Postgraduate Prizes with talks by winners (University of Sydney Psychology)

H. Tasman Lovell Memorial Medallion winner: Dr Matthew Blanchard (in absentia)

Faculty of Science Prize for Outstanding PhD Thesis nominee: Dr Tao Chen

Title: Behavioural Rigidity in Dementia: From Clinical Significance to Neurobiological Mechanisms

Abstract:

With the rapid ageing of the global population, dementia poses an increasing challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in dementia and are associated with faster disease progression, poorer quality of life and greater caregiver burden. Neuropsychiatric symptoms frequently co-occur, determining which symptoms should be prioritised for intervention remains a major clinical challenge. In particular, behavioural rigidity is increasingly recognised as a clinically important symptom, yet the rationale for prioritising it as an intervention target, together with its underlying neural and neurochemical mechanisms, remains incompletely understood.

    In this talk, I will present a series of studies using transdiagnostic dementia cohorts to address these challenges. First, I will introduce a data-driven framework for prioritising co-occurring neuropsychiatric symptoms by quantifying their relative contributions to caregiver burden, thereby identifying behavioural rigidity as a priority intervention target. I will then present multimodal neuroimaging findings that provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying behavioural rigidity, followed by spatial neurochemical mapping using normative neurotransmitter maps to indirectly investigate its underlying neurochemical basis. Finally, I will discuss how integrating clinical, neuroimaging and neurochemical evidence can inform mechanism-informed strategies for developing targeted interventions for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.

Bio:

Dr Tao Chen is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney. His research focuses on understanding the neural and neurochemical mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia, particularly behavioural rigidity and cognitive flexibility. By integrating multimodal neuroimaging with computational approaches in transdiagnostic dementia cohorts, he aims to translate neurobiological insights into clinically meaningful intervention strategies for dementia.

    Dr Chen received his PhD in Psychology from the University of Sydney, where his doctoral thesis passed examination without corrections, was nominated for the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Excellent PhD Thesis Award and received the Faculty of Science Prize for Outstanding PhD Thesis. He has authored more than 10 first-author peer-reviewed publications, with his work appearing in leading international journals, including Brain, Human Brain Mapping, and Clinical Psychological Science. He also serves as a reviewer for Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews and is a recipient of the 2026 Psychology Early Career “Pathway” Grant from the School of Psychology, The University of Sydney.

APS Award for Excellent PhD Thesis in Psychology nominee: Dr Amaani Hatoum

Title: Measuring and modelling maladaptive core beliefs in eating disorders

Abstract:

Maladaptive core beliefs have been implicated in both the development and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs), and have been associated with increased eating psychopathology, particularly binge eating, purging and restriction, in clinical and community samples. Given this, it is fundamental that these beliefs are identified as treatment targets and monitored closely in both research and practice. Some theoretical models have outlined the role of a general dimension of negative core beliefs (i.e., core low-self-esteem or global negative self-beliefs), using a transdiagnostic approach or as relevant to specific ED presentations. However, these models have not as yet attempted to differentiate or outline which specific themes or dimensions of core beliefs may predispose individuals to, or maintain, particular ED presentations. Further, empirical literature remains unclear regarding which specific core beliefs dimensions are most critical to those with disordered eating, and if differences exist in the presentation of these beliefs across diagnostic status or according to diverse symptomatology. This thesis aimed to address those questions. The systematic review conducted identified that very few assessment tools had been specifically developed to assess core beliefs in eating disorders. The first empirical study evaluated the psychometric properties the only existing multi-dimensional measure; the Eating Disorder Core Beliefs Questionnaire. An initial CFA did not support the original five-factor 40-item ED-CBQ. A revised version was developed that possessed equal or superior psychometric properties to the original 40-item measure. The ED-CBQ-R demonstrated superior model fit, similar levels of reliability and construct validity, and the ability to discriminate between putative ED diagnostic groups. The second empirical study validated and found support for the revised measure in a second non-clinical population. The third empirical study examined the psychometric properties and diagnostic differences on the ED-CBQ-R, finding no differences between diagnostic groups, except that the anorexia (restrictive subtype) group displayed higher self-loathing than those with binge eating disorder. Self-loathing beliefs displayed the strongest, most consistent relationship with various ED symptoms. The fourth empirical study extended the current understanding of the role of core beliefs in the development and maintenance of disordered eating, by presenting a core beliefs model of disordered eating, and preliminary findings regarding differences in the processes and pathways from four key core belief dimensions to ED behaviours. The fifth empirical study partially validated the newly developed model in an international sample of English-speaking adults with an eating disorder diagnosis.

Bio:

Amaani Hatoum is a postdoctoral research associate at the InsideOut Institute and clinical psychologist. She completed her PhD at the University of Sydney, supervised by Dr Amy Burton, Prof Maree Abbott, and Prof Stephen Touyz. Amaani’s research aims to improve assessment in eating disorders, as well as improving the effectiveness and accessibility of evidence-based mental health interventions. Her specific research interests including i) examining mechanisms of therapeutic change, ii) and use of digital technologies to support personalised and accessible treatment approaches.

A.H. Martin Scholarship winner: Olivia Avery

Title: Life in the MCP

Bio:

Olivia Avery is a final-year Master of Clinical Psychology student at the University of Sydney, currently completing her clinical placement at the Cancer Centre for Children at Westmead Children’s Hospital. Originally from New Zealand, she holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Canterbury and a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Auckland. Her clinical training has fostered a particular appreciation for the complexity and depth of the psychology profession, and she enjoys the opportunity to combine evidence-based practice with genuine curiosity about people and their experiences. She is especially passionate about developing her clinical skills and contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing of children and families navigating complex health experiences.