Dr. Michael Wohl

Biography

Michael J. Wohl holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta and is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University. His research interests primarily revolve around conflict resolution and disordered gambling. In conflict resolution, he investigates the causes and consequences of harms caused by individuals or groups, focusing on emotional reactions such as guilt and their psychological impacts. Wohl aims to discover pathways to forgiveness and reconciliation through his work. Regarding disordered gambling, his research addresses the factors contributing to gambling addiction and the common reluctance of individuals to seek treatment. He explores misconceptions related to luck, contextual factors that influence gambling behavior, and the motivational aspects of behavioral change, particularly promoting a nostalgic connection to pre-addicted selves. His work has been supported by various organizations, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. Throughout his career, Wohl has published numerous papers on these topics, contributing significant insights to both conflict resolution and gambling behavior studies.

Research Interests