Dr Theresa Scott

Senior Lecturer

School of Psychology
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
theresa.scott@uq.edu.au
+61 7 336 56723

Overview

Dr. Theresa Scott, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Geropsychology and former NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellow, brings a depth of experience and knowledge in researching functional outcomes for older individuals and those living with dementia in both community and residential aged care settings. Notably, her NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowship examined the complex issues surrounding dementia and driving, with the goal of translating a comprehensive support- and education-based driving cessation intervention for older people (CarFreeMe) for individuals with dementia and their care partners.

Building upon her previous successes, Theresa's research group has recently secured an NHMRC MRFF grant, enabling them to collaborate with key stakeholders in developing essential educational resources and tools for managing driving safety assessment with persons with dementia. Among these tools is a video-based off-road fitness to drive test, specifically designed to eliminate existing barriers and enhance the management of dementia and driving within primary care settings. This ground-breaking initiative aims to benefit practitioners and individuals with dementia alike, ensuring the utmost care and support in this critical area.

Theresa's research expertise encompasses both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and evaluation research. Her approach embraces participatory research and co-design, actively involving individuals with lived experiences as experts in the field. In addition to her impactful work on dementia and driving, her diverse research portfolio addresses vital topics such as ageism and dementia stigma prevention, psychosocial interventions for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, as well as the therapeutic benefits of social and therapeutic horticulture in combating loneliness, isolation, and depression.

Research Interests

  • Dementia
    Quality of life; Mobility; Driving; Fitness to drive assessment; Social support; Addressing stigma; Supporting communication within families; Engagement
  • Ageing
    Ageism; Stigma and Self-stereotypes; Positive ageing; Psychosocial interventions to support ageing well
  • Evidence-based therapies
    Social and therapeutic horticulture; Reminiscence therapy; Music therapy; Animal-assisted therapy

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), The University of Queensland
  • Graduate Certificate in Research Methods (Soc Sc), The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours 2A), The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.

    General practitioners (GPs) identify changes in cognitive functioning and are tasked with monitoring driver safety in their patients with dementia. It is presently a poorly resourced area of primary care, lacking in objective tests and clear guidelines. We have convened a multidisciplinary team of research leaders with expertise in dementia, driving, and primary care practice research to support the PhD candidate through our Medical Research Future Fund trial. The focus of the PhD can take a number of directions related to this trial, including (i) co-design of resources with health practitioners and consumers, (ii) protocols for primary care practice delivery of our innovative online driver safety assessment, (iii) implementation design, etc., depending upon the skills and interests of the candidate.

  • Please also please contact me if you have other RHD project ideas that you would like to discuss around topics related to:

    Ageing, Health related Quality of Life; therapies. Dementia; Driving and driving cessation (e.g. Individual and family member coping). Dementia and Stigma; (e.g. effects on loneliness, disclosure; interventions to address stigma). Dementia and Communication (e.g. couples, family members).

View all Available Projects

Publications

Book Chapter

  • Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki and Pachana, Nancy A. (2021). Driving and community mobility for people living with dementia. Dementia rehabilitation: evidence-based interventions and clinical recommendations. (pp. 129-147) edited by Lee-Fay Low and Kate Laver. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818685-5.00008-8

  • Musselwhite, Charles B.A. and Scott, Theresa (2021). Transport modes and an aging society. International Encyclopedia of Transportation. (pp. 6-12) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-102671-7.10398-7

  • Scott, Theresa L. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2016). Therapeutic gardens and expressive therapies. Complementary, alternative, and integrative interventions for mental health and aging: research and practice. (pp. 529-546) New York , NY, United States: Oxford Univerisity Press.

  • Scott, Theresa L. (2015). Horticultural therapy. Encyclopedia of geropsychology. (pp. 1-5) edited by Nancy A. Pachana. Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-287-080-3_268-1

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Other Outputs

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.

    General practitioners (GPs) identify changes in cognitive functioning and are tasked with monitoring driver safety in their patients with dementia. It is presently a poorly resourced area of primary care, lacking in objective tests and clear guidelines. We have convened a multidisciplinary team of research leaders with expertise in dementia, driving, and primary care practice research to support the PhD candidate through our Medical Research Future Fund trial. The focus of the PhD can take a number of directions related to this trial, including (i) co-design of resources with health practitioners and consumers, (ii) protocols for primary care practice delivery of our innovative online driver safety assessment, (iii) implementation design, etc., depending upon the skills and interests of the candidate.

  • Please also please contact me if you have other RHD project ideas that you would like to discuss around topics related to:

    Ageing, Health related Quality of Life; therapies. Dementia; Driving and driving cessation (e.g. Individual and family member coping). Dementia and Stigma; (e.g. effects on loneliness, disclosure; interventions to address stigma). Dementia and Communication (e.g. couples, family members).