Dr McMahon is a psychologist whose research interests span the areas of disability and mental health. This includes the development and evaluation of interventions to support young people and those who care for them. Research funding to date for her work amounts to over €400,000 including grants from the Irish Research Council, the National Disability Authority, the National Office of Suicide Prevention, Genio as well as UL Seed Funding Schemes. Drawing on previous experience as an evaluator for Jigsaw, the National Youth Mental Health Centre and subsequently as a project manager for the design and implementation of a mental health service for young people aged 12-25. Dr. McMahon has a particular interest in the science of evaluation and implementation in translating evidence based practice to applied settings. She is also the founder and director of the i-TEACH (Teaching for Inclusion) research lab at the School of Education, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences UL. Current research projects include:

  • A randomised control trial of an intervention to build capacity in student teachers to support the mental health needs of students (NOSP).
  • An assessment of digital technology to support the communication needs of young children with ASD.
Publications

McMahon, J., Ryan, F., Cannon, M., O’Brien, G., O’Callaghan, M., Flanagan, R., ... & McGorry, P. (2019). Where next for youth mental health services in Ireland?. Irish journal of psychological medicine, 36(3), 163-167.

Beadleston, L. N., O’Donnell, A. T., McMahon, J., McMahon, G., Kinsella, E. L., Kearns, M., ... & Muldoon, O. T. (2019). Working hard and playing hard: multiple group membership, exercise and cognitive performance in boys and girls. Social Psychology of Education, 22(2), 501-515.

Msetfi, R., Jay, S., O’Donnell, A. T., Kearns, M., Kinsella, E. L., McMahon, J., Creaven, A.-M. (2018). Restricted reproductive rights and risky sexual behaviour: How political disenfranchisement relates to women’s sense of control, well-being and sexual health. Journal of Health Psychology. 23 (2): 252–262. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105317736784

Kelly, J., Gallagher, S. & McMahon, J. (2017). Developing a recovery college: a preliminary exercise in establishing regional readiness and community needs. Journal of Mental Health. 26 (2): 150-155. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2016.1207227

Slattery, É., McMahon, J., Gallagher, S. (2017). Optimism and benefit finding in parents of children with developmental disabilities: The role of positive reappraisal and social support. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 65: 12-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.04.006

Kelly, J., Gallagher, S. & McMahon, J. (2017) Developing a recovery college: a preliminary exercise in establishing regional readiness and community needs. Journal of Mental Health. 26 (2): 150-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2016.1207227

McMahon, J. & Cullinan, V. (2016). Exploring Eclecticism: The impact of educational theory on the development and implementation of comprehensive education programmes (CEP’s) for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 32: 1-12 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2016.07.005