Dr Rachel Roberts
Interim Head of School
School of Psychology
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
I am an Associate Professor and Registered Psychologist (endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia as a Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist). My research and teaching is in the areas of child, adolescent and peri-natal clinical, health and neuropsychology, including issues of stigma and chronic illness. Of particular interest are psychological aspects of acquired brain injury and craniofacial conditions.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
PhD research projects: please contact me if you are interested in any of these projects
1. Evaluating the efficacy of “Growing with Gratitude”: A community school-based program for promoting students’ resilience and well-being
Research has suggested that increasing protective factors, such as gratitude or resilience, is one of the key strategies that protects against the development of psychological disorders in children. The current project would investigate the efficacy of a community developed universal school-based prevention approach for children, “Growing with Gratitude”, that aims to promote children’s levels of gratitude and resilience. Furthermore, the project will also aim to explore how the programs effect change by examining trait levels of emotion regulation as potential mechanisms by which the programs prevent negative affect such as anxiety and depression. This project would be conducted in collaboration with Dr Junwen Chen, ANU and would suit a student with excellent oral and written communication skills and a strong background in psychology.
2. Perinatal borderline personality disorder has received little attention, despite the distress suffered by the woman and the known effects on her offspring and family. A 2 stage project in this area, conducted in conjunction with AProf Anne Sved Williams, would first focus on the identification of BPD during pregnancy, and the second stage would then review the effects of an intervention on birth outcomes and postnatal infant relationships. The intervention would be an adaptation of dialectical behaviour therapy or mentalisation based therapy so the project would suit a student interested in combining learning research and clinical skills.
3. A pilot program (MI-DBT) which combines dialectical behaviour therapy with parenting information and actions designed to improve mother-infant relationships has showed very promising results with improvements in both maternal mental health and parenting confidence. A project which randomises attendees into MI-DBT, treatment as usual or another mode of therapy such as the Lighthouse Program and follows up families to explore longer-term outcomes for children would provide worthwhile information to those many families where perinatal borderline personality disorder remains largely untreated. This PhD would be conducted in conjunction with AProf Anne Sved Williams.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2017 Associate Professor University of Adelaide 2007 - 2016 Senior Lecturer University of Adelaide -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2017 Fellowship Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society Australian Psychological Society — — -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title — Flinders University Australia PhD — University of Western Australia Australia MPsych (Clinical) — University of Adelaide Australia BA (Hons) -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Book Chapters
Year Citation 2017 Burton, L., Adamson, M., Beccaria, G., Bird, K., Brown, J., Cook, L., . . . Upsdell, T. (2017). Assessment: Diagnoses and testing. In N. Pelling, & L. Burton (Eds.), The Elements of Applied Psychological Practice in Australia: Preparing for the National Psychology Examination (pp. 40-111). 2013 Roberts, R., & Mathias, J. (2013). Living with a craniofacial condition. In M. Caltabiano, & L. Ricciardelli (Eds.), Applied Topics in Health Psychology (1 ed., pp. 242-258). United Kingdom: Wiley. -
Conference Papers
Year Citation 2018 Ishaque, S., Roberts, R., Karnon, J., Thomas, D., & Salter, A. (2018). Adaptation/ content validation of measure yourself medical outcomes profile (MYMOP) questionnaire for 7-11 year old children. In QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH Vol. 27 (pp. S114-S115). SPRINGER. 2018 Mackelprang, J., Norris, K., Roberts, R., Sheen, J., Williamson, D., & Nedeljkovic, M. (2018). Experiential learning in psychology training: OSCE implementation in postgraduate courses. In AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST Vol. 53 (pp. 65-66). WILEY. 2016 Young, C., Roberts, R., & Ward, L. (2016). Mapping perinatal research: A scoping review of resilience theory in the transition to parenthood.. In Archive of Women's Mental Health. Melbourne. 2015 Dorstyn, D., Roberts, R., Murphy, G., Kneebone, I., Migliorini, C., Craig, A., . . . Hutchinson, C. (2015). Online vocational rehabilitation for job-seekers with MS: does it work?. In MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL Vol. 21 (pp. NP20-NP21). Melbourne, AUSTRALIA: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. 