Debra J. Pepler

Debra Pepler, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology at York University. Dr. Pepler holds a doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on relationships within the family and peer group, with a growing interest in the importance of healthy relationships for healthy development. She developed an innovative observational method to study aggression, bullying, and victimization. Her research on peer and family relationships has been embedded in interventions: Breaking the Cycle for substance using mothers and their young children, Bullying Prevention with the Toronto Board of Education, SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) for aggressive children and their parents, Pine River Institute for youth with addictions and mental health problems, and the Canadian Red Cross for violence prevention in Indigenous communities. Dr. Pepler co-founded and co-led PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) to promote healthy relationships and prevent bullying for children and youth (www.prevnet.ca).