Overview
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
Works
Search Professor Alexander O'Donnell’s works on UQ eSpace
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
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
2020
Journal Article
Sport participation may protect socioeconomically disadvantaged youths with refugee backgrounds from experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties
O'Donnell, Alexander W., Stuart, Jaimee, Barber, Bonnie L. and Abkhezr, Peyman (2020). Sport participation may protect socioeconomically disadvantaged youths with refugee backgrounds from experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties. Journal of Adolescence, 85, 148-152. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.11.003
2020
Journal Article
The long-term financial and psychological resettlement outcomes of pre-migration trauma and post-settlement difficulties in resettled refugees
O'Donnell, Alexander W., Stuart, Jaimee and O'Donnell, Karlee J. (2020). The long-term financial and psychological resettlement outcomes of pre-migration trauma and post-settlement difficulties in resettled refugees. Social Science and Medicine, 262 113246, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113246
2019
Journal Article
Learning to fear outgroups: an associative learning explanation for the development and reduction of intergroup anxiety
O'Donnell, Alexander W., Neumann, David L., Duffy, Amanda L. and Paolini, Stefania (2019). Learning to fear outgroups: an associative learning explanation for the development and reduction of intergroup anxiety. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13 (3) e12442. doi: 10.1111/spc3.12442
2018
Journal Article
Exploring the association between adolescent sports participation and externalising behaviours: The moderating role of prosocial and risky peers
O'Donnell, Alexander W. and Barber, Bonnie L. (2018). Exploring the association between adolescent sports participation and externalising behaviours: The moderating role of prosocial and risky peers. Australian Journal of Psychology, 70 (4), 361-368. doi: 10.1111/ajpy.12203
2018
Journal Article
The Role of Online Social Identity in the Relationship between Alcohol-Related Content on Social Networking Sites and Adolescent Alcohol Use
Pegg, Karlee J., O'Donnell, Alexander W., Lala, Girish and Barber, Bonnie L. (2018). The Role of Online Social Identity in the Relationship between Alcohol-Related Content on Social Networking Sites and Adolescent Alcohol Use. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 21 (1), 50-55. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2016.0665
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Alexander O'Donnell is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the medical and social determinants of transgender and gender diverse adults' psychological wellbeing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Alexander O'Donnell directly for media enquiries about:
- Adolescence
- Communities
- Social Cohesion
- Well-being
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