Fredericton Faculty of Arts

Welcome to Dr. Janine V. Olthuis, Assistant Professor in Psychology

BIO

"I’m originally from Ontario (both Toronto area and northern Ontario) but am coming to UNB by way of an undergrad at Smith College in Massachusetts, graduate school and a post-doc in Halifax, and a residency year in London, Ontario."

RESEARCH INTERESTS AND UPCOMING PROJECTS

"My research explores ways to increase access to evidence-based psychological interventions, focusing on: (1) the development and evaluation of distance-delivered interventions, (2) the exploration of transdiagnostic interventions (i.e., interventions focused on treating shared risk factors, most notably anxiety sensitivity), and (3) the use of physical exercise in mental health treatment. My interests are grounded in cognitive behavioural theories with a focus on anxiety and related disorders (depression, trauma, substance use). I am also interested in psychosocial risk factors (e.g., motives, expectancies, social norms) that contribute to alcohol use among adolescents, young adults, and student-athletes.

In terms of new projects, we are getting ready to run a Learn to Run for Anxiety research study this fall as well as developing a project to test the efficacy of physical exercise as an adjunct intervention for veterans with PTSD or other operational stress injuries. We are also starting a large treatment study testing the efficacy of transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy as compared to traditional disorder-specific cognitive behaviour therapy for individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or substance use problems."

WHAT COURSES ARE YOU TEACHING AT UNB THIS YEAR?

"I will be teaching Adult Abnormal Psychology, Community Psychology, and Child and Adolescent Psychopathology at the undergraduate level and one graduate course – Cognitive Behaviour Therapy."

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT HARD AT WORK ON CAMPUS?

"When I’m not on campus, you’re likely to find me in a gym or on a court or sports field here in Fredericton. To meet more people in this lovely city I’ve joined frisbee and volleyball teams and am a member at Biometrics Strength & Conditioning. I’m looking forward to new sports and to hopefully getting back into coaching soccer in the next year!"

FAVOURITE PART OF FREDERICTON SO FAR…

“I love how beautiful Fredericton is – I live on the north side so driving across the bridge to work every morning is a chance to start the day with a beautiful glimpse of the river, the university, downtown, and all of the nature! I’ve also been really thrilled with how friendly everyone at UNB has been!"

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW STUDENTS JOINING US THIS FALL?

“Get involved! I have heard of so many great opportunities (sports, clubs, research, arts) going on at UNB since I’ve arrived; finding something you really enjoy outside of classes will help make the whole university experience that much more meaningful and fun."