Our research

Our overarching aim is to improve mental health and the treatment of mental disorders, and to better understand how psychological factors influence physical health.

Current research

Learn more about our current research projects and discover which are seeking participants:

Explore current research

Research groups

Old-Age Psychiatry Research Group

Over the last 10 years we have created a group of local researchers and national and international collaborators focusing on several areas of research in psychogeriatrics. We are interested in identifying and screening for Abuse of Older Persons (AOP), Loneliness and Ageing, and interRAI based analyses of quality of ageing in New Zealand as well as the Ageing of People with Schizophrenia.

Digital Cognitive Bias Modification for Stereotype Bias Research Programme

This research programme focuses on developing, evaluating, and translating accessible, scalable, and culturally-responsive digital training to reduce implicit stereotype bias. A particular focus is on Cognitive Bias Modification for Stereotype Bias (CBM-S), an intervention approach designed to modify automatic interpretations that contribute to stereotypical judgements and behaviour.

This research examines how CBM-S can be improved through theoretically-informed training design, culturally relevant and context-specific materials, personalisation, and integration of human expertise and lived experience. A key focus is developing trainings that are relevant to the social and cultural contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand, while examining their potential to promote more equitable interactions and decision-making for diverse patient populations.

Digital Mental Health and Cognitive Bias Modification Research Programme

This research programme focuses on developing, evaluating, and translating accessible, personalised, and culturally-responsive digital psychological interventions for mental health. A particular focus is on Cognitive Bias Modification-Interpretation (CBM-I), an intervention approach that targets cognitive processes associated with depression and other mental health difficulties.

This research examines how CBM-I can be improved through better-designed intervention materials, personalisation, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and integration of human expertise and lived experience. The projects aim to develop interventions that are clinically meaningful, acceptable to end-users, scalable, and relevant to the diverse populations of Aotearoa New Zealand.