My Research
I conduct research on a variety of topics for universities and companies around the world. My clients have included organizations such as:
Research is My Passion
I have over 15 years' experience investigating and reporting on a variety of topics from software development to the science of romantic relationships in both academia and the corporate sector. My research consulting services help you:
Clarify your scope and research questions.
Examine your topic in a methodologically sound way.
Present your results clearly and concisely.
Get stalled projects off the back burner and into a journal.
Research Skills
“Working with Bethany has been one of the most enlightening and inspiring parts of growing Yoga Foster to date. The research methodology she implemented for Yoga Foster this school year is far more comprehensive and well-executed than I could have ever imagined. I find that partners and donors are surprised to the extent of data we’ve collected from our teachers so far. This data is critical not just for creating collaborations with others, but fine-tuning our approach and delivering the best product to schools. Bethany is a thoughtful, analytical researcher that leverages her extensive experience with passion and grace. Her work to foster Yoga Foster’s research methodology is unparalleled, and I’m grateful she’s a part of our team.”
In my roles as a graduate student and research analyst, I developed and implemented countless research studies using hundreds of participants. I also analyzed the data from these studies to distill key insights for publication. My research skills include:
Expertise in inferential statistics including correlation, regression, analysis of variance and dyadic data analytic techniques such as hierarchical linear modeling.
Experience with numerous research methodologies including surveys, interviews and randomized control trials.
Proficiency with several statistical software packages such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS and SAS.
Able to work under extremely tight deadlines.
Capable of adapting my writing style to suit academic audiences or the general public.
Dynamic public speaking abilities.
My research skills have also helped me garner over $250,000 in research scholarships, awards and grants.
Topics
“Bethany is a brilliant researcher, a collegial team member and a master project manager. She is a pleasure to work with and achieves stellar results. I highly recommend her.”
I've presented my research findings in diverse settings ranging from corporate boardrooms to academic conferences across North America. I've also published articles in top journals and written a book in the self-help genre. Below is a sampling of the topics I've covered:
“When I recently needed to hire someone to help me coordinate a national study on yoga and mental health, I did not hesitate for an instant. I called Bethany right away! She had impressed me with her very informed and efficient approach to data analysis on a study that we worked on together a year ago. She came in on the project at the latter stages but quickly got herself up to speed and turned out a polished manuscript that the group was able to submit in a very timely manner. An open-hearted person and a pleasure to work with, Bethany is a competent and versatile researcher and I am pleased to call her a colleague and co-author!”
Anxiety
Depression
Autism
Software Development Outsourcing
Business Intelligence
The Science of Romantic Relationships
HR Best Practices
Contract Negotiation
Mergers and Acquisitions
The Effects of Yoga on Well-Being
Transpersonal Psychology
Education, Training & Academic Roles
“I first noticed Bethany’s talents by her ability to understand complex and interrelating concepts and then apply these concepts to enhance her research deliverables. She has been consistently excellent in her research preparation, as demonstrated through her organization, quick thinking and demand from other research associates to work with her. Bethany displays an ability to think on her feet, work extremely well in team and individual settings and enriches the experience of her co-workers through her willingness to go above and beyond. Her academic background and ability to manage projects and other researchers, further compliments her abilities in the research setting.”
Assistant Director (2022-Present)
PhD Program in Applied Transpersonal Psychology
Alef Trust
Lecturer (2020-Present)
Alef Trust MSc Program
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology
Lecturer (2016-2022)
School of Psychology
University of New York in Prague
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2013-2015)
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Postgraduate Certificate (2020)
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology
Alef Trust
Ph.D., Social Psychology (2008)
The University of Western Ontario.
M.A., Clinical Psychology (2004)
The University of Western Ontario.
B.A. Honors Psychology (2002)
The University of Guelph.
Certified Yoga Teacher (2008)
The Lotus Centre, London, Ontario
First Degree Reiki Certification (2009). With Tara Thomas, London, Ontario.
Fundamentals of Co-Active Coaching (2010). The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), Toronto, Ontario.
Introduction to Nonfiction Writing (2010). Continuing Studies at Western, London, Ontario.
Intermediate Nonfiction Writing (2010). Continuing Studies at Western, London, Ontario.
Publications
Butzer, B., Kriegsman, M., Yount, G., & Wahbeh, H. (2024). An exploration of the associations between meditation, extended human capacities and synchronistic experiences. World Futures: The Journal of New Paradigm Research, 80(2), 133-152. Pre-print available here.
Butzer, B. (2023). Humans as midwives for the earth’s dark night of the soul: A transpersonal ecopsychology perspective. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 55(1), 99-110. Pre-print available here.
Butzer, B. (2021). A consideration of transpersonal research methods for studying yoga and mindfulness in schools. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 40(2), 31-49. Available here.
Butzer, B. (2021). The science of synchronicity: Can we quantify the numinous? Pari Perspectives: Ideas in Science, the Arts, Spirit and Community, 8, 44-50. Full Text.
Leavitt, C. E., Butzer, B., Clarke, R. W., & Dvorakova, K. (2021). Intentional solitude and mindfulness: The benefits of being alone. In R. J. Coplan, J. C. Bowker, & L. J. Nelson (Eds.), The handbook of solitude: Psychological perspectives on social isolation, social withdrawal, and being alone (2nd ed., pp. 340-350). John Wiley & Sons.
Butzer, B. (2021). Does synchronicity point us toward the fundamental nature of consciousness? An exploration of psychology, ontology, and research prospects. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 28, 29-54.
Wahbeh, H. & Butzer, B. (2020). Characteristics of English-speaking trance channelers. Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing, 16, 304-309.
