The Clinical Psychology Research (CPR) Lab investigates the causes and treatment of psychological disorders. We try to better understand how transdiagnostic and process-based factors improve clinical interventions. Our current research includes studies examining the role of mindfulness, self-compassion and emotion regulation in a range of psychological disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression. 

Purpose of the lab

  1. Facilitate cross-pollination of ideas in developing research projects.
  2. Foster collaborative research and educational efforts.
  3. Create a recognised identity as a clinical psychology research hub on the Strathfield Campus. 
  4. Facilitate the development of strong clinical psychology research projects within the psychology discipline.
  5. Discuss related academic pursuits: academic writing, grant applications and research question design. 
  6. Provide a regular forum for clinical psychology research students to meet and discuss the following topics:
  • recent research in the field of clinical psychology
  • critique and discuss recent publications
  • opportunity to practice and seek feedback on conference presentations
  • brainstorm challenges in student research projects
  • seek feedback on developing research projects
  • present new data and interpretation of analyses. 

Planned activities of the lab

  • Monthly meetings on the Strathfield Campus with all team members and prior circulation of reading lists to be discussed at meetings.
  • Silent writing sessions.

Current study recruitment 

Please email CPRlab@acu.edu.au to inquire about participating in current research studies. .

Clinical Psychology Research Lab members

Staff researchers 

Associate Professor Keong Yap

Dr Madeleine Fraser

Professor Joseph Ciarrochi

Dr Baljinder Sahdra

Student researchers

Browse the list of students currently completing research within the clinical psychology lab at Strathfield Campus.

Honours students

Gia Kelaiditis
Michael McLaughlin

Master of Psychology students

Andrea Efthymiou
Danika Adamski
Jake Iaria
Paris Nicolaou
Allegra Styles
Eman Hamed
Sneha Ahmed
Kathryn Field
Nicola Catts
Alison Jardine
Areum Shin (Annie)
Hannah Yee

PhD students

Carol Dabb 
Carol Dabb is in her final year of a combined Master of Psychology (Clinical)/PhD. Her research focuses on men's mental health during their partner's pregnancy. Carol's research aims to improve the support provided to men in the prenatal period, by developing a scale to measure pregnancy-related anxiety in expectant fathers. Carol's principal supervisor is Associate Professor Rachel Dryer. She is also supported by Associate Professor Keong Yap (co-supervisor), Dr Robyn Brunton, School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst and Dr Vijay Roach, past president, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Carol is a recipient of the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship and the Research Training Program Fees Offset (RTPFO) scholarship.

Michelle Laving
Michelle is a Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) registered clinical counsellor with more than18 years’ experience supporting clients with addiction concerns. Whilst facilitating an OCD support group between 2013 and 2015, she was very moved by the participants' experiences of shame related to OCD taboo thoughts and the profound impact it had on their lives including their willingness to share their symptoms with others. This experience planted the seed for her idea to embark on postgraduate research in this area. Her PhD thesis focuses on shame and its association with OCD unacceptable thoughts with an overall goal to develop and evaluate a measure of shame for OCD-related unacceptable thoughts. Her principal supervisor is Associate Professor Keong Yap and her co-supervisors are Associate Professor Francesco Foroni and Dr Oscar Modesto.

Samantha Elder
Evan Guerin
Ella Tremaine
William Lee
Marianna Gabriella Quinones Valera

Publication list of ACU researchers

Please view the list of publications by ACU staff researchers Associate Professor Keong Yap and Dr Madeleine Fraser.

Associate Professor Keong Yap (2020 – 2023)

Please see a full list of publications by Associate Professor Yap here. 

