Professor Dione Healey

2026

Journal - Research Article

Psyllou, C., Deserno, M. K., Leijten, P., van der Oord, S., van den Hoofdakker, B. J., Dekkers, T. J., PAINT-IPDMA Collaborators, including Healey, D., … Groenman, A. P. (2026). Study preregistration: Do parenting programs change interrelations among child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, conduct disorder characteristics? Individual participant data network analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2026.05.009

2025

Journal - Research Article

Navarro-Soria, I., Molina-Torres, J., Healey, D., & Costa-López, B. (2025). Spanish adaptation and psychometric evidence of the teacher-report version of the Children's Problems Checklist: Early identification of the impairment related to ADHD symptoms. Cogent Psychology, 12(1), 2571276. doi: 10.1080/23311908.2025.2571276

Other Research Output

Healey, D. (2025, August). ENGAGE-ing in self-regulation research. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Inaugural Professorial Lecture].

2024

Journal - Research Other

Barrett-Young, A., Martin, R., Clifford, A. E., Schaughency, E., McLauchlan, J., & Healey, D. (2024). Assessment of self-regulation at school entry: A literature review of existing screening tools and suitability for the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 42(3), 324-348. doi: 10.1177/07342829231219291

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Corlet, T., Healey, D., & Trani, P. (2024). Exploring cognitive disengagement, autism symptomology, and functioning in middle childhood. Proceedings of the Psycolloquy Symposium. (pp. 11). Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Psychology, University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/psychology/research/otago059081.html

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. (2024, November). Self-regulation in preschoolers. Verbal presentation at the Paediatric Society of New Zealand Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa (PSNZ) 75th Annual Meeting, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2023

Journal - Research Article

Klenberg, L., Teivaanmäki, S., Närhi, V., Kiuru, N., & Healey, D. (2023). Effectiveness of ENGAGE in reducing difficulties in everyday executive functions among Finnish preschoolers: A randomized controlled trial. Child Neuropsychology, 29(8), 1341-1361. doi: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2164568

Taylor, R. W., Haszard, J. J., Meredith-Jones, K. A., Azeem, A. A., Galland, B. C., Heath, A.-L. M., Taylor, B. J., & Healey, D. (2023). Associations between activity, sedentary and sleep behaviours and psychosocial health in young children: A longitudinal compositional time-use study. Journal of Activity, Sedentary & Sleep Behaviors, 2, 3. doi: 10.1186/s44167-022-00011-3

2022

Journal - Research Article

Healey, D., Milne, B., & Healey, M. (2022). Adaption and implementation of the engage programme within the early childhood curriculum. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21580. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-25655-8

Fangupo, L., Haszard, J., Galland, B., Taylor, B., Heath, A.-L., Healey, D., Meredith-Jones, K., … Taylor, R. (2022). Investigating the moderators and mediators of an effective sleep intervention in the Prevention of Overweight in Infancy (POI) randomized controlled trial: Exploratory analyses. Clinical Obesity, 12, e12516. doi: 10.1111/cob.12516

2021

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, R. W., Haszard, J. J., Healey, D., Meredith-Jones, K. A., Taylor, B. J., & Galland, B. C. (2021). Adherence to 24-h movement behavior guidelines and psychosocial functioning in young children: A longitudinal analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity, 18, 110. doi: 10.1186/s12966-021-01185-w

Stevenson, M. P., McEwan, J., Bentsen, P., Schilhab, T., Glue, P., Trani, P., Wheeler, B., & Healey, D. (2021). Nature walks versus medication: A pre-registered randomized-controlled trial in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 77, 101679. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101679

Leong, C., Liesaputra, V., Morrison, C., Parameswaran, P., Grace, D., Healey, D., Ware, L., Palmer, O., Goddard, E., & Houghton, L. A. (2021). Designing video games for nutrition education: A participatory approach. Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior, 53(10), 832-842. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.07.001

