Bishop’s University

Graduate Student Rosemarie Boudreau: Sharing Family Experiences during the Process of Assisted Dying – A Pilot Project

After completing a Major in Applied Psychology at Bishop’s University, Rosemarie Boudreau chose to continue her studies in the Individualized Master’s Program in Psychology. She was drawn to the program’s adaptability, flexibility, and the opportunity it provided to further develop her experience in both psychological intervention and research—key steps toward her long-term goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. With limited Master’s-level psychology programs available across institutions, the chance to remain at Bishop’s where she had already experienced a strong sense of academic community was particularly appealing.

The program allows students to design their own path, including selecting coursework, internship placements, and research topics. This flexibility, along with the accessibility of faculty members and opportunities like serving as a teaching assistant in undergraduate courses, has enriched her academic development. Under the supervision of Dr. Joel Montanez and Dr. Adrianna Mendrek, Rosemarie has gained competencies in qualitative research while also completing an intervention-focused internship. With the support of her supervisors, she was able to work in a clinical setting with elderly individuals and patients receiving palliative care, many of whom were considering or had requested Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).

Her interest in the psychological dimensions of life and death transitions began in 2021, after the passing of her grandfather. That experience led her to enroll in the Psychology of Death and Dying course at Bishop’s, where her curiosity deepened. She became particularly intrigued by the concept of planning one’s own death and the psychological impact this has on loved ones. MAiD, which allows for death to be scheduled and reflected upon in advance, challenged her earlier understanding of death as uncontrollable and unpredictable. This shift in perspective inspired her to explore how family members navigate the process alongside a loved one choosing MAiD.

Her current research project, “Sharing Family Experiences during the Process of Assisted Dying: A Pilot Project,” focuses on the emotional, relational, and reflective experiences of these family members. While most existing studies focus on grief after death, this project seeks to understand what families go through during the MAiD process itself. Interviews with participants will be recorded and published on the Health Experiences scientific platform, contributing to broader public understanding and knowledge mobilization.

Conducting this kind of research has presented unique challenges, particularly in the ethics approval process. Initial plans to present the findings as a documentary film raised concerns about confidentiality and privacy. The format was revised, and the final presentation will feature selected audio or written excerpts from interviews, balancing knowledge sharing with ethical responsibility.

Throughout her graduate studies, Rosemarie has continued to develop her skills in both research and intervention. A graduate-level course in data analysis helped refine her understanding of qualitative methods, while her clinical internship allowed her to develop a personal therapeutic approach, and skills that have also enhanced her effectiveness in conducting research interviews. She finds the integration of these two domains to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of her academic journey.

Balancing academic, research, and professional responsibilities has required intention and structure. By organizing her schedule with dedicated time blocks and setting internal deadlines, she ensures steady progress while protecting time for physical activity, social connection, and personal interests like cooking, reading, and listening to music or podcasts. This balanced routine has supported both her well-being and her academic success.

Rosemarie’s current research aligns closely with her long-term interests in exploring how medical and psychological conditions affect not only individuals but also the dynamics of their relationships. She plans to continue studying MAiD from perspectives that are less commonly addressed, including the experiences of minors or side-by-side explorations of both patients and their family members. More broadly, she is interested in examining the indirect psychosocial effects of illness on family systems.

Looking ahead, Rosemarie plans to apply to the Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) programs at either Université de Sherbrooke or Université Laval, with the goal of joining the 2026 cohort. Her ambition is to become a clinical psychologist, a path that will allow her to integrate research and therapeutic practice to better support individuals and families facing complex emotional experiences.

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Joannie St-Germain B.Sc. ’16, M.Sc. (she/her/elle)
RESEARCH OFFICER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
819-822-9600 x 2242

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