Lynn Ward

Lynn Ward

School of Psychology

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences


Dr Lynn Ward
Visiting Research Fellow, School of Psychology

I 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 Miss 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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