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Clifford, A., Shaughency, E., Healey, D., Carroll, J., & Reese, E. (2021). Tender Shoots for ECE: Educator-child conversations and developing socioemotional competencies. Proceedings of the 13th Educational Psychology Forum. CLI21242. Retrieved from http://www.eenz.com/epf

Timperley, S., Shaughency, E., Crawford, I., Gilkison, L., Healey, D., Carroll, J., & Reese, E. (2021). Tender Shoots for ECE: Impact of rich reading and reminiscing on educator-child shared reading interactions. Proceedings of the 13th Educational Psychology Forum. TIM21241. Retrieved from http://www.eenz.com/epf

2020

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Leong, C., Müller, A. M., Liesaputra, V., Healey, D., & Houghton, L. (2020). Development plan of a hybrid exergame to help children adopt long-term heart-healthy behaviours. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity (ISBNPA) XChange. (pp. 783). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://venuewest.eventsair.com/isbnpa-xchange-initiative

2019

Journal - Research Article

Sadeghi, S., McIntosh, J., Shadli, S. M., Healey, D., Rostami, R., Trani, P., & McNaughton, N. (2019). Does behavioural inhibition system dysfunction contribute to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Personality Neuroscience, 2, e5. doi: 10.1017/pen.2019.5

Healey, D., & Healey, M. (2019). Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of structured-play (ENGAGE) and behavior management (TRIPLE P) in reducing problem behaviors in preschoolers. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 3497. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-40234-0

2018

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, R. W., Gray, A. R., Heath, A.-L. M., Galland, B. C., Lawrence, J., Sayers, R., Healey, D., Tannock, G. W., Meredith-Jones, K. A., Hanna, M., Hatch, B., & Taylor, B. J. (2018). Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity interventions to prevent obesity in infancy: Follow-up of the Prevention of Overweight in Infancy (POI) randomized controlled trial at ages 3.5 and 5 y. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(2), 228, 236. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy090

Healey, D., Gray, A. R., Chae, M., Taylor, B. J., Lawrence, J., Reith, D. M., & Wheeler, B. J. (2018). The role of parent and child self-regulation in children’s glycemic control. Health Psychology, 37(4), 326-333. doi: 10.1037/hea0000554

Kennerley, S., Jaquiery, B., Hatch, B., Healey, M., Wheeler, B. J., & Healey, D. (2018). Informant discrepancies in the assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 36(2), 136-147. doi: 10.1177/0734282916670797

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Burrowes, R., Carroll, J., Cross, T., Fagan, H., Healey, D., Johnson, J., … Schaughency, E. (2018). Shaping our futures: Celebrating transformative educational research. Proceedings of the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) Conference. (pp. 30). Retrieved from http://www.nzareconference.org.nz

Taylor, R., Heath, A.-L., Galland, B., Gray, A., Lawrence, J., Sayers, R., Healey, D., Tannock, G., Meredith-Jones, K., Hanna, M., Hatch, B., & Taylor, B. (2018). Follow-up at 3.5 and 5 years of the prevention of overweight in infancy (POI) study. Journal of Sleep Research, 27(Suppl. 2), (pp. 36-37). doi: 10.1111/jsr.12764

2017

Journal - Research Article

Kerruish, N. J., Healey, D. M., & Gray, A. R. (2017). Psychosocial effects in parents and children 12 years after newborn genetic screening for type 1 diabetes. European Journal of Human Genetics, 25, 397-403. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2016.190

Woodward, L. J., Lu, Z., Morris, A. R., & Healey, D. M. (2017). Preschool self regulation predicts later mental health and educational achievement in very preterm and typically developing children. Clinical Neuropsychologist, 31(2), 404-422. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2016.1251614

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Carroll, J., Healey, D., Schaughency, E., Reese, E., Cross, T., Johnson, J., … Burrowes, R. (2017). Te Pihinga: Growing relationships with home based educators to nurture young children's development. Proceedings of the New Zealand for Research in Education (NZARE) Conference. (pp. 26). Retrieved from https://forumpoint2.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/nzare2017/info

