Michael J. A. Wohl, Graduate Chair

Professor

• PhD (Alberta)
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Dr. Michael Wohl, Psychology

Dr. Michael Wohl (Ph.D. 2003, University of Alberta) is a Professor of Psychology at Carleton University. Broadly speaking, he has two areas of research: 1) conflict resolution and 2) disordered gambling.

Conflict resolution: This research focuses on the causes and consequences of harmdoing at both the interpersonal (one person transgressing against another) and intergroup level (historical and contemporary harm experienced by members of one group at the hands of another group). This research examines, among other things, the emotional reaction that stems from harming or being harmed (e.g., angst, guilt) and their effects on psychological and physical health. Ultimately, Wohl’s work is oriented toward seeking means for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Disordered Gambling:  This research focuses on the factors that contribute to addiction (gambling) and refusal to seek treatment. The majority of this work has focused on erroneous cognitions (e.g., perceptions of luck), craving, and contextual factors (e.g., socio-economics) as predictors of continued gambling behaviour. Recently, Wohl has examined why disordered gamblers are reluctant to seek professional help and means to motivate behavioural change (e.g., promoting nostalgic revere for the pre-addicted self).

Funding for his research has come from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, Manitoba Gambling Research Program, Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, National Center for Responsible Gambling, and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation.

Recent Representative Publications

Conflict Resolution Research

Wohl, M. J. A, Tabri, N. Stefaniak, A., Ungson, N., & Packer, D. (in press). When memory meets anxiety: Collective nostalgia (civic- and homogeneity-focused) and collective angst shape strong leader support and voting behavior. Memory, Mind, & Media. https://doi.org/10.1017/mem.2026.10031

Wenzel, M., Wohl, M. J. A., Barron, A., Quinney, B., & Woodyatt, L. (2026). Silenced voice: Social identity, (empathetic) collective angst, and the troubled referendum to empower Indigenous Australians. Political Psychology, 47, e70103.  https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.70103 

 Wohl, M. J. A, Stefaniak, A., Ungson, N., & Packer, D. (2026). Strong leaders, not strongmen: How concern for polarization and collective nostalgia shape leader preference. European Journal of Social Psychology, 56, 601-621. http://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.70063

Kirchner-Häusler, A., et al., (2025). Assessing the Role of Honor Culture and Image Concerns in Impeding Apologies. European Journal of Social Psychology, 55, 893-911. http://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.70002

Ruggeri, K., et al., (2025). A synthesis of evidence for policy from behavioural science during COVID-19. Nature, 625, 134–147. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06840-9

Stefaniak, A., Wohl, M. J. A., & Higgison, K. (2025). Men have changed: The valence of gender role discontinuity and collective nostalgia shape men’s support for gender equality. Sex Roles, 91, 37, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-025-01578-2.

Gambling and Behavioral Addictions Research

Heirene, R. & Wohl, M. J. A. (2026). Setting limits on expectations: Rethinking who should be using responsible gambling tools and why? International Gambling Studies, 26, 69-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2025.2564402

Gaudett, G. E., Tabri, N., Davis, C. G., & Wohl, M. J. A. (2025). Perceptions of, and Engagement with, the GameSense Responsible Gambling Program in Massachusetts Casinos. International Gambling Studies, 25, 129-145. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2024.2425432

Gaudett, G. E., Wood, R. T. A., Pellizzari, P., & Wohl, M. J. A. (2025). Evaluating the effectiveness of responsible gambling messages: A rapid evidence assessment. Journal of Gambling Studies, 41, 891-914. https://doi.org/0.1007/s10899-025-10395-x

 Tabri, N., Wood, R. T. A, & Wohl, M. J. A. (2025). Personalized and normative feedback via the Positive Play Quiz increases intention and self-efficacy to gamble responsibly: A randomized controlled trial. Addiction, 100, 1016-1027. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16722

 Clark, L. & Wohl, M. J. A. (2024). Sports betting scandals highlight knowledge gaps for gambling harm. The  Lancet Regional Health – Americas, 38, 100879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2024.100879

Wohl, M. J. A., Dowson, M. E., Salmon, M. M., Sedikides, C., & Wildschut, T. (2024). The utility of nostalgia for unhealthy populations: A systematic review and narrative analysis. British Journal of Social Psychology, 63, 234-255. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12676