2023

Yap, K., Timpano, K. R., Isemann, S., Svehla, J., & Grisham, J. R. (2023). High levels of loneliness in people with hoarding disorder. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 37, 100806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2023.100806

Laving, M., Foroni, F., Ferrari, M., Turner, C., & Yap, K. (2023). The association between OCD and Shame: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(1), 28-52. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12392

Dabb, C., Dryers, R., Brunton, R. J., Yap, K., & Roach, V. J. (2023). Paternal pregnancy-related anxiety: Systematic review of men's concerns and experiences during their partners' pregnancies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 323, 640-658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.092

2022

Grisham, J. R., Yap, K., Isemann, S., Svehla, J., Briggs, N., & Norberg, M. M. (2022). A naturalistic study of emotion regulation-enhanced cognitive-behavioral group therapy for hoarding disorder in a community setting. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 10, 100450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100450

Ferrari, M., Beath, A., Einstein, D.A., Yap, K., & Hunt, C. (2022). Gender differences in self-compassion: a latent profile analysis of compassionate and uncompassionate self-relating in a large adolescent sample. Current Psychology.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03408-0

Yap, K., Chen, W., Wong, S. F., Isemann, S., Svehla, J., Grisham, J. R. (2022). Is it as good as being in person? The effectiveness of a modified clinician facilitated Buried in Treasures group for hoarding disorder using video teleconferencing. Psychiatry Research. 314, 114631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114631

Ferrari, M., Ciarrochi, J., Yap, K., Sahdra, B., Hayes, S. C. (2022). Embracing the Complexity of our Inner Worlds: Understanding the Dynamics of Self-Compassion and Self-Criticism. Mindfulness. 13, 1652-1661. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01897-5

Ciarrochi, J., Hayes, S. C., Hayes, L., Sahdra, B., Ferrari, M., Yap, K. & Hofmann, S. (2022). From Package to Process: An Evidence-based Approach to Processes of Change in Psychotherapy. In G. J. G. Asmundson. (Ed.). Comprehensive Clinical Psychology (2nd. Edition), pp 26-44. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818697-8.00085-6

2021

Arrow, K., Yap, K., & Chester, A. (2021). Group Climate in Online Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy predicts Treatment Outcomes. Clinical Psychologist, 25(2), 153-163. https://doi.org/10.1080/13284207.2020.1829944

Australian Postgraduate Psychology Simulation Education Working Group (2021). A new reality: The role of simulated learning activities in postgraduate psychology training programs. Frontiers in Education, 6. Article 653269. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.653269

Kings, C., Moulding, R., Yap, K., Gazzola, R., & Knight, T. (2021). Measuring Possessions as Extensions of Self and Links to Significant Others in Hoarding: The Possessions as Others and Self Inventory. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 43, 441-453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-020-09858-9

Scott, J., Yap, K., Bunch, K., Haarhoff, B., Perry, H., Bennett-Levy, J. (2021). Should personal practice be part of cognitive behaviour therapy training? Results from two self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) cohort control studies. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 28(1), 150-158 https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2497

Yap, K. & Grisham, J. R. (2021). Object Attachment in hoarding disorder and its role in a compensatory process. Current Opinion in Psychology. 39, 76-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.022

Yap, K., Sheen, J., Nedeljkovic, M., Milne, L., Lawrence, K., & Hay, M. (2021). Assessing clinical competencies using the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in psychology training. Clinical Psychologist, 25(3), 260-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/13284207.2021.1932452

2020

Ciarrochi, J., Sahdra, B. K., Yap, K. & Dicke, T. (2020). The Role of Nonattachment in the Development of adolescent mental health: a three-year longitudinal study. Mindfulness 11, 2131–2139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01421-7

Cooper, D., Yap, K., O’Brien, M., & Scott, I. (2020). Mindfulness and Empathy Among Counseling and Psychotherapy Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 11, 2243–2257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01425-3

Eppingstall, J., Xenos, S., & Yap, K. (2020) Acceptance and commitment therapy for hoarding disorder: A proposed treatment protocol for individuals. Australian Psychologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12438

Frei, J. M., Sazhin, V., Fick, M., & Yap, K. (2020). Emotion-oriented coping style predicts self-harm in response to acute psychiatric hospitalization. Crisis - The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention.42, 3. https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000713

Yap, K., Eppingstall, J., Brennan, C., Le, B., & Grisham, J. R. (2020). Emotional attachment to objects mediates the relationship between loneliness and hoarding symptoms. Journal of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, 24, 100487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2019.100487

Yap, K. & Grisham, J. R. (2020). Object attachment and emotions in hoarding disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 100, 152179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152179

Dr Madeleine Fraser (recent)

Please see a full list of publications by Dr Fraser >here.

