Throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries psychology has been used as a tool of colonisation. Critical theorists argue that in order to improve the wellbeing of those most affected by inequality, psychology programs need to be decolonised. In the Australian context, research has primarily focused on what decolonised curricula might look (e.g., Dudgeon 2017; Mahmut, 2018). The current study aimed to build

Objectives: Sleep dysfunction and headaches are common and disabling conditions which are frequently comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, there is a growing body of literature linking sleep dysfunction to the frequency and intensity of headaches. This study retrospectively examined the prevalence of insomnia and headache frequency, and their effects on general psychological treatment outcomes

Background: The adult attachment dimension of attachment anxiety has been demonstrated to be associated with a variety of anxiety symptomology, including worry, intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and reassurance seeking. A variety of research has indicated that IU is associated with level of worry and reassurance seeking. The relationships between attachment anxiety, worry, IU and threat‐related reassurance

Psychological interventions for addictive behaviours (i.e., alcohol, smoking, gambling) typically focus on reducing the frequency of that target behaviour. Individuals generally set a “count goal” and then monitor the frequency of these behaviours via a process of counting/recording (i.e., number of alcoholic drinks, number of dollars gambled). We argue that this approach, although a key feature of

Negative affect is associated with body image and eating‐related problems. Nonetheless, research on mediating emotional processes in this relationship is scant. The present study explored a path model testing the effect of negative and positive affect (PA) on disordered eating symptoms, via its effect on intuitive eating and body image flexibility, while controlling for the effect of body mass index

Objectives: Although anxiety is recognised as one of the most common co-occurring conditions to affect school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder, little research has explored the strategies that children on the autism spectrum use to manage their own anxiety. Methods: Seventy-two parents of children on the spectrum aged 5 to 17 years identified things that supported their child to manage

Using real world data, we examined the associations between self‐esteem ratings and the short, daily use of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)‐based mobile application targeting self‐esteem related beliefs. The effects of using this application on mood ratings were also assessed.

Accreditation guidelines for professional psychology training have shifted from specifying educational inputs to emphasising attainment of core competency outputs. However, attention to both inputs and outputs are needed. Clinical practicum logs represent a neglected source of information to help guide training program development. The present article describes the development and preliminary data

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterised by excessive preoccupation with an imagined defect in one's physical appearance, and symptoms of the condition generally emerge during adolescence. Current measures of BDD are generally outdated, lack appropriate wording, and/or are not validated in adolescent and young adult (AYA) samples.

The objective of the Entourage project was to develop an innovative digital mental health intervention addressing key barriers experienced by young people in accessing evidence‐based therapy for social anxiety. In particular, Entourage takes a specific focus on reaching young men, given their lower rates of service engagement.

Objective: Severe fear of childbirth (tokophobia; TP) is an understudied andunder-recognised phenomenon that has significant implications for maternalmental health during pregnancy, labour and delivery. The few existing measures of TP are limited by lengthy formats, difficulty scoring and a narrow definition of the TP construct.Method: The current study examined the psychometric properties of a newlydeveloped

Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that refers to obsessions, doubts, and compulsive behaviours focusing on one's relationship and relationship partner. ROCD symptoms occur in various types of relationships including parent–child dyads, involving obsessional preoccupations with the perceived flaws of one's child (parent–child

Parent–child interaction therapy with toddlers (PCIT‐T) is an adaptation of standard PCIT, developed to treat young children (12–24 months) with disruptive behaviours. The aim of this study was to gather preliminary qualitative data to gauge parental perceptions about the program.

Involuntary job loss can lead to symptoms of complicated grief (CG), depression, and anxiety. Information about the temporal linkage between these symptoms is limited and may have implications for the treatment of those suffering from mental health complaints after dismissal. The aim of this study was to explore the possible reciprocal relationships between symptoms of CG, depression, and anxiety following

1 INTRODUCTION Pathological narcissism has a long history dating back 2000 years, which has evolved into contemporary clinical psychology as a trait that may require clinical attention (Grenyer, 2013). Traditionally, Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is one of the 10 identified personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5). An alternative

Objectives: Current evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychotherapy for the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) indicates that there is still a need to improve outcomes by investigating the application of new developments in psychotherapy for the treatment of BED. Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) has been successfully applied for the management of several psychological disorders. However, to

There were three objectives in this study. The first was to investigate if deficits in understanding and identifying emotions (i.e., alexithymia) would lead to further difficulties with emotion regulation and subsequently symptoms of an eating disorder. The second purpose was to determine which emotion regulation deficits are most relevant for individuals high in alexithymia who report eating disorder

Within psychology, interest in simulation has grown, with publications on role‐play and objective structured clinical examinations emerging. This study examines the impacts of simulation‐based education on students' clinical competence and confidence when compared with traditional case‐based education. The perceived alignment between simulation‐based education and clinical practice is also considered

To understand reasons individuals with high depressive symptoms offer for trying to improve their state or for not doing so.

