O'Donnell, Alexander, Osborne, Danny, Buonaiuto, Eliana, Yip, Lisette, Lizzio‐Wilson, Morgana, Wenzel, Michael and Skitka, Linda (2024). Do conspiracy beliefs fuel support for reactionary social movements? Effects of misbeliefs on actions to oppose lockdown and to “stop the steal”. British Journal of Social Psychology, 63 (3), 1297-1317. doi: 10.1111/bjso.12727

Do conspiracy beliefs fuel support for reactionary social movements? Effects of misbeliefs on actions to oppose lockdown and to “stop the steal”

2024

Journal Article

Extracurricular activity participation, school belonging, and depressed mood: a test of the compensation hypothesis during adolescence

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Redmond, Gerry, Gardner, Alex A., Wang, Joanna J. J. and Mooney, Anna (2024). Extracurricular activity participation, school belonging, and depressed mood: a test of the compensation hypothesis during adolescence. Applied Developmental Science, 28 (4), 596-611. doi: 10.1080/10888691.2023.2260745

Extracurricular activity participation, school belonging, and depressed mood: a test of the compensation hypothesis during adolescence

2023

Journal Article

The relationship between financial hardships and the development of risk-taking behaviors: the protective role of extracurricular activities

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Redmond, Gerry, Skattebol, Jennifer, Allen, Jacqueline, Thomson, Cathy and MacDougall, Colin (2023). The relationship between financial hardships and the development of risk-taking behaviors: the protective role of extracurricular activities. Youth and Society, 55 (5), 895-923. doi: 10.1177/0044118X221127724

The relationship between financial hardships and the development of risk-taking behaviors: the protective role of extracurricular activities

2023

Journal Article

Distinct trajectories of psychological distress among resettled refugees: community acceptance predicts resilience while low ingroup social support predicts clinical distress

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Paolini, Stefania and Stuart, Jaimee (2023). Distinct trajectories of psychological distress among resettled refugees: community acceptance predicts resilience while low ingroup social support predicts clinical distress. Transcultural Psychiatry, 60 (1) 13634615221098309, 26-38. doi: 10.1177/13634615221098309

Distinct trajectories of psychological distress among resettled refugees: community acceptance predicts resilience while low ingroup social support predicts clinical distress

2023

Journal Article

Social and emotional wellbeing among young people; the mitigating role of ecological domains

Turkmani, Sabera, Bista, Sarita, Wang, Joanna J. J., O'Donnell, Alexander W., Thomson, Catherine, Radcliffe, Natasha Jane, Skattebol, Jennifer, Redmond, Gerry and Brooks, Fiona (2023). Social and emotional wellbeing among young people; the mitigating role of ecological domains. Child Indicators Research, 16 (3), 941-962. doi: 10.1007/s12187-022-10008-8

Social and emotional wellbeing among young people; the mitigating role of ecological domains

2022

Journal Article

The association between parental educational expectations and school functioning among young people with disabilities: a longitudinal investigation

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Redmond, Gerry, Arciuli, Joanne, Robinson, Sally, Skattebol, Jennifer, Raghavendra, Parimala, Thomson, Cathy, Wang, Joanna J. J. and Emerson, Eric (2022). The association between parental educational expectations and school functioning among young people with disabilities: a longitudinal investigation. Exceptional Children, 89 (1), 60-78. doi: 10.1177/00144029221087392

The association between parental educational expectations and school functioning among young people with disabilities: a longitudinal investigation

2022

Journal Article

Reducing educational disparities between australian adolescents in regional and metropolitan communities: the compensatory effects of extracurricular activities

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Redmond, Gerry, Thomson, Cathy, Wang, Joanna J. J. and Turkmani, Sabera (2022). Reducing educational disparities between australian adolescents in regional and metropolitan communities: the compensatory effects of extracurricular activities. Developmental Psychology, 58 (12), 2358-2371. doi: 10.1037/dev0001434

Reducing educational disparities between australian adolescents in regional and metropolitan communities: the compensatory effects of extracurricular activities

2022

Journal Article

Asynchronous and synchronous remote teaching and academic outcomes during COVID-19

Stuart, Jaimee, O’Donnell, Alexander W., Scott, Riley, O’Donnell, Karlee, Lund, Rochelle and Barber, Bonnie (2022). Asynchronous and synchronous remote teaching and academic outcomes during COVID-19. Distance Education, 43 (3), 408-425. doi: 10.1080/01587919.2022.2088477

Asynchronous and synchronous remote teaching and academic outcomes during COVID-19