2016

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, R. W., Heath, A.-L. M., Galland, B. C., Cameron, S. L., Lawrence, J. A., Gray, A. R., Tannock, G. W., Lawley, B., Healey, D., Sayers, R. M., Hanna, M., Meredith-Jones, K., Hatch, B., & Taylor, B. J. (2016). Three-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial to reduce excessive weight gain in the first two years of life: Protocol for the POI follow-up study. BMC Public Health, 16, 771. doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3383-4

Healey, D. M., Rajendran, K., O'Neill, S., Gopin, C. B., & Halperin, J. M. (2016). The interplay among temperament, neuropsychological abilities, and global functioning in young hyperactive/inattentive children. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 34, 354-370. doi: 10.1111/bjdp.12134

Wheeler, B. J., Lawrence, J., Chae, M., Paterson, H., Gray, A. R., Healey, D., Reith, D. M., & Taylor, B. J. (2016). Intuitive eating is associated with glycaemic control in adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. Appetite, 96, 160-165. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.09.016

Chae, M., Taylor, B. J., Lawrence, J., Healey, D., Reith, D. M., Gray, A., & Wheeler, B. J. (2016). Family CHAOS is associated with glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Acta Diabetologica, 53(1), 49-55. doi: 10.1007/s00592-015-0736-x

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. (2016, June). Play improves cognitive and behavioral functioning in hyperactive preschoolers. Verbal presentation at the 10th Annual Brain Health Research Centre Conference: The Developing Brain, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Healey, D., & Halperin, J. (2016, August). The ENGAGE programme: Fostering approaches to learning through play. Verbal presentation at the University of Otago College of Education (UOCE) Annual Early Childhood Research Hui, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2015

Journal - Research Article

Healey, D. M., & Halperin, J. M. (2015). Enhancing Neurobehavioral Gains with the Aid of Games and Exercise (ENGAGE): Initial open trial of a novel early intervention fostering the development of preschoolers' self-regulation. Child Neuropsychology, 21(4), 465-480. doi: 10.1080/09297049.2014.906567

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Wheeler, B. J., Lawrence, J., Chae, M., Paterson, H., Gray, A., Healey, D., Reith, D. M., & Taylor, B. J. (2015). Intuitive eating is associated with glycaemic contron in adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. Proceedings of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes + Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (ISPAD + APEG) Joint Annual Conference: Leaping the Barriers. P193. Retrieved from http://2015.ispad.org/jointispad-apeg2015/home

2014

Chapter in Book - Research

Healey, D. (2014). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and creativity: Ever the twain shall meet? In J. C. Kaufman (Ed.), Creativity and mental illness. (pp. 236-249). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Journal - Research Article

Hatch, B., Healey, D. M., & Halperin, J. M. (2014). Associations between birth weight and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity: Indirect effects via primary neuropsychological functions. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 55(4), 384-392. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12168

Miyahara, M., Healey, D. M., & Halperin, J. M. (2014). One-week temporal stability of hyperactivity in preschoolers with ADHD during psychometric assessment. Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, 68(2), 120-126. doi: 10.1111/pcn.12096

Tan, E., Healey, D., Schaughency, E., Dawes, P., & Galland, B. (2014). Neurobehavioural correlates in older children and adolescents with obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea. Journal of Paediatrics & Child Health, 50(1), 16-23. doi: 10.1111/jpc.12390

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. (2014, June). Self-regulation training for hyperactive preschoolers. Verbal presentation at the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Psychology Research Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Healey, D. (2014, April). ENGAGE for hyperactive preschoolers. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP) and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA) Joint Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand.