Correspondence Fiona L. Calvert, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Clinic, Building 22, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. Email: flc161@uowmail.edu.au Abstract Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of supervisees who completed a metacommunication intervention in supervision. Methods: Forty-eight supervisees completed the supervisory intervention

The Excoriation (skin‐picking disorder) dimensional scale (SPD‐D) is a new measure of excoriation skin picking disorder (SPD). The 5‐item scale was developed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Fifth Edition) obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders sub‐workgroup to assist in the dimensional assessment of SPD.

Background: Burnout is a growing problem in mental health‐care professionals. Clinical supervision is a mandated part of all psychological therapeutic practice but no previous study has explored whether higher quality supervision is associated with lower burnout in qualified psychological therapists. Aims: The study aimed to investigate whether the quality of the supervisory relationship was associated

Female models are commonly viewed as “at‐risk” for eating and body image disorders. However, the existing literature is sparse and provides inconsistent evidence. It subsequently fails to decipher whether models are truly at any greater risk for body image disorders than non‐models. Such discrepancies may exist due to differences in population, method, and assessment, particularly where previous studies

Schema Therapy mode formulations have recently been extended to a range of chronic, treatment‐resistant psychological disorders.

This study aimed to examine the effects of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training intervention on emotional eating, body image, and weight management in women with obesity suffering from binge eating disorder.

Clinical and health psychologists are often exposed to occupational hazards, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, which originate from emotional demands at work. Mindful Self‐Compassion (MSC) training has been demonstrated to be useful in increasing well‐being and enhancing mental health. Although the use of the MSC programme in educational contexts has been suggested, an evaluation of its efficacy

Many people who hear voices (also termed auditory‐verbal hallucinations) have experienced traumatic or adverse life events. There is growing evidence that, for a number of people, these events are an important contributing factor to voice‐hearing experiences. Psychological mechanisms implicated in the trauma‐voice‐hearing relationship overlap with those involved in posttraumatic stress disorder, giving

The Body Dysmorphic Disorder‐Dimensional scale (BDD‐D) is a new measure of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms. Developed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (fifth Edition) Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders subworkgroup, the five‐item scale aids in the dimensional assessment of BDD.

Objective: The current study aimed to systematically review the literature pertaining to childhood anxiety treatment, to clarify if involving both parents in cognitive behaviour therapy treatment (Parent-child CBT; PCBT) is more effective than child only treatments (Individual CBT; ICBT). Method: PsychINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing

Background The current study explored whether higher- (up to 8 modules) versus lower-dose (3 or less modules) unguided internet Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for perfectionism (ICBT-P) was more effec ...

Background: Anxiety symptoms are common in autistic children; however, it is difficult to accurately assess the symptoms of anxiety in this population due to a lack of autism-specific anxiety assessment tools. The Anxiety Scale for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASC-ASD) is a newly developed measure designed to address this need. The ASC-ASD is designed specifically for use with autistic children

Background: Distress in the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can detrimentally impact parent and child functioning, making the prediction of distress in this parental group particularly important. Model A, developed by Falk, Norris, and Quinn, demonstrated that the relationship between childcentric variables (child social/interpersonal deficits and child externalised behaviour)

Background: Contemporary scholarship has established that increasing numbers of men are experiencing body dissatisfaction. However, as a consequence of the enduring assumption that body dissatisfaction is a feminine domain, male body dissatisfaction is associated with considerable stigma. Objective: The current study aimed to explore and describe men's experience with body dissatisfaction and investigate

Supervision has long been recognised as a highly influential aspect of training within psychology. The scientist–practitioner model underpins postgraduate psychology training programs. During such programs, clinical supervision plays an important role in the development and acquisition of evidence‐based practice and scientist–practitioner competence.

Experimental studies consistently demonstrate that acute sleep deprivation increases food consumption. Moreover, epidemiological studies and meta‐analyses show that children with short sleep have twice the probability of suffering from obesity than normal sleepers. Similar results are reported in adolescents, while in adults results are heterogeneous. Habitual sleep patterns, however, have not been

Cognitive scores could be a useful tool when discriminating between patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and non‐psychiatric population. However, whether these scores can contribute to the accurate diagnosis of the disease is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best approach as to the inclusion of cognitive impairment as a potential clinical tool in the diagnosis of SZ.

Major life events have been positively associated with depression symptoms. Although psychological flexibility has been associated with adaptive coping skills and negatively linked with depression symptoms, it remains unclear whether psychological flexibility may be a protective process against the pervasive impact of major life events. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the moderating effect

Background Ten‐session cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT‐T) for eating disorders is designed to reduce barriers to treatment, including cost, therapist expertise, and lengthy wait lists. The current study aimed to replicate the first case series, evaluating the effectiveness of CBT‐T in a sample of non‐underweight clients, delivered by trainee psychologists under expert supervision. Methods CBT‐T

Background The overactivation of the threat-defence system combined with an underdeveloped affiliative system has been emphasised as important in psychosis, usually leading to negative affect and impaired social functioning. Difficulties in feeling safe and content in relationships with others, common in individuals with psychotic symptoms, have been linked to two specific outputs of the threat-defence

Mental health apps have the potential to decrease the burden of disease associated with mental illness. However, few apps have been evaluated for effectiveness.

