Overview
Background
Dr Koa Whittingham is a clinical and educational/developmental psychologist with research interests across parenting, neurodevelopmental disabilities and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Koa began her career building key empirical support for the flagship UQ program Stepping Stones Triple P for specific neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism, acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy. She has since developed an international reputation as a leader in developing and testing novel acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) interventions to support parents, including using online/telehealth formats. Her contributions to the field of ACT-based parenting intervention were recognised by her election as a Fellow to the Assocaition for Contextual Beahvioural Science in 2023. Koa has a strong track record with over 100 papers and 6 book chapters and currently leads an MRFF testing her online intervention Parenting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT) with 300 families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities or developmental delay. She has written a self-help book for the transition to motherhood, Becoming Mum, as well as the first clinical manual on applying ACT to parenting support, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy the Clinician's Guide for Supporting Parents.
Availability
- Dr Koa Whittingham is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Particularly applied to supporting parents or parenting including parents of children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability and during the perinatal period.
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Mindfulness
Particularly applied to supporting parents or parenting including parents of children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability and during the perinatal period.
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Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy and increased likelihood of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Particularly interested in the influence of parents and parenting, and supporting the family, but also in child wellbeing and school readiness.
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Parenting
Parenting and parenting intervention, including for parents of children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disabilities and during the perinatal period.
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Autism
Particularly interested in the influence of parents and parenting, and supporting the family, but also in child wellbeing and school readiness.
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Cerebral Palsy
Particularly interested in the influence of parents and parenting, and supporting the family, but also in child wellbeing and school readiness.
Research impacts
Dr Koa Whittingham played a key role in establishing the efficacy of Stepping Stones Triple P for specific neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism, acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy. She is a leader in the field of developing and testing parenting support grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and was the lead author of the first RCT to directly rest the impact of ACT on parenting. She is the first author of the only clinical manual on using ACT with parents, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy the Clinician’s Guide for Supporting Parents, as well as an author of a self-help book for the transition to motherhood, Becoming Mum. Koa's work has been cited in policy documents including by WHO, the US CDC and UK NICE networks and, via national and international collaborations with PACT incorporated into clinical trials in Hong Kong with Prof Connie Chong, in Italy with Prof Andrea Guzzetta, and in Georgia, Sri Lanka and Australian Aboriginal communities as part of the LEAP Program.
Works
Search Professor Koa Whittingham’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
Predicting attendance of a preventive parenting intervention for very preterm infants
Winter, Leanne, Sanders, Matthew R., Boyd, Roslyn N., Pritchard, Margo, Gray, Peter H., Whittingham, Koa, Forrest, Kylee, Webb, Lachlan, Marquart, Louise and Colditz, Paul B (2018). Predicting attendance of a preventive parenting intervention for very preterm infants. Infant Mental Health Journal, 39 (6), 699-706. doi: 10.1002/imhj.21749
2018
Journal Article
Community-based parent-delivered early detection and intervention programme for infants at high risk of cerebral palsy in a low-resource country (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents (LEAP-CP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Benfer, Katherine A., Novak, Iona, Morgan, Catherine, Whittingham, Koa, Khan, Naila Zaman, Ware, Robert S., Bell, Kristie L., Bandaranayake, Sasaka, Salt, Alison, Ghosh, Asis Kumar, Bhattacharya, Anjan, Samanta, Sandip, Moula, Golam, Bose, Dilip, Tripathi, Santanu and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2018). Community-based parent-delivered early detection and intervention programme for infants at high risk of cerebral palsy in a low-resource country (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents (LEAP-CP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 8 (6) e017204, e021186. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021186
2018
Journal Article
Effect of mindfulness yoga programme MiYoga on attention, behaviour, and physical outcomes in cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Mak, Catherine, Whittingham, Koa, Cunnington, Ross and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2018). Effect of mindfulness yoga programme MiYoga on attention, behaviour, and physical outcomes in cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 60 (9), 922-932. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.13923
