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
2014
Journal Article
Optimizing parent-infant sleep from birth to 6 months: a new paradigm
Whittingham, Koa and Douglas, Pamela (2014). Optimizing parent-infant sleep from birth to 6 months: a new paradigm. Infant Mental Health Journal, 35 (6), 614-623. doi: 10.1002/imhj.21455
2014
Journal Article
Efficacy of preventative parenting interventions for parents of preterm infants on later child behavior: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Herd, M., Whittingham, K., Sanders, M., Colditz, P. and Boyd R.N. (2014). Efficacy of preventative parenting interventions for parents of preterm infants on later child behavior: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Infant Mental Health Journal, 35 (6), 630-641. doi: 10.1002/imhj.21480
2014
Journal Article
Improving child and parenting outcomes following paediatric acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial of Stepping Stones Triple P plus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Brown, Felicity L., Whittingham, Koa, Boyd, Roslyn N., McKinlay, Lynne and Sofronoff, Kate (2014). Improving child and parenting outcomes following paediatric acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial of Stepping Stones Triple P plus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55 (10), 1172-1183. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12227
2014
Journal Article
Erratum to: stepping stones Triple P: an RCT of a parenting program with parents of a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
Whittingham, Koa, Sofronoff, Kate, Sheffield, