Michael J. A. Wohl, Graduate Chair

Research Interests

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.

Representative Publications

Conflict Resolution Research

Kirchner-Häusler, A., et al. (2025). The role of apology beliefs for apology outcomes across cultures with varying honor norms. Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology, 9, 100230, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cresp.2025.100230.

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

Orazani, S. N., Wohl, M. J. A., & Leidner, B. (2023). Third parties are supportive of social movement’s use of violence when it previously used nonviolence (but failed to achieve change). Peace and Conflict Studies: Journal of Peace Psychology, 29, 409–419. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000654

Wenzel, M., Quinney, B., Wohl, M. J. A., Barron, A., Woodyat, L. (2023). The tensions between collective-self forgiveness and political repair. European Journal of Social Psychology, 53, 1641-1662. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.3006

Wohl, M. J. A., Stefaniak, A., & Smeekes, A. (2023). Collective nostalgia as a balm for the distressed social identity. Current Opinions in Psychology, 49, 101542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101542

Gambling and Behavioral Addictions Research

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

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

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

Dowson, M., & Wohl, M. J. A. (2024). The long shadow of addiction-related nostalgia: Nostalgia predicts ambivalence and undermines the benefits of optimism in recovery. Substance Use & Misuse, 59, 989-998. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2310502