2010 Roberts, R., Mathias, J., & Day, A. (2010). Predictors of mental health and quality of life in adults with craniofacial conditions. In Proceedings of 27th International Congress of Applied Psychology (pp. 899). Melbourne, Australia. 2009 Roberts, R., Wilkinson, J., & Watts, D. (2009). University students' alcohol consumption: Combined influence of parents and peers. In Proceedings of the 44th APS Annual Conference (pp. 150-155). Australia: The Australian Psychological Society Ltd. 2008 Roberts, R., & Boynton, A. (2008). Emotional and behavioural problems of children referred to a child development unit. In Proceedings of the 43rd Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference (pp. 264-269). Australia: Australian Psychological Society. 2005 Roberts, R., & Shute, R. (2005). The experience of living with a craniofacial condition; Child. adolescent and parent perspectives. In D. J. David (Ed.), Craniofacial Surgery (pp. 385-387). Coolum, AUSTRALIA: MEDIMOND S R L. -
Conference Items
Year Citation 2019 Carabellese, D. J., Proeve, M., & Roberts, R. (2019). Shame & Relationships in Healthcare. Poster session presented at the meeting of 2019 Florey Postgraduate Research Conference. 2017 Wright, K. M., Roberts, R., & Proeve, M. (2017). Comparing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C) to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Australian School Children (Oral Presentation). Poster session presented at the meeting of 47th Annual Congress of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Ljubljana, Slovenia. 2016 Wright, K. M., Roberts, R., & Proeve, M. (2016). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C): Results of a mixed-methods pilot test with Australian Primary School Children (Oral Presentation). Poster session presented at the meeting of 8th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies 2016. Melbourne, Australia. 2016 Alvaro, P., Roberts, R., Harris, J., & Bruni, O. (2016). THE DIRECTION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYMPTOMS OF INSOMNIA AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENTS. Poster session presented at the meeting of JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2016 Young, C., Roberts, R., & Ward, L. (2016). Mapping perinatal research: A scoping review of resilience theory in the transition to parenthood (Poster).. Poster session presented at the meeting of Frontiers in perinatal mental health - Looking to the future.. Melbourne.
2014 Day, A., Wilson, C., Roberts, R. M., & Hutchinson, A. D. (2014). THE ROLE OF ACCULTURATION, SKIN TONE IDEALS, AND SOCIOCULTURAL NORMS IN THE SUN-RELATED BEHAVIOURS OF YOUNG-ADULT ASIAN-AUSTRALIANS AND ASIANS LIVING IN AUSTRALIA. Poster session presented at the meeting of ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE. SPRINGER. 2013 Giallo, R., Roberts, R., & Emerson, E. (2013). Socio-emotional and behavioural trajectories of siblings of children with chronic health conditions across the childhood period. Poster session presented at the meeting of JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2011 Roberts, R., Mathias, J., & Wheaton, P. (2011). A comparison of the cognitive functioning of cleft lip, cleft lip and palate and cleft palate: A meta-analysis. Poster session presented at the meeting of Annual College of Clinical Neuropsychologists Conference. Sydney, Australia: Australian Psychological Society.
Nationally competitive grants
Dorstyn, D., Roberts, R., Stewart, P., Marshall, R., Clark, J., Murphy, G., Chur-Hansen, A., Migliorini, C., & Kneebone, I., & Craig., A. 2016-2017 Work and SCI: an online resource to enhance vocational outcomes following spinal cord injury auDA Foundation Funding Round $23,330
Gould, J., Roberts, R., & Collins, C. 2016-2017 Can behavioural functioning at three years’ corrected age be improved in infants born very preterm with high-dose docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in the neonatal period? A follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. WCH Foundation Research Project Grant. $54,870
Roberts, R. & Mathias, J. 2015-2017 What are the cognitive, mental health, and quality of life outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults with un-operated metopic synostosis? Australian Cranio-Maxillo Facial Foundation $49,901
Dorstyn, D., Roberts, R., Murphy, G., Craig, A., Kneebone, I., Migliorini, C. & Field, D. (2014-15) Development and evaluation of an online vocational program for an Australian sample with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Incubator Grant. $20,985.
Roberts, R.M., Strohm, K., Jureidini, J., Giallo, R., & Robb, J. (2013-14) Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation Grant Evaluation of a group program for siblings. $70,000
Roberts, R. Travel grant to attend the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association’s 68th Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico, Ian Potter Foundation (2011), $2,504.
Roberts, R. Travel grant to attend the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association’s 68th Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico, Healthy Development Adelaide (2011), $1,000.