Compassion‐focused therapy (CFT) is increasingly being offered for a range of conditions, including personality disorders (PDs). A key process in CFT is to identify inhibitors to developing compassion and helping clients to overcome these. This study explores inhibitors and facilitators for clients with PD trialling compassion‐focused imagery (CFI) over 1 week.

Disruptive child behaviours can be the start of a trajectory towards poor psychological outcomes across the lifespan. Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence‐based intervention designed for treating disruptive behaviours in children aged 2–7 years. The program utilises live coaching during dyadic parent–child play sessions and preliminary evidence suggests that the program can be implemented

Although accurate self‐assessment is essential for professional development, little is known about psychology trainees' abilities to self‐assess. The present study enhances our understanding of the influence of clinical psychology training on self‐assessment and competence development, by systematically examining self‐assessment capacity among postgraduate trainees vis‐a‐vis supervisors' assessments

Previous research suggests that female partners have a key role in encouraging men to seek help from a mental health professional. This study investigated the communication forms that female partners use to encourage their male partners to seek help for a mental health problem.

Some psychodynamic and integrative therapists have written about their experiences of mental imagery (MI), or imagery that arises spontaneously while working therapeutically. However, there have been no empirical investigations of therapists’ imagery experiences. This mixed methods study was exploratory and aimed to begin to address this gap.

The psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were explored amongst newly arrived children and adolescents from refugee backgrounds in Australia.

preliminary investigation Niko FLINK, Kirsi HONKALAMPI, Soili M. LEHTO, Heimo VIINAMÄKI, Heli KOIVUMAA-HONKANEN, Minna VALKONEN-KORHONEN and Sari LINDEMAN School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Department of Psychology and Logopedics

Background: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) employs a variety of psychological techniques and procedures with the aim of achieving cognitive change, such as in the strength of belief in dysfunctional cognitions. The present study aimed to investigate whether analogues of two commonly used CBT information presentation styles, Socratic Method, and didactic psychoeducation, differentially impacted upon

Objective To evaluate symptom change among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) receiving a novel program of family based treatment (FBT) combined with a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) module on perfectionism (FBT + CBT‐P). Methods A cohort study was conducted with 21 adolescents with AN who entered FBT + CBT‐P; 19 adolescents completed treatment (an average of 32 sessions). Participants completed

trait anxiety and metacognitive beliefs as predictors of work status Henrik NORDAHL and Adrian WELLS Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and St. Olavs Hospital, Division of Psychiatry, Nidaros DPS, Trondheim, Norway and Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester

Background: In recent years, the field of emotion research has seen a marked increase in theories and studies of emotional schemas—core beliefs about emotions and emotional experiences. This review serves to organise this growing body of literature, particularly as it relates to clinical practice. Methods: The review focuses specifically on literature relevant to emotional schema conceptualisation

Background: Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment are particularly vulnerable to a longer course of depression. Immunisation theories of resilience suggest that resilience and related factors may buffer against the deleterious effects of early childhood adversity. Trait mindfulness is linked to resilience and may be a pathway to cultivating this dynamic process. In this study, we investigated

Background: The aim was to examine the role of alexithymia on therapeutic outcome in a naturalistic group therapy setting, as well as the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural group therapy in reducing alexithymia. Methods: A pre-test/post-test research design was used to examine alexithymia before and after treatment. Preand post-alexithymia and psychological distress scores from routinely administered

experiencing trichotillomania according to revised reinforcement sensitivity theory Reneta SLIKBOER, Imogen C. REHM, Luke SMILLIE, Susan L. ROSSELL and Maja NEDELJKOVIC Department of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design and Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne School of Psychological

Objective: In the context of the Australian Psychological Society’s formal apology and the increasing awareness of the need to develop interventions that improve the social and emotional wellbeing of clients who identify from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural backgrounds, this paper considers the clinical psychology case conceptualisation. The primary aim of any case conceptualisation

Background The “competency movement” has become increasingly prominent in the education, training and supervision of professional psychologists. Method This article reviews the origins of that movement. Results With its roots in behaviourism, the WWII aviation industry and the vocational training sector, the limitations of the approach for application to professional psychology, where practitioners

Background Disorganised attachment in childhood has been considered an important early marker for the development of socio-emotional and mental health problems. This review critically examines the current evidence and methodology employed to assess the influence of perinatal maternal mental health on disorganised attachment in infancy. Methods A search revealed 1 149 articles reporting studies examining

Background Hoarding disorder is associated with significant impairment for the individual such as lower rates of employment and social isolation. However, less is known about the impact of this condition on the children of people with hoarding disorder (HD). No qualitative research to date has focussed exclusively on the experiences of adult offspring of parents with hoarding difficulties. The present

Background Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an efficacious treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, yet not all young people improve. Understanding predictors of treatment response can inform treatment improvements in order to enhance outcomes. Aim The purpose of this study was to compare treatment outcomes following group-based CBT for children with different anxiety disorders

Objective Quantitative evidence suggests that a subset of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) may hold beliefs pertaining to food, body image, and appearance that are delusional in nature. The present study extended this research through qualitatively exploring beliefs held by AN patients and the consequences of holding such beliefs. Method Five participants receiving inpatient treatment for AN