Dr. Afifi’s primary research interests are in the areas of child maltreatment and mental health with a focus on resilience, intervention and prevention.

Her work focuses on protective factors related to better outcomes for children and adults following childhood adversity as well as primary prevention of child maltreatment. She has also conducted research to advance knowledge related harms and prevention of spanking.

In addition, Dr. Afifi is leader in the field of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Dr. Afifi has also conducted work to understand trauma among members of the Canadian Armed Forces and among public safety personnel.