Faculty Bio
Dr. Erin Shanahan
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Originally from Ontario, I completed my BA in Psychology at Brock University and my PhD, specializing in Social Psychology, at Wilfrid Laurier University. After receiving my PhD, I worked for a short time in market research as a behavioural science associate at a market research firm, providing guidance on how to apply psychological and behavioural science principles to understand consumer behaviour. I also spent some time working in institutional research, applying my research skills to support new program development. Although both fields were fascinating, I missed teaching and mentoring students and decided to return to academia. I moved to Alberta and joined St. Mary’s in the summer of 2023. I aim to provide an engaging and supportive learning environment where students can share their ideas, actively participate in the learning process, and develop important practical skills.
My research examines the predictors, consequences, and accuracy of individuals' future expectations related to their life satisfaction, social class, and health. For example, I examine individuals’ beliefs about where life satisfaction comes from and how this belief may impact the types of behaviours they engage in and ultimately their life satisfaction over time. I also looked at the impact of societal level beliefs such as the American Dream on individuals’ judgements and decisions. Specifically, my research explores how individuals respond to those who succeed vs. fail to achieve the American Dream and the downstream consequences of these responses. I am also interested in exploring possible ways to challenge the potentially harmful aspects of the narrative without disregarding the inherent benefits.
Specialization/Research Interest:
Teaching Interests:
• Social Psychology (PSYC 355)
• Personality Psychology (PSYC 393)
• Consumer Psychology (PSYC 495)
• Critical Issues in Psychology (PSYC 203)
• Introduction to Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology (PSYC 312A)
• Psychometrics (PSYC 343)
Education
PhD Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier university
BA Psychology (Honours), Brock University
- Shanahan, E., Lefebvre, J. P., Chauhan, P. K, & Wilson, A. E. (2024). In my grasp or out of my hands? Belief about where life satisfaction comes from predicts motivation to seek it. Journal of Happiness Studies, 25(1/2), 1-37.
- Shanahan, E. (2021). Is it just a dream? How attributions for successful and unsuccessful social mobility attempts maintain the myth of the American Dream. Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive), 2399.
- Wilson, A. E. & Shanahan, E. (2020). Temporal comparisons in a social world. In J. Suls (Ed.). Social Comparison in Judgment and Behavior. Oxford Press.
- Shanahan, E., & Busseri, M. A. (2019). A systematic review of the relationship between life script event age and valence across the lifespan. Psychology and Aging, 34, 698-708.
- Shanahan, E., & Busseri, M. A., (2016). Life gets better and better: Cultural life script theory and subjective life satisfaction trajectories among young adults. European Journal of Personality, 30(6), 564-579
- Forthcoming Publication: Shanahan, E., & Wilson, A. E. Is it just a dream? How attributions for successful and unsuccessful social mobility attempts maintain the myth of the American Dream. Manuscript Under Review. Preprint available
- Forthcoming Publication: Shanahan, E., Busseri, M. A., & Wilson, A. E. Self-fulfilling futures: Implicit theories, engagement in well-being supportive behaviors, and satisfaction over time. Manuscript in Preparation.