2013

Journal - Research Article

Halperin, J. M., Marks, D. J., Bedard, A.-C., Chacko, A., Curchack, J. T., Yoon, C. A., & Healey, D. M. (2013). Training executive, attention, and motor skills: A proof-of-concept study in preschool children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 17(8), 711-721. doi: 10.1177/1087054711435681

Miller, C. J., Miller, S. R., Healey, D. M., Marshall, K., & Halperin, J. M. (2013). Are cognitive control and stimulus-driven processes differentially linked to inattention and hyperactivity in preschoolers? Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 42(2), 187-196. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2012.759116

2012

Journal - Research Article

Tan, E., Healey, D., Gray, A. R., & Galland, B. C. (2012). Sleep hygiene intervention for youth aged 10 to 18 years with problematic sleep: A before-after pilot study. BMC Pediatrics, 12, 189. doi: 10.1186/1471-2431-12-189

Gopin, C. B., Healey, D. M., Grossman, B. R., Campbel, S. B., & Halperin, J. M. (2012). Task palatability, but not structure, differentially influences mother-child interactions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder children with and without oppositional defiant disorder. Infant & Child Development, 21(4), 394-410. doi: 10.1002/icd.759

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Jaquiery, B., Healey, D., & Franz, E. A. (2012). Attentional lapses, rather than executive functioning deficits, may explain ADHD task performance. Proceedings of the Psycolloquy Seminar. (pp. 17). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/psychology/otago039512.pdf

Healey, D. (2012). Enhancing Neurocognitive Growth with the Aid of Games and Exercise (ENGAGE): A novel early-intervention fostering the development of preschoolers' self-control. Proceedings of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsP) & New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP) Joint Conference: Tūtahitanga: Standing Together As One. (pp. 12). Retrieved from http://www.psychology.org.nz/cms_show_download.php?id=1585

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. (2012, April). Enhancing Neurocognitive Growth with the Aid of Games and Exercise (ENGAGE): A novel early-intervention fostering the development of preschoolers' self-control. Invited presentation at the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsP) & New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP) Joint Conference: Tūtahitanga: Standing Together As One, Wellington, New Zealand.

2011

Chapter in Book - Research

Healey, D. M., & Consedine, N. S. (2011). Emotions and psychopathology in the first 5 years of life. In R. E. Tremblay, M. Boivin & R. DeV Peters (Eds.), Encyclopedia on early childhood development. Montreal, Quebec: Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development and Strategic Knowledge Cluster on Early Child Development. Retrieved from http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/documents/Healey-ConsedineANGxp1.pdf

Journal - Research Article

Gopin, C. B., & Healey, D. M. (2011). The neural and precognitive determinants of ADHD. Journal of Infant, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, 10(1), 13-31. doi: 10.1080/15289168.2011.575700

Healey, D. M., Flory, J. D., Miller, C. J., & Halperin, J. M. (2011). Maternal positive parenting style is associated with better functioning in hyperactive/inattentive preschool children. Infant & Child Development, 20(2), 148-161. doi: 10.1002/icd.682

Healey, D. M., Marks, D. J., & Halperin, J. M. (2011). Examining the interplay among negative emotionality, cognitive functioning, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 17, 502-510. doi: 10.1017/S1355617711000294

Halperin, J. M., & Healey, D. M. (2011). The influences of environmental enrichment, cognitive enhancement, and physical exercise on brain development: Can we alter the developmental trajectory of ADHD? Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 35(3), 621-634. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.07.006

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Kennerley, S., & Healey, D. (2011). Informant discrepancies in the assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Human Development Association (AHDA). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/ahda2011/

Hatch, B., Healey, D., & Ruffman, T. (2011). Heart rate variability as a physiological index of emotion regulation in children with and without ADHD. Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Human Development Association (AHDA). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/ahda2011/

Harding, J., & Healey, D. (2011). The impact of children’s ADHD symptom severity and maternal characteristics on mothers’ psychological wellbeing. Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Human Development Association (AHDA). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/ahda2011/

Healey, D. (2011). Pathways to childhood risk: Findings from New Zealand longitudinal studies. Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Human Development Association (AHDA). (pp. 64). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/ahda2011/

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. (2011, November). Assessing the effectiveness of ENGAGE, a novel early intervention for hyperactive preschoolers. Verbal presentation at the Otago Child and Adolescent Well-Being Research Forum, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2010

Journal - Research Article

Healey, D. (2010). The treatment of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Where are we at and where are we going? Journal of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, 20(3), 25-28.

