Dr Dione Healey, Our People, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, New Zealand

Dione Healy

Email dione.healey@otago.ac.nz
Tel 64 3 479 7620

Associate Professor Dione Healey’s broad research area is in childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She is currently assessing the effectiveness of a novel early intervention programme that she has developed along with colleagues in New York ENGAGE: Enhancing Neurobehavioural Gains with the Aid of Games and Exercise. The programme is focused on developing self-control skills in hyperactive preschoolers.

She is the recipient of the NZ Psychological Society’s Goddard Award for Achievement and Excellence in Research and Scholarship; and the University’s Early Career Award for Distinction in Research. She has also been awarded an Emerging Researcher Grant from the Health Research Council to conduct a study comparing ENGAGE to a parent behavioural management training programme, Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme).

Dione joined the Department of Psychology in 2008. She graduated with her PhD and Diploma in Clinical Psychology from the University of Canterbury in 2006. She then spent 2 years as a postdoctoral fellow at Queens College of the City University of New York, before returning to New Zealand.

Teaching

PSYC 112 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 203 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 501 Clinical Intervention

Research Interests

Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Development of self-control
Interactions between child temperament and parent characteristics and their role in the functioning of children with ADHD
The role of neurocognitive functioning in the expression and maintenance of ADHD symptoms across the lifespan
Enhancing Neurobehavioural Gains with the Aid of Games and Exercise – ENGAGE

Find out more about Associate Professor Healey's research interests

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Publications

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. Advance online publication. 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

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, e12516. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/cob.12516

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

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.

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

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.

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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.

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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

Journal - Research Article

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.

Journal - Research Article

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

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

Journal - Research Article

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