2018
Journal Article
Feasibility and acceptability of a brief online self-compassion intervention for mothers of infants
Mitchell, Amy E., Whittingham, Koa, Steindl, Stanley and Kirby, James (2018). Feasibility and acceptability of a brief online self-compassion intervention for mothers of infants. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 21 (5), 1-9. doi: 10.1007/s00737-018-0829-y
2018
Journal Article
Depression, posttraumatic stress and relationship distress in parents of very preterm infants
Winter, Leanne, Colditz, Paul B., Sanders, Matthew R., Boyd, Roslyn N., Pritchard, Margo, Gray, Peter H., Whittingham, Koa, Forrest, Kylee, Leeks, Rebecca, Webb, Lachlan, Marquart, Louise, Taylor, Karen and Macey, Judith (2018). Depression, posttraumatic stress and relationship distress in parents of very preterm infants. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 21 (4), 1-7. doi: 10.1007/s00737-018-0821-6
2018
Journal Article
Efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for attention and executive function in children and adolescents - a systematic review
Mak, Catherine, Whittingham, Koa, Cunnington, Ross and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2018). Efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for attention and executive function in children and adolescents - a systematic review. Mindfulness, 9 (1), 59-78. doi: 10.1007/s12671-017-0770-6
2018
Book Chapter
Children with developmental disorders
Sofronoff, Kate, Whittingham, Koa and Brown, Felicity L. (2018). Children with developmental disorders. Handbook of parenting and child development across the lifespan. (pp. 313-334) edited by Matthew R. Sanders and Alina Morawska. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-94598-9_14
2017
Journal Article
Psychometric properties of parent and child reported sleep assessment tools in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Bautista, Manuel, Whittingham, Koa, Edwards, Priya and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2017). Psychometric properties of parent and child reported sleep assessment tools in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 60 (2), 162-172. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.13609
2017
Journal Article
A randomised controlled trial of a web-based multi-modal therapy program to improve executive functioning in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury
Piovesana, Adina, Ross, Stephanie, Lloyd, Owen, Whittingham, Koa, Ziviani, Jenny, Ware, Robert S., McKinlay, Lynne and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2017). A randomised controlled trial of a web-based multi-modal therapy program to improve executive functioning in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury. Clinical Rehabilitation, 31 (10), 1351-1363. doi: 10.1177/0269215517695373
2017
Journal Article
REACH: Study protocol of a Randomised trial of Rehabilitation very EArly in Congenital Hemiplegia
Boyd, Roslyn N., Ziviani, Jenny, Sakzewski, Leanne, Novak, Iona, Badawi, Nadia, Pannek, Kerstin, Elliott, Catherine, Greaves, Susan, Guzzetta, Andrea, Whittingham, Koa, Valentine, Jane, Morgan, Cathy, Wallen, Margaret, Eliasson, Ann-Christin, Findlay, Lisa, Ware, Robert, Fiori, Simona and Rose, Stephen (2017). REACH: Study protocol of a Randomised trial of Rehabilitation very EArly in Congenital Hemiplegia. BMJ Open, 7 (9) e017204, 1-19. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017204
2017
Journal Article
Parent-child interactions and children with cerebral palsy: An exploratory study investigating emotional availability, functional ability, and parent distress
Barfoot, J., Meredith, P., Ziviani, J. and Whittingham, K. (2017). Parent-child interactions and children with cerebral palsy: An exploratory study investigating emotional availability, functional ability, and parent distress. Child: Care, Health and Development, 43 (6), 812-822. doi: 10.1111/cch.12493
2017
Journal Article
PREDICT-CP: study protocol of implementation of comprehensive surveillance to predict outcomes for school-aged children with cerebral palsy
Boyd, Roslyn N., Davies, Peter S. W., Ziviani, Jenny, Trost, Stewart, Barber, Lee, Ware, Robert, Rose, Stephen, Whittingham, Koa, Sakzewski, Leanne, Bell, Kristie, Carty, Christopher, Obst, Steven, Benfer, Katherine, Reedman, Sarah, Edwards, Priya, Kentish, Megan, Copeland, Lisa, Weir, Kelly, Davenport, Camilla, Brooks, Denise, Coulthard, Alan, Pelekanos, Rebecca, Guzzetta, Andrea, Fiori, Simona, Wynter, Meredith, Finn, Christine, Burgess, Andrea, Morris, Kym, Walsh, John ... Scuffham, Paul A. (2017). PREDICT-CP: study protocol of implementation of comprehensive surveillance to predict outcomes for school-aged children with cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 7 (7) e014950, e014950. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014950
2017
Journal Article
MiYoga: A randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness movement programme based on hatha yoga principles for children with cerebral palsy: A study protocol
Mak, Catherine, Whittingham, Koa, Cunnington, Ross and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2017). MiYoga: A randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness movement programme based on hatha yoga principles for children with cerebral palsy: A study protocol. BMJ Open, 7 (7) e015191, e015191. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015191
2017
Journal Article
Relationship-based approaches in early childhood intervention: are these applicable to paediatric occupational therapy under the NDIS?
