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, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Geropsychology and former NHMRC Dementia Research Development Fellow, brings a depth of experience and knowledge in researching functional outcomes for older persons and people living with dementia in both community and residential aged care settings.

Dr Scott's NHMRC 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 people living with dementia. The driving cessation intervention was further translated for delivery by telehealth, supported by funding from the NHMRC's Boosting Dementia Research initiative.

Building upon her previous achievements and lived experience of driving and dementia, Dr Scott's research group recently secured NHMRC MRFF funding, 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 primary care practitioners and individuals with dementia alike, ensuring the utmost care and support in this critical area.

Dr Scott'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 Projects:

  • Driving cessation intervention for persons with dementia
  • Video-based Medical Fitness to Drive assessment
  • Engaging the over 50s to ensure the sustainability of our blood supply

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; nature therapy; nature connection.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Psychological Science, The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

View all Available Projects

Publications

Featured Publications

Book Chapter

  • Scott, Theresa L. (2023). Health and wellbeing benefits of therapeutic gardens and gardening activities for older people living in residential aged care settings. Cultivated therapeutic landscapes. (pp. 192-209) edited by Pauline Marsh and Allison Williams. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003355731-12

  • 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.