Michael Atkinson, University of Toronto

Research

Read how they describe their research on their University of Toronto profile.

Cultural studies Sensory systems, pain

Latest papers

"Shut up! Don't look at me!": A qualitative description of body image and attention among elite athletes.
Psychology of sport and exercise · 2026 · senior author
Mapping MAiD Discordance: A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors Complicating MAiD Bereavement in Canada.
Qualitative health research · 2024 · senior author
Unacknowledged Pain and Disenfranchised Grief: A Narrative Analysis of Physical and Emotional Pain in Complex MAiD Bereavement Stories.
Canadian journal of pain = Revue canadienne de la douleur · 2023

All 4 publications

Latest funding

The Ethics of Pain Research, Management, and Policy: A Planning and Knowledge Exchange Meeting
CIHR · 2018 · Co-investigator
$19,992
Parental wounds: examining abuse and children's rights in sport
SSHRC · 2011 · Principal investigator
$58,840
From the sidelines to the lockerrooms: Internationalizing Masculinities, Bodies and Body Images
CIHR · 2011 · Co-investigator
$24,964

All 5 grants and awards

4 publications.

01

"Shut up! Don't look at me!": A qualitative description of body image and attention among elite athletes.

Thibodeau DE, Sabiston CM, Atkinson M

Psychology of sport and exercise2026Senior author

DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103175 PMID: 42178037

02

Mapping MAiD Discordance: A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors Complicating MAiD Bereavement in Canada.

Serota K, Buchman DZ, Atkinson M

Qualitative health research2024Senior author

DOI: 10.1177/10497323231208540 PMID: 37972933

03

Unacknowledged Pain and Disenfranchised Grief: A Narrative Analysis of Physical and Emotional Pain in Complex MAiD Bereavement Stories.

Serota K, Atkinson M, Buchman DZ

Canadian journal of pain = Revue canadienne de la douleur2023

DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2023.2231046 PMID: 37593750

04

parkrun participation, impact and perceived social inclusion among runners/walkers and volunteers with mental health conditions.

Ashdown-Franks G, Sabiston CM, Stubbs B, Atkinson M, Quirk H, Bullas A, Haake S

Psychology, health & medicine2023

DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2185643 PMID: 36881438

The Ethics of Pain Research, Management, and Policy: A Planning and Knowledge Exchange Meeting

Co-investigatorCIHR2018Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Principal investigators: Buchman, Daniel; Smith, Karen H; Davis, Karen D

Keywords: Bioethics; Chronic Pain; Knowledge Exchange; Neuroethics; Research Planning Meeting; Scoping Review

$19,992

Parental wounds: examining abuse and children's rights in sport

Principal investigatorSSHRC2011Standard Research Grants

Principal investigators: Atkinson, Michael F.

Keywords: abuse in sport; harassment; sport parents; policy reform

$58,840

From the sidelines to the lockerrooms: Internationalizing Masculinities, Bodies and Body Images

Co-investigatorCIHR2011Planning Grants - Priority Announcement: Gender, Sex and Health Research

Principal investigators: Kehler, Michael D

Keywords: Adolescence; Bodies; Body Images; Health; Masculinities

$24,964

Bodies without borders: Physical health education and boys on the benches

Co-investigatorCIHR2011CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Principal investigators: Kehler, Michael D

Keywords: Adolescence; Body Image; Education; Gender; Health; Masculinites; Violence

$3,000

Speaking the unspoken: Masculinities, bodies & body images in health and education

Co-investigatorCIHR2010Meetings, Planning and Dissemination Grant: Gender, Sex and Health

Principal investigators: Kehler, Michael D

Keywords: Adolescents; Body Image; Education; Health; Masculinities

$24,500

From CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC funding decisions: CIHR since 2008, NSERC since 1991 and SSHRC since 1998, including their latest published competition results.

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Paper to mention

Subject: Prospective PhD student: Cultural studies Dear Professor Atkinson, My name is [your name], and I am a [your current degree or role] at [your institution]. I am applying for a PhD position starting in [term and year]. I read your paper ""Shut up! Don't look at me!": A qualitative description of body image and attention among elite athletes." (2026), and it connects closely to my own work on [your research topic]. [One or two sentences on what you did and what you learned.] Are you accepting new PhD students for [term and year]? I have attached my CV and transcripts, and I would be glad to talk at a time that suits you. Thank you for your time. Kind regards, [your name]