CONFERENCE OUTPUTS

The Romantic Self-Saboteur: How do people sabotage love?

March 7, 2019 | 31 Comments

Abstract There is a distinct lack of knowledge to explain why some people, having successfully initiated a relationship, embark upon a path to certain dissolution of that engagement. Research looking at self-sabotage provides some answers. However, no measure exists to test self-sabotage in romantic relationships. This study investigated key self-sabotaging behaviours implemented in romantic relationships towards developing the Relationship Self-Sabotage […]

What do psychologists have to say about self-sabotage in romantic relationships?

November 15, 2018 | 10 Comments

Abstract The term self-sabotage is not well explained in current relationship literature. Self-sabotage is thus far explained mainly as a physical barrier (i.e., derived from the effects of alcohol consumption or high level of stress; Jones & Berglas, 1978; Rhodewalt, 2008) which does not fully encompass intrinsic behaviours. In romantic relationships, the term self-sabotage is better explained as behavioural expressions […]

Community engaged GP training. Does it make a difference?

October 25, 2018 | 53 Comments

Abstract Much effort and funding is spent on GP training in Australia but there is little data on how GP training in rural and remote areas impacts communities. Since 2001, the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program has required at least 50% of general practice training to occur in rural areas despite lack of information about the effectiveness of rural […]

Insight into rural and remote GP training and supervision in Queensland

October 15, 2018 | 2 Comments

Abstract Many rural and remote communities are struggling to attract and retain GPs while experiencing poorer population health outcomes and burden of disease. Therefore, the provision of a reliable rural GP workforce is vital. Registered Training Organisations provide high quality training experiences for GP registrars. A collaborative project between JCU and Monash University aimed to identify aspects of GP training […]

It is not what it seems. Heart break leads to mental health difficulties in higher education.

July 7, 2018 | 1 Comment

Abstract The issue a client brings through the door is often not the issue counsellors and psychologists end up working on. Relationship break-ups are at the core of why most people seek counselling. The same is possibly true in the context of higher education. Students and staff members who seek counselling for common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and […]

How is self-sabotage presented in romantic relationships?

November 17, 2017 | 3 Comments

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present an integrated review exploring the theme of self-sabotage in romantic relationships. Self-sabotage or self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals as self-protection; primarily aimed at preserving self-esteem and self-image. When faced with failure, the individual can justify the outcome as due to the handicap itself (i.e., an external cause), whereas, […]

Who gets Bullied at Work? The role of Emotion Stability, Psychological Flexibility, and Coping in Workplace Bullying.

July 1, 2017 | 2 Comments

Abstract Bullying costs individuals and their workplace a great deal. Considerable research has been conducted to explore the incidence and prevalence of bullying in the workplace and the negative consequences to individuals and organizations (Rammsayer, Stahl, & Schmiga, 2006). Few studies, however, have considered the individual characteristics of adults who are bullied in the workplace (Sansone & Sansone, 2015; Calvete, […]

Is Awareness of Suicide Risk and Intent Culturally Informed? A Comparison between Australia and Brazil.

March 7, 2017 | 1 Comment

Abstract Few studies have considered how suicide is perceived and impacted by stigma across cultures. A sample of 478 participants from Australia and Brazil was used to investigate cross-cultural perceptions of suicide and the impact of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide framed a mixed method within and between groups design. English […]

I am an internationally recognised TEDx speaker, an emerging researcher, and passionate lecturer.

I work as a Psychology and Counselling Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland.

I hold a PhD and a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours from James Cook University (JCU) and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Art History and Music from Sydney University.

I am interested in research on relationships, suicide, bullying, stigma, medical education and research methodology.

A highlight of my research includes giving a TEDx Talk on romantic self-sabotage. This talk has been well received globally and was featured in the TED series titled “How to Be a Better Human”.

I enjoy promoting scientific research to engage both academics and members of the general public, and I believe in creating awareness, promoting individual responsibility, and challenging people to act towards changing their reality. Overall, my work has received extensive media coverage including TV and radio interviews, newspaper articles and publications on The Conversation, ABC News and Psychology Today.

My work as an educator has been recognised with a prestigious Inclusive Practice Teaching Award. I am also passionate about raising awareness of mental health in higher education and have developed the Mental Health Program for Higher Degree by Research Candidates for JCU.

Overall, I am passionate about people and the expression of life. I am originally from Brazil and I have travelled and lived in many places around the world. I currently live in Brisbane, Australia, with my husband Matthew, our two cats Tigre and Patera, our Miniature Pinscher, Lobinha, and our Doberman, Urso.