Rita Princi-Hubbard

Dr Rita Princi-Hubbard

Senior Lecturer

School of Psychology

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

I am a Senior Lecturer and Placement Coordinator for Master of Psychology (Clinical and Health) sourcing new placements for Masters' students. I am a Clinical Psychologist, an AHPRA approved Supervisor and have worked in private practice for over 20 years. My PhD explored the theoretical framework of incorporating the Science of Learning with Compassion Focused theories applied in Education. My research interests are in further exploring the Science of Learning and Compassion Focused theories as they pertain to relationships, emotion regulation and wellbeing in a wide array of settings.

My research explores the teacher and student relationship with regard to neuroscience and behavioural variables that impact on teacher and student wellbeing. The main area of research follows a new paradigm of educational research, the Science of Learning, integrating neuroscience and psychological research in education.  My research incorporates Compassion Focused theories to understand the origins of dysregulated emotions to focus more on extending knowledge about 'what's happening' rather than only 'what's wrong' and pathology; to shift from solely a cognitive perspective to understanding emotions; and to extend the Cognitive Behavioural perspective from focusing solely on thoughts with more attention on understanding the emotions and physiology that underlie the thoughts and behaviour thereby interconnecting Compassion Focused Therapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2024 - ongoing Senior Lecturer / Placement Coordinator for Master of Psychology (Clinical & Health) for University of Adelaide
    2019 - ongoing Director Institute for Neuroscience and Education
    2003 - ongoing Director & Senior Clinical Psychologist Princi Consulting

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2020 - 2024 University of Queensland Australia PhD
    2000 - 2002 Flinders University Australia Master of Clinical Psychology
    1996 - 1999 Flinders University Australia Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

  • Research Interests
    Child and adolescent development Behavioural neuroscience Clinical Psychology

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2024 Princi-Hubbard, R. (2024). A Compassion Focused Approach to understand Teacher and Student Wellbeing. The Science of Psychotherapy, October-December.
    2020 Princi-Hubbard, R. (2020). Healthy Relationships: A Neuroscience Perspective. Health & PE. Volume 4, Issue 2, Warringal Publications, Richmond, Victoria, 3121. Health & PE.
    2019 Princi-Hubbard, R. (2019). Children: The Most Misunderstood Beings on the Planet! The Science of Psychotherapy, 40-49.. The Science of Psychotherapy.
    2019 Princi-Hubbard, R. (2019). The Neuroscience of Stress: Understanding the science to increase well-being and performance in high school. Health and PE. Volume 3, Issue 4. Warringal Publications, Richmond, Victoria, 3121. Health & PE.
    2011 Keightley, J., Chur-Hansen, A., Princi, R., & Wittert, G. (2011). Perceptions of obesity in self and others. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 5(4), e341-e349.
    DOI Scopus6 WoS4 Europe PMC3

As a Senior Clinical Lecturer from 2009 to June 2024, I presented lectures to undergraduate and Honours students with the School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, and supervised Master of Clinical Psychology and Master of Health Psychology students as an external supervisor.  During this time, I also marked Honours and Masters' theses.

  • Board Memberships
    Date Role Board name Institution name Country
    2006 - 2010 Board Member Podiatry Board of South Australia Podiatry Board of South Australia Committee Australia

  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2013 - 2014 Chair APS College of Clinical Psychologists - SA Branch Australia
    2005 - 2011 Chair APS Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology Interest Group Australia
    2000 - ongoing Member Australian Psychological Society Australia

  • Consulting/Advisories
    Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country
    2018 - ongoing Institute for Neuroscience and Education Consulting and Training Business and professional Australia
    2009 - 2021 Australian Communications and Media Authority Children's Television Programs Business and professional Australia
    2009 - 2014 Australian Council for Children and the Media Committee Advocacy Australia
    2003 - ongoing Princi Consulting Clinical Psychology Practice Business and professional Australia
  • Position: Senior Lecturer
  • Email: rita.princi-hubbard@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: West End Health Precinct
  • Building: AHMS - Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences
  • Org Unit: School of Psychology
Connect With Me
External Profiles