2022

Journal Article

Trajectories of substance use and well-being in early and middle adolescence shaped by social connectedness

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Stuart, Jaimee, Jose, Paul E. and Homel, Jacqueline (2022). Trajectories of substance use and well-being in early and middle adolescence shaped by social connectedness. Journal of Research On Adolescence, 32 (2), 769-784. doi: 10.1111/jora.12620

Trajectories of substance use and well-being in early and middle adolescence shaped by social connectedness

2022

Journal Article

Who excludes? Young people's experience of social exclusion

Redmond, Gerry, Main, Gill, O'donnell, Alexander W., Skattebol, Jennifer, Woodman, Richard, Mooney, Anna, Wang, Joanna, Turkmani, Sabera, Thomson, Catherine and Brooks, Fiona (2022). Who excludes? Young people's experience of social exclusion. Journal of Social Policy, 53 (1) PII S0047279422000046, 236-259. doi: 10.1017/S0047279422000046

Who excludes? Young people's experience of social exclusion

2022

Journal Article

Social connections during physical isolation: how a shift to online interaction explains friendship satisfaction and social well-being

Scott, Riley A., Stuart, Jaimee, Barber, Bonnie L., O'Donnell, Karlee J. and O'Donnell, Alexander W. (2022). Social connections during physical isolation: how a shift to online interaction explains friendship satisfaction and social well-being. Cyberpsychology, 16 (2) 10. doi: 10.5817/CP2022-2-10

Social connections during physical isolation: how a shift to online interaction explains friendship satisfaction and social well-being

2021

Journal Article

Associative learning processes in the formation of intergroup anxiety and avoidance in society

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Neumann, David L. and Duffy, Amanda L. (2021). Associative learning processes in the formation of intergroup anxiety and avoidance in society. Psychological Reports, 124 (6) 0033294120965472, 2587-2612. doi: 10.1177/0033294120965472

Associative learning processes in the formation of intergroup anxiety and avoidance in society

2021

Journal Article

Technological and analytical advancements in intergroup contact research

O'Donnell, Alexander W., Friehs, Maria‐Therese, Bracegirdle, Chloe, Zúñiga, Claudia, Watt, Susan Ellen and Barlow, Fiona Kate (2021). Technological and analytical advancements in intergroup contact research. Journal of Social Issues, 77 (1), 171-196. doi: 10.1111/josi.12424

Technological and analytical advancements in intergroup contact research

2021

Journal Article

How do we get people into contact? Predictors of intergroup contact and drivers of contact seeking

Kauff, Mathias, Beneda, Marta, Paolini, Stefania, Bilewicz, Michal, Kotzur, Patrick, O'Donnell, Alexander W., Stevenson, Clifford, Wagner, Ulrich and Christ, Oliver (2021). How do we get people into contact? Predictors of intergroup contact and drivers of contact seeking. Journal of Social Issues, 77 (1), 38-63. doi: 10.1111/josi.12398

How do we get people into contact? Predictors of intergroup contact and drivers of contact seeking

2021

Journal Article

Online social connection as a buffer of health anxiety and isolation during COVID-19

Stuart, Jaimee, O'Donnell, Karlee, O'Donnell, Alex, Scott, Riley and Barber, Bonnie (2021). Online social connection as a buffer of health anxiety and isolation during COVID-19. Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking, 24 (8), 521-525. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2020.0645

Online social connection as a buffer of health anxiety and isolation during COVID-19

2021

Journal Article

Ongoing engagement in organized activities may buffer disadvantaged youth against increasing externalizing behaviors

O'Donnell, Alexander W. and Barber, Bonnie L. (2021). Ongoing engagement in organized activities may buffer disadvantaged youth against increasing externalizing behaviors. Journal of Leisure Research, 52 (1), 22-40. doi: 10.1080/00222216.2020.1741328

Ongoing engagement in organized activities may buffer disadvantaged youth against increasing externalizing behaviors

2021

Journal Article

An investigation of the relationship between cross-race friendships and attraction

Thai, Michael, O’Donnell, Alexander W., Turner, Rhiannon N. and Barlow, Fiona Kate (2021). An investigation of the relationship between cross-race friendships and attraction. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 48 (6) 1461672211026130, 901-922. doi: 10.1177/01461672211026130

An investigation of the relationship between cross-race friendships and attraction

Availability

Dr Alexander O'Donnell is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Enquiries

Contact Dr Alexander O'Donnell directly for media enquiries about:

  • Adolescence
  • Communities
  • Social Cohesion
  • Well-being

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au