Putting Research into Practice

My research translates into my practice in order to effectively help my patients. My research lends credibility to my clinical work, giving me a sophisticated knowledge and understanding.

I conduct research principally in my specialty of eating disorders and weight disorders, but also in my other specialties areas. My research has a strong diversity focus, for example, examining how factors such as sex, age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or language may play a role in eating disorders and weight disorders. My research has lead to a better appreciation of my patients’ diverse backgrounds and their specific problems.

My expertise is cutting-edge, allowing me to bring the most up-to-date, empirically-supported treatments to my specialty areas. My research background makes me unique as a practitioner, giving special insight and understanding into people’s problems.

With my expertise grounded in research, I see to it that my patients receive effective treatment. I draw on research literature when helping my patients to achieve their treatment goals and overcome their problems. In this way, my practice is goal-oriented and evidence-based, which better serves the treatment needs of my patients in helping them to live healthier lives.

In addition to being a scientist-practitioner highly trained and recognized in my field, I am an accomplished published author, professional speaker and lecturer. I educate and advocate in my field.

Below is a selection of my research publications (peer-reviewed) in my specialty areas:

Journal Articles

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2021). Animal-assisted play: A strategy for promoting children’ physical activity play. International Journal of Playwork Practice, 2(1), 1-27. 

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2015). Integrative treatment of pediatric obesity: Psychological and spiritual considerations. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 14(1), 40-47.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2014). Ethnicity, socioeconomic status and eating disorder symptomatology in Canada: Implications for mental health care. Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, 7(4), 158-177.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2014). Dog walking: A leisurely solution to pediatric and adult obesity? World Leisure Journal, 56(2), 168-171.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2013). The effects of hope, body shame and body mass index on eating disorder symptomatology in women. International Journal of Psychology Research, 8(3), 207-226.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2013). Sociocultural and psychological considerations of pediatric obesity and eating disorder symptomatology in Canadian immigrants. Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, 3(1), 23-33.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2012). The impact of spirituality on eating disorder symptomatology in ethnically diverse Canadian women. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 59(8), 729-738.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2012). Ethnicity and spirituality as risk factors for eating disorder symptomatology in men. International Journal of Men’s Health, 11(1), 36-62.

Boisvert, J. A. (2012). Native American Indian women, fat studies and feminism. Somatechnics, 2(1), 84-92.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2009). The impact of English-speaking in the household and immigrant heritage on eating disorder symptomatology among Canadian women and men. Women’s Health and Urban Life, 8(2), 64-83.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2009). Homosexuality as a risk factor for eating disorder symptomatology in men. Journal of Men’s Studies, 17(3), 210-225.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2009). Ethnic and age differences in eating disorder symptomatology among Albertan women. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 41(3), 143-150.

Boisvert, J. A., & W. A. Harrell (2003). The influence of diagnosis, weight status, and religiosity on hope and eating disorder symptomatology in women. (Abstract 263). International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34(1), 66-67.

Book Chapters

Boisvert, J. A. (2022). Women’s experience of hope in a Twelve-Step self-help group for eating disorders. In L. Roberts (Ed.), A closer look at women’s health (pp. 1-55). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2022). The effects of hope and body shame on alcohol and drug use in eating disordered women. In L. Roberts (Ed.), A closer look at women’s health (pp. 57-94). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2019a). Relationships between religiosity, obesity, lifestyle behaviors, and co-morbidities, Part I: A literature review. In M. Saad & R. de Medeiros (Eds.), An Examination of Religiosity: Influences, Perspectives and Health Implications (pp. 31-88). Hauppage, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2019b). Relationships between religiosity, obesity, lifestyle behaviors, and co-morbidities, Part II: A quantitative study. In M. Saad & R. de Medeiros (Eds.), An Examination of Religiosity: Influences, Perspectives and Health Implications (pp. 89-128). Hauppage, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2016). A Twelve-Step day treatment program for women with eating disorders: Examining treatment effectiveness and spiritual health benefits. In N. Morton (Ed.)., Eating Disorders: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatment Options (pp. 223-270). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2016). Spirituality, religiosity and eating disorder symptomatology in women. In R. Cooper (Ed.), Religiosity: Psychological Perspectives, Individual Differences and Health Benefits (pp. 103-192). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2014). Body shame and eating disorder symptomatology: Gender, ethnic and sociocultural considerations. In K. G. Lockhart (Ed.), Psychology of Shame: New Research (pp. 1-38). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers.

Boisvert, J. A., & Harrell, W. A. (2013). The role of sexual orientation as risk and protective factors for eating disorder symptomatology in women. In J. Marich (Ed.), Psychology of Women: Diverse Perspectives From the Modern World (pp. 83-108). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers.

Additional Publications

If you wish to learn about additional publications besides those listed above, you are welcome to call me at 562-394-6645.