Ratcliff, J., Flynn, T., Brazier, J.E., Stevens, K., Sawyer, M., (AI: Roberts, R.) (2011-12) Adolescent health: application of Best Worst Scaling Discrete Choice Experiments to value multi-attribute health states for use in economic evaluation, NHMRC. $174,313
University of Adelaide competitive grants
Roberts, R.M. & Mathias, J.L. (2012) Relationship between cognitive functioning and DTI findings following traumatic brain injury in children: A meta-analysis. RIGB Small Grant, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide. $11,000
Dorstyn, D. (Associate Investigator Roberts, R) (2012) The effectiveness of leisure interventions in maximising functional outcomes in stroke rehabilitation: a meta-analytic review. RIGB Small Grant, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide. $11,172
Program coordination:
Master of Psychology (Clinical) 2010-12, June-Dec 2014, 2018-2019
Course coordination:
Master of Psychology Preparation for Psychological Practice 1 2008-9
Master of Psychology Preparation for Psychological Practice 2 2008-9
Master of Psychology Interviewing and Intervention 2010
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Placement coordinator 2008-9
Master of Psychology Psychological Assessment 2012-current
Master of Psychology (Health) Placement coordinator 2016-17
Postgraduate psychology
Master of Psychology Health Psychology 4 lectures, major assignment Mind body relationships, Child health 2007-current
Master of Psychology Preparation for Professional Practice II 2 lectures: Interviewing children, CBT with children 2008-10
Master of Psychology Clinical Neuropsychology1 lecture Child neuropsychology 2008-current
Master of Psychology Disability and Rehabilitation 1 lecture Neurorehabilitation 2008-10
Master of Psychology Psychological Assessment 2 lecture Infant Assessment 2008-11 Organic screens 2008-10
Master of Psychology Direct placement supervision at WCH 6 students (160 hours/student) 2008-12
Undergraduate Psychology
Honours Psychology Critical Issues 1 3 hour lecture Psychology of appearance 2010
Psychology Level 3 Developmental Psychology (6 lectures, 1 SDL, 1 tutorial, practical in 2011) 2008-12
Psychology Level 2 Mental Health (6 (now 5) lectures, 1 x SDL, 1 tutorial) 2008-15
Psychology Level 1 Mental Health (5 lectures 2008) (1 lecture 2009-10), Research Methods in Psychology (SGDE mentor) 2014-16
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2018 Co-Supervisor Shame and Working Alliance in Therapeutic Relationships Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Full Time Daniel James Carabellese 2018 Co-Supervisor Psychosocial and Behavioural Mediators of Discrimination and Aboriginal Oral health Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Davi Manzini Macedo 2018 Principal Supervisor Using Planning Strategies to Improve Dietary Habits of Young Adults in Australia Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Part Time Ms Amanda Ellen Dibb-Smith 2017 Co-Supervisor Validation of Psychological Instruments used in an Intervention Aimed at Reducing Early Childhood Caries Among Aboriginal Children Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Pedro Henrique Ribeiro Santiago 2016 Co-Supervisor Variable clinical and molecular expressivity of PCDH19 mutations Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Kristy Louise Kolc 2016 Co-Supervisor Shame and Working Alliance in Therapeutic Relationships Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Part Time Daniel James Carabellese 2015 Principal Supervisor Development of a universal antenatal Psycho-education program for primiporous women Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Cecily Young 2014 Co-Supervisor Self Control Mechanisms: Why and How People Succeed and Fail at Self-Control Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Full Time Mr David William Dunbar 2010 Principal Supervisor Parenting issues for Parents with a Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and the Impact on Children Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Dianna Ruth Bartsch -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2016 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Adaptation and Validation of an Individualised Paediatric Health-Related Quality of Life Measure (Paediatric Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile) and its Evaluation in a Clinical Setting Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Sana Ishaque 2012 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Determinants of Sun-Related Behaviours in Young Adults: The Role of Knowledge, Sociocultural Influences, and Appearance Ideals Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Health) Doctorate Full Time Miss Ashley Kathryn Day 2012 - 2018 Principal Supervisor Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children: Is it feasible, acceptable, and effective, for prevention of internalizing difficulties in Australian primary school children? Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Clinical) Doctorate Part Time Miss Kathleen Mary Wright 2011 - 2014 Principal Supervisor The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Siblings of Children with Mental Health Problems: Two Decades of Research Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Nylanda Lai-Han Tsang Ma 2011 - 2014 Principal Supervisor The bidirectionality of the relationship between insomnia, anxiety and depression in adolescents: a longitudinal study Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Pasquale K Alvaro 2011 - 2015 Principal Supervisor An exploration of resilience and suicidality across three age groups in males and females living in the community. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Danica Wai Yee Liu 2011 - 2018 Principal Supervisor Burnout and Engagement in Health Profession Students and Early Career Health Professionals: Exploring the Role of Demands and Resources Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Tamara Robins 2008 - 2011 Co-Supervisor Facial Aesthetics and Psychological Outcome Assessment Following Treatment of Non-Syndromic Cleft Patients Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Doctorate Full Time Dr Peter Bor Yenn Foo 2008 - 2011 Principal Supervisor Sleep and snoring in infancy: Prevalence and effects on cognitive development, maternal mental health and family functioning Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Alicia Marie Piteo 2008 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Measuring Children's Forgiveness: Development of the Children's Forgiveness Card Set Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Emma Kemp
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Memberships
Date Role Membership Country 1989 - ongoing Member Australian Psychological Society Australia -
Editorial Boards
Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country 2015 - ongoing Board Member Neuropsychology Review — — 2009 - ongoing Associate Editor Clinical Psychologist — —
Connect With Me
External Profiles