Butzer, B. (2020). Bias in the evaluation of psychology studies: A comparison of parapsychology versus neuroscience. Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing, 16(6), 382-391.
Sagher, A. D., Butzer, B., & Wahbeh, H. (2019). The characteristics of exceptional human experiences. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 26, 203-237.
Butzer, B. (2019). Bias in parapsychology research: Implications for early-career scholars. Mindfield, 11(3), 150-153. Full Text.
Šouláková, B., Kasal, A., Butzer, B., & Winkler, P. (2019). Meta-review on the effectiveness of classroom-based psychological interventions aimed at improving student mental health and well-being, and preventing mental illness. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 40, 255-278.
Butzer, B., LoRusso, A.M., Windsor, R., Riley, F., Frame, K., Khalsa, S.B.S., & Conboy, L. (2017). A qualitative examination of yoga for middle school adolescents. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, 10, 195-219.
Butzer, B., LoRusso, A., Shin, S. H., & Khalsa, S. B .S. (2017). Evaluation of yoga for preventing adolescent substance use risk factors in a middle school setting: A preliminary group-randomized controlled trial. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 46, 603-632.
Forchuk, C., Montgomery, P., Rudnick, A., Lahey, P., Cohen, B., Schofield, R., Perry, S. E., Coatsworth-Pupoky, R., Edwards, B., Butzer, B., & Meier, A. (2017). Poverty trajectories experienced by persons with mental illness. Journal of Poverty, 21, 247-264.
Khalsa, S.B.S. & Butzer, B. (2016). Yoga in school settings: A research review. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373, 45-55.
Butzer, B., Ahmed, K., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2016). Yoga enhances positive psychological states in young adult musicians. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 41, 191-202.
Butzer, B., Bury, D., Telles, S., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2016). Implementing yoga within the school curriculum: A scientific rationale for improving social-emotional learning & positive student outcomes. Journal of Children’s Services, 11, 3-24.
Butzer, B., Ebert, M., Telles, S., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2015). School-based yoga programs in the United States: A survey. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 29, 18-26.
Butzer, B., van Over, M., Noggle, J. J., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2015). Yoga may mitigate decreases in high school grades. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Article ID 25981.
Butzer, B., Day, D., Potts, A., Ryan, C., Coulombe, S., Davies, B., Weidknecht, K., Ebert, M., Flynn, L., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2015). Effects of a classroom-based yoga intervention on cortisol and behavior in second- and third-grade students: A pilot study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 20, 41-49.
Felver, J. C., Butzer, B., Olson, K., Smith, I., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2015). Effects of a school-based yoga curriculum on mood state. Contemporary School Psychology, 19, 184-192.
Khalsa, S. B. S., Butzer, B., Shorter, S. M., Reinhardt, K., & Cope, S. (2013). Yoga reduces performance anxiety in adolescent musicians. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 19, 34-45.
Butzer, B. (2012, Fall). Yoga as an alternative to antidepressants: Modern science meets ancient wisdom. Integral Yoga Magazine, 30-31.
Butzer, B. (2010). The Antidepressant Antidote: Five Steps to Get Off Antidepressants Safely and Effectively. Balboa Press.
Campbell, L., Butzer, B., & Wong, J. (2008). The importance of the organization of partner knowledge in understanding perceptions of relationship quality and conflict resolution behavior in married couples. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34, 723-740.
Butzer, B., & Kuiper, N. A. (2008). Humor use in romantic relationships: The effects of relationship satisfaction and pleasant versus conflict situations. The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 142, 245-260.
Butzer, B., & Campbell, L. (2008). Adult attachment, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction: A study of married couples. Personal Relationships, 15, 141-154.
Butzer, B., & Kuiper, N. A. (2006). Relationships between the frequency of social comparisons and self-concept clarity, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety, and depression. Personality and Individual Differences, 41, 167-176.
Winston, A. S., Butzer, B., & Ferris, M. D. (2004). Constructing difference: Heredity, intelligence and race in textbooks, 1930-1970. In A. S. Winston (Ed.), Defining difference: race and racism in the history of psychology (p. 199-229). Washington: American Psychological Association.
Butzer, B., & Konstantareas, M. (2003). Depression, temperament and their relationship to other characteristics in children with Asperger?s Disorder. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 10, 67-72.
Awards
Mind & Life Europe Contemplative Science Symposium Retreat (2019; Selected Attendee)
Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Service to the Institution, University of New York in Prague (2019)
European Mind & Life Contemplative Science Summer Research Institute (2015; Selected Attendee).
International Association of Yoga Therapists Research Abstract Award for Excellence and Innovation in Yoga Research (2014).
International Symposium for Contemplative Studies Student Scholarship (2014).
U.S. Mind & Life Contemplative Science Summer Research Institute (2014; Selected Attendee).
Nominated for the Centre For Addiction & Mental Health Transforming Lives Award (2012).
Nominated for the Canadian Mental Health Association's Champion of Mental Health Award (2011).
The Martin E. P. Seligman Award for Outstanding Dissertation Research in Positive Psychology (2008).
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2010).
Society for Personality and Social Psychology Conference Travel Award (2007).
Doctoral Canadian Graduate Scholarship (CGS) (2004-2007).
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2004-2005).
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2003-2004).
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2002-2003).
President’s Scholarship for Graduate Studies, University of Western Ontario (2002-2003).
Certificate of Academic Excellence, Canadian Psychological Association (2002) – Honors Thesis.
Psychology Honors Award, University of Guelph (2002).
President’s Scholarship, University of Guelph (2001).
Psychology Core Award, University of Guelph (2001).
President’s Scholarship, University of Guelph (2000).
Board of Governor’s Award, University of Guelph (1998-2002).
University Merit Award, University of Guelph (1998).