Lynn Ward

Lynn Ward

School of Psychology

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences


Dr Lynn WardVisiting Research Fellow, School of PsychologyI am interested in factors that influence psychological aspects of adult development and ageing. I have used both qualitative and quantitative methods to study cognitive and psychosocial development in midlife and older adults. Specific interests include:- Age-related changes in cognitive functioning, both normal and dementia related;- The impact of lifestyle choices and health habits on cognitive functioning and psychosocial well-being in older adults;- Resilience, emotional functioning in caregivers and in parents;- Resilience and successful ageing;- Cross-cultural issues in ageing.

I am interested in factors that influence adult development and ageing. I have used both qualitative and quantitative methods to study psychosocial development in midlife and older adults. Specific interests include:

  • Age-related changes in cognitive functioning, both normal and dementia related;
  • The impact of lifestyle choices and health habits on cognitive functioning and psychosocial well-being in older adults;
  • Resilience, emotional functioning in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Resilience and successful ageing;
  • Cross-cultural issues in ageing.
  • Barbara Kidman Fellowship 2014 (University of Adelaide)
  • Luszcz, M., Anstey, K., Cobiac, L., Walker, R, Miller, M., Giles, L., Ward, L. & Hayles, C. (2008-12) ARCHow individual and societal resources contribute to ageing well through the fourth age: The Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Australian Research Council. 

My area of expertise is Developmental Psychology, predominantly adult development and ageing.

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2018 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Externalising and Prototypic Depressive Symptomology in Older Men: Implications for Depression Screening in Men Across the Lifespan Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Full Time Ms Danielle Alyce Herreen
    2017 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Belonging to the World Online: Older Adults’ Use of Computer-Mediated Communication for Social Wellbeing Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Belinda Grace Fuss
    2015 - 2021 Co-Supervisor Resilience in the Transition to Parenthood Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Cecily Young
    2015 - 2021 Co-Supervisor Changes to White Matter and Cognition Following Traumatic Brain Injury Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Erica Jane Wallace
    2011 - 2021 Co-Supervisor A Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of Migration and Culture on the Social and Emotional Well-being of First Generation Greek Immigrants Ageing in Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Panagiota Grypma
    2009 - 2016 Co-Supervisor Cognitive Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Susan Jayne Cockshell
    2008 - 2014 Principal Supervisor Evolving consciousness in leaders: Promoting late-stage conventional and post-conventional development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Nicola Caroline Vincent
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Seeking help for mental health issues in rural South Australia: A mixed methods approach Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Joanne Collins
    2004 - 2010 Principal Supervisor Successful Ageing: By Whose Definition? Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Patricia Mary McCann Mortimer
    2004 - 2014 Principal Supervisor A Cross-cultural Perspective on Ageing Well in Australia: A Mixed Methods Approach to Successful Ageing and Filial Piety among Anglo-Australians and Chinese Immigrants Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Joanne Siu Chern Tan Soosai
    2002 - 2006 Co-Supervisor Emotional Intelligence: A Psychometric Study Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Janette Warwick
    1998 - 2003 Co-Supervisor Resident and Resident-Related Committees and Meetings in South Australian Aged Care Hostels Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Leah Wilson

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