Barfoot, Jacqueline, Meredith, Pamela, Ziviani, Jenny and Whittingham, Koa (2017). Relationship-based approaches in early childhood intervention: are these applicable to paediatric occupational therapy under the NDIS?. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 64 (3), 273-276. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12343
2016
Journal Article
Baby triple P for parents of a very preterm infant: a case study
Evans, Tracey, Boyd, Roslyn N., Colditz, Paul, Sanders, Matthew and Whittingham, Koa (2016). Baby triple P for parents of a very preterm infant: a case study. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26 (2), 1-10. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0571-x
2016
Conference Publication
Self-compassion and psychological flexibility after childbirth: relationships between birth experiences, post-traumatic stress symptoms, maternal shame, and emotional availability
Jennings, M., Mitchell, A.E. and Whittingham, K. (2016). Self-compassion and psychological flexibility after childbirth: relationships between birth experiences, post-traumatic stress symptoms, maternal shame, and emotional availability. 3rd Annual UQ Compassion Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 1 October 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
Childbirth, infant feeding, and maternal self-compassion: can boosting self-compassion improve post-partum outcomes for mothers and babies?
Mitchell, A.E. and Whittingham, K. (2016). Childbirth, infant feeding, and maternal self-compassion: can boosting self-compassion improve post-partum outcomes for mothers and babies?. 3rd Annual UQ Compassion Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 1 October 2016.
2016
Journal Article
Parenting acceptance and commitment therapy: a randomised controlled trial of an innovative online course for families of children with cerebral palsy
Whittingham, Koa, Sheffield, Jeanie and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2016). Parenting acceptance and commitment therapy: a randomised controlled trial of an innovative online course for families of children with cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 6 (10) e012807, e012807. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012807
2016
Conference Publication
Self-compassion, psychological flexibility and mothers’ breastfeeding experiences
Dawes, M., Whittingham, K. and Mitchell, A.E. (2016). Self-compassion, psychological flexibility and mothers’ breastfeeding experiences. 3rd Annual UQ Compassion Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 1 October 2016.
2016
Journal Article
Mother-very preterm infant relationship quality: RCT of baby triple P
Evans, Tracey, Boyd, Roslyn N., Colditz, Paul, Sanders, Matthew and Whittingham, Koa (2016). Mother-very preterm infant relationship quality: RCT of baby triple P. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26 (1), 1-12. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0555-x
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Koa Whittingham is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
ENACT (ENvironmental enrichment for infants; parenting with ACT): A randomised controlled trial of an innovative intervention for infants at risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Roslyn Boyd
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Doctor Philosophy
ENACT (ENvironmental enrichment for infants; parenting with ACT): A randomised controlled trial of an innovative intervention for infants at risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Roslyn Boyd
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Doctor Philosophy
AutInsight: Development of a Consumer-Informed Parent Support Program for Parents of Autistic Children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Amy Mitchell
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Doctor Philosophy
AutInsight: Development of a Consumer-Informed Parent Support Program for Parents of Autistic Children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Amy Mitchell
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes and a Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Cognitive Training Program in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
ENACT (Environmental enrichment for infants, parenting with ACT): An Intervention for infants with an increased chance of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Amy Mitchell
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
MiYoga: A Randomised, Waitlist-Controlled Trial of an Embodied Mindfulness Program based on Hatha Yoga Principles for Children with Cerebral Palsy and their Parents
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ross Cunnington, Professor Roslyn Boyd
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Preventing Relationship Difficulties Between a Mother and her Very Preterm Infant: Implementation and Evaluation of Baby Triple P for Parents of a Very Preterm Infant
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Roslyn Boyd
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
A randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of Baby Triple P with parents of very preterm infants on regulatory difficulties, child behaviour and parenting style
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Roslyn Boyd
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
A compassion-focused approach to enhance women's psychological adjustment to motherhood
Associate Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Early childhood interventions for children with developmental delays, including cerebral palsy: Adopting a relationship focus
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Supporting parents after paediatric acquired brain injury: Evaluation of Stepping Stones Triple P combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Roslyn Boyd
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Koa Whittingham directly for media enquiries about:
- acceptance and commitment therapy
- early motherhood
- mindful parenting
- parenting
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