Qualifications
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), Auckland, 2026
- Master of Health Psychology (MHlthPsyc) (First Class Honours), Auckland, 2020
- BA Psychology and Sociology/Criminology, Auckland, 2018
Contact details
Email kahn.tasker@otago.ac.nz
Overview
I am an academic, and practising clinical psychologist, who contributes to the nexus of academic research, and culturally responsive psychological practice. In addition to my academic work within the CBT programme, I work as a clinician in both secondary mental health services, and non-government organisations where I conduct assessment and provide psychological treatment for a range of mental health difficulties.
My research interests are wide-ranging and span several topics relevant to clinical psychology and broader mental health research. My main interest across these strands is using psychological knowledge to identify key issues that contribute to mental health difficulties and leveraging this knowledge to practically inform mental health prevention and intervention, especially for minoritised groups. This research encompasses mostly qualitative methods, alongside mixed methods.
I have a specific interest in finding ways to improve mental health outcomes and culturally responsive care for Asian populations in NZ. I am currently co-leader of the Asian Psychology Collective Aotearoa (APCA), a special interest group for Asian psychology in NZ under the NZ Psychological Society.
Research interests
- Asian mental health
- Mechanisms of psychological wellbeing and flexibility
- University student mental health
- Forensic psychology: Youth offending and harmful behaviours
- Mental health promotion/policy
- Psychotherapy theory and practice
- Cultural responsivity and reflexivity
Publications
Lambie, I., & Tasker, K. (2026). Firesetting behavior in children and adolescents: What works to extinguish it? In C. M. Langton & J. R. Worling (Eds.), Wiley handbook of what works with adolescents who have offended: Theory, research, and practice. (pp. 243-259). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Chapter in Book - Research
Brennan, J., Tasker, K., & Lambie, I. (2026). Harmful sexual behaviours against siblings in New Zealand: Could assessment of the family environment guide therapeutic intervention? Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 33(2), 352-368. doi: 10.1080/13218719.2024.2444281 Journal - Research Article
Craig, A. G., Barretto, C., Tasker, K., Ioane, J., & Lambie, I. (2026). Callous but in control: The effect of emotion regulation on callous traits in a sample of New Zealand youth. Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 33(2), 369-386. doi: 10.1080/13218719.2024.2444285 Journal - Research Article
Tasker, K., & Gibson, K. (2026). New ways of negotiating mental health: Perspectives from Chinese New Zealand youth. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/15562948.2026.2725968 Journal - Research Article
Tasker, K., Lambie, I., Ioane, J., Krynen, A., Herald, R., & Reed, P. (2026). Characteristics of male adolescents who engage in harmful sexual behaviours: Findings from an Aotearoa New Zealand multi-site study. Child Abuse & Neglect, 179, 108225. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108225 Journal - Research Article