2023

The Conversation: Self-compassion is the superpower year 12 students need for exams … and life beyond school

The Conversation: Disappointed by your year 12 result?

Fraser, M. I., Ciarrochi, J., Sahdra, B. K., & Hunt, C. (2023). To Be Compassionate and Feel Worthy: The Bidirectional Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem. In Handbook of Self-Compassion (pp. 33-51). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

2022

Ferrari, M., Allan, S., Arnold, C., Eleftheriadis, D., Alvarez-Jimenez, M., Gumley, A., & Gleeson, J. F. (2022). Digital Interventions for Psychological Well-being in University Students: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(9), e39686.

Laving, M., Foroni, F., Ferrari, M., Turner, C., & Yap, K. (2022). The association between OCD and Shame: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. British Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Ferrari, M., Beath, A., Einstein, D. A., Yap, K., & Hunt, C. (2022). Gender differences in self-compassion: a latent profile analysis of compassionate and uncompassionate self-relating in a large adolescent sample. Current Psychology, 1-16.

Ferrari, M., Ciarrochi, J., Yap, K., Sahdra, B., & Hayes, S. C. (2022). Embracing the Complexity of our Inner Worlds: Understanding the Dynamics of Self-Compassion and Self-Criticism. Mindfulness, 1-10.Ciarrochi, J., Hayes, S. C., Hayes, L., Sahdra, B., Ferrari, M., Yap, K., & Hofmann, S. G. (2022). From Package to Process: An Evidence-based Approach to Processes of Change in Psychotherapy. In Comprehensive Clinical Psychology, Second Edition (Vol. 1, pp. 26-44). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818697-8.00085-6

2021

Ferrari, M., Speight, J., Beath, A., Browne, J. L., & Mosely, K. (2021). The information-motivation-behavioral skills model explains physical activity levels for adults with type 2 diabetes across all weight classes [Article]. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 26(3), 381-394. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1749292

2020 – parental leave

2019

Ferrari, M., Hunt, C., Harrysunker, A., Abbott, M. J., Beath, A. P., & Einstein, D. A. (2019). Self-Compassion Interventions and Psychosocial Outcomes: a Meta-Analysis of RCTs [Article]. Mindfulness, 10(8), 1455-1473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01134-6

2018 and earlier

Ferrari, M., McIlwain, D. J. F., & Ambler, G. (2018). A qualitative comparison of needles and insulin pump use in children with type 1 diabetes [Article]. Journal of Health Psychology, 23(10), 1332-1342. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316653999

Ferrari, M., Yap, K., Scott, N., Einstein, D. A., & Ciarrochi, J. (2018). Self-compassion moderates the perfectionism and depression link in both adolescence and adulthood [Article]. PLOS ONE, 13(2), Article e0192022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192022

Inwood, E., & Ferrari, M. (2018). Mechanisms of Change in the Relationship between Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, and Mental Health: A Systematic Review [Article]. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 10(2), 215-235. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12127

Ferrari, M., Dal Cin, M., & Steele, M. (2017). Self-compassion is associated with optimum self-care behaviour, medical outcomes and psychological well-being in a cross-sectional sample of adults with diabetes [Article]. Diabetic Medicine, 34(11), 1546-1553. https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.13451

Rogers, J. M., Ferrari, M., Mosely, K., Lang, C. P., & Brennan, L. (2017). Mindfulness-based interventions for adults who are overweight or obese: a meta-analysis of physical and psychological health outcomes [Review]. Obesity Reviews, 18(1), 51-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12461

 Ferrari, M., & Whillier, S. (2017). Mental health knowledge and common misconceptions in a master of chiropractic final year cohort [Article]. Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 12(3), 150-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-09-2016-0045

Dobie, A., Tucker, A., Ferrari, M., & Rogers, J. M. (2016). Preliminary evaluation of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for mental health professionals [Review]. Australasian Psychiatry, 24(1), 42-45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1039856215618524

Back to previous page

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs
 Ask a question
SMS 0427 522 268
Call 1300 275 228