Diana Dorstyn

Dr Diana Dorstyn

Senior Lecturer

School of Psychology

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

I am a registered psychologist and an early career researcher with a specialist interest in rehabilitation after a major trauma or disability. This includes the important role of social support networks through family, friends and the community, in promoting health outcomes. I am also interested in the application of internet-based interventions, often referred to as e-health, as a psychological therapy service.

Recent Projects

More recently, my research has focused on helping people with a physical disability, due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, find meaningful work.  Unemployment and disability is a complex issue associated with high personal, social and economic costs. If we can help even one person return to work, then significant savings accrue. 

Peer support offers one return-to-work solution. Peers who share their experience of living and working with a disability can promote self-management and empowerment and help service users move into work.  My research team, which includes rehabilitation experts and clinicians from La Trobe University, University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney, is now exploring whether the benefits of peer support can be effectively and safely delivered online.

 

In the Media

World MS Day 2018
World MS Day 2018

 
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  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2018 Senior Lecturer University of Adelaide
    2012 - 2017 Lecturer University of Adelaide
    2012 - 2015 Professional Member, Guardianship Board of South Australia Government of South Australia
    2003 - 2012 Senior Clinical Psychologist SA Health
    1997 - 2003 Clinical Psychologist Julia Farr Services

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2018 Research Award Women's Research Excellence Award University of Adelaide Australia $5000

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2007 - 2012 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    1995 - 1996 University of Adelaide Australia MPsych (Clinical)
    1991 - 1994 University of Adelaide Australia BA (Hons)

  • Research Interests
    Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology Psychology Rehabilitation

My research has been funded by the following competitive grant schemes:

Date Project Investigators Funding Body Amount
2020

SCI Research Collaboration Grant

 Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Chur-Hansen A (University of Adelaide), Fraser W, Kuberek S (Paraquad SA) Spinal Research Institute

AUD 2000
2020 Sagittal synostosis: Psychological outcomes Roberts R, Osborn A, Dorstyn D (University of Adelaide) Australian Cranio-Maxillo Facial Foundation (Craniofacial Australia)

AUD 110000
2019 Development and evaluation of an online peer-supported intervention for job-seekers with multiple sclerosis Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Oxlad  M (University of Adelaide), Craig A (University of Sydney), Kneebone I (University of Technology Sydney), Murphy G (La Trobe University) Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Incubator Grant

AUD 25000
2019 Work and SCI: development of a return-to-work assessment and counselling service for injured job-seekers living in the community Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Chur-Hansen A (University of Adelaide), Murphy G (La Trobe University), Stewart P (Paraquad SA), Craig A (University of Sydney), Kneebone I (University of Technology Sydney) Lifetime Support Authority of South Australia AUD 94507
2016 Work and SCI: an online course to enhance vocational outcomes following spinal cord injury Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Chur-Hansen A (University of Adelaide), Murphy G (La Trobe University), Stewart P (Paraquad SA), Marshall R, Clark J (SA Health/University of Adelaide), Kneebone I (University of Technology Sydney), Migliorini C (Monash University), Craig A (University of Sydney) auDA Foundation

AUD 22280
2015 Development and preliminary trial of an online vocational program for Australian adults with spinal cord injury.

Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Chur-Hansen A (University of Adelaide), Murphy G (La Trobe University), Stewart P (Paraquad SA), Marshall R, Clark J (SA Health/University of Adelaide), Kneebone I (University of Technology Sydney), Migliorini C (Monash University), Craig A (University of Sydney)

 Lifetime Support Authority of South Australia

AUD
61000
2014

Online vocational rehabilitation for adults with MS: Does it work?

Dorstyn D, Roberts R (University of Adelaide), Murphy G (La Trobe University), Kneebone I (University of Technology Sydney), Migliorini C (Monash University), Craig A (University of Sydney), Fields D (SA Health)

 Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Incubator Grant AUD
20985

 

Program Coordination

Postgraduate Coordinator

 
Course Coordination

Interviewing and Intervention (PSYCHOL 7131, PSYCHOL 7231)

Research Project in Clinical Psychology I and II (PSYCHOL 7144, PSYCHOL 7145)

 
Teaching

Interviewing and Intervention (PSYCHOL 7131)

Research Methods and Statistics (PSYCHOL 4201)

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  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 Principal Supervisor Burnout in General Practice Registrars: A Mixed-Methods Investigation Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Full Time Mr Shaun Mark Lawrence Prentice
    2018 Principal Supervisor Assessing the Benefit of Co-joint App Based Mindfulness Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Caregivers Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Full Time Mr Matthew Ronald Hartley
    2017 Principal Supervisor Examining Older Adults' Use of Digital Technologies to Socially Connect Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Belinda Grace Fuss
    2017 Co-Supervisor Neuro feedback therapy for Post-Chemotherapy Cognitive Impairment Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Joel Harman

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2013 - 2016 Co-Supervisor University Students' Mental Health Help-Seeking: Intention and Service Use Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Wenjing Li
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