Dr Jerry Hsu

Research

Jerry's research interests include cognitive bias modification (CBM)—a digital self-administered intervention addressing unhelpful interpretation bias in various psychopathologies. Jerry has also applied CBM to other areas, including stereotype bias in medical students towards Māori patients. Jerry is also appointed as a Visiting Lecturer at King's College London, where he remains actively involved in CBM projects.

Other areas of interest include evidential and clinical interviewing using digital tools. Jerry has examined the use of an avatar interviewer to interview both children with autism and adults in a forensic setting.

Both research areas focus on one common goal—to digitize mental health interventions and educational tools to boost effectiveness and create better accessibility, discretion, and flexibility, at a low cost (i.e., mHealth and eHealth).

Additional details

Jerry was born in Taiwan and grew up in New Zealand. He first trained as a computer scientist and electrical engineer and worked as a web developer before moving towards teaching.  He was a primary teacher for 11 years in Taiwan. He then began his psychology research career in Taiwan with a focus on the intersection between technology and people.  He completed his PhD and Clinical psychology qualifications here in NZ.

Clinical

Jerry works as a clinical psychologist in private practice. He sees adults clients online for brief intervention. He is interested in helping people who are still meeting life's needs but would like a psychological 'boost'. He aims to work with people short-term so that more people can benefit from psychology.

Teaching

Jerry is currently involved in lecturing and facilitating tutorials to second and third year medical students at the University of Otago on a variety of mental health-related topics. As a Vertical Module Convener, he oversees the teaching of the vertical module by the department. His other role includes the Student Disability Services Coordinator.

Publications