Gopin, C., Healey, D., Castelli, K., Marks, D., & Halperin, J. M. (2010). Usefulness of a clinician rating scale in identifying preschool children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 13(5), 479-488. doi: 10.1177/1087054709332476

Healey, D. M., Gopin, C. B., Grossman, B. R., Campbell, S. B., & Halperin, J. M. (2010). Mother-child dyadic synchrony is associated with better functioning in hyperactive/inattentive preschool children. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 51(9), 1058-1066. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02220.x

Healey, D. M., Brodzinsky, L. K., Bernstein, M., Rabinovitz, B., & Halperin, J. M. (2010). Moderating effects of neurocognitive abilities on the relationship between temperament and global functioning. Child Neuropsychology, 16, 20-31. doi: 10.1080/09297040902984490

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Healey, D. M., & Halperin, J. M. (2010). TEAMS (training executive, affective and motor skills): Piloting a novel neurocognitive intervention for hyperactive preschoolers. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 19(Suppl.1), (pp. S72). doi: 10.1007/s00787-010-0117-5

Lie, C., Jack, F., Healey, D., Murachver, T., & Alsop, B. (2010). Forward versus backward classical conditioning: A laboratory demonstration. Proceedings of the New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis Annual Conference. NZABA. Retrieved from http://nzaba.org/previous-conferences/

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Curchack, J. T., Bedard, A.-C., Yoon, C. A., Marks, D. J., Chacko, A., Ramon, M., Healey, D. M., & Halperin, J. M. (2010, October). Training Executive, Attention, and Motor Skills (TEAMS): Palatability and preliminary efficacy of a novel neurocognitive intervention for ADHD. Poster session presented at the 57th American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting, New York.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. M., Pharo, H., Hatch, B., Crawford, E., & Halperin, J. M. (2010, October). An evaluation of a novel intervention for hyperactive preschoolers: TEAMS (Training Executive, Affective, and Motor Skills). Verbal presentation at the 57th American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting, New York.

2009

Journal - Research Article

Healey, D., France, K. G., & Blampied, N. M. (2009). Treating sleep disturbance in infants: What generalizes? Behavioral Interventions, 24(1), 23-41. doi: 10.1002/bin.274

2008

Journal - Research Article

Healey, D. M., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2008). The relationship between ADHD and creativity. ADHD Report, 16(3), 1-5. doi: 10.1521/adhd.2008.16.3.1

Healey, D. M., Miller, C. J., Castelli, K. L., Marks, D. J., & Halperin, J. M. (2008). The impact of impairment criteria on rates of ADHD diagnoses in preschoolers. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 36(5), 771-778. doi: 10.1007/s10802-007-9209-1

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Healey, D. M., Gopin, C. B., Grossman, B. R., Campbell, S. B., & Halperin, J. M. (2008, October). Moderating effects of parent-child interactions on impairment in hyperactive/inattentive preschoolers. Poster session presented at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 56th Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Healey, D. (2008, November). Moderating effects of neurocognitive abilities on the relationship between temperament and global functioning. Verbal presentation at the Psycolloquy Seminar, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2006

Chapter in Book - Research

Pritchard, V. E., Healey, D., & Neumann, E. (2006). Assessing selective attention in ADHD, highly creative, and normal young children via Stroop negative priming effects. In C. M. Fletcher-Flinn & G. M. Haberman (Eds.), Cognition and language: Perspectives from New Zealand. (pp. 207-224). Brisbane, Australia: Australian Academic Press.

Journal - Research Article

Healey, D., & Runco, M. A. (2006). Could creativity be associated with insomnia? Creativity Research Journal, 18(1), 39-43. doi: 10.1207/s15326934crj1801_5

Healey, D., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2006). An investigation into the psychosocial functioning of creative children: The impact of ADHD symptomatology. Journal of Creative Behavior, 40(4), 243-264.

Healey, D., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2006). An investigation into the relationship among ADHD symptomatology, creativity, and neuropsychological functioning in children. Child Neuropsychology, 12, 421-438. doi: 10.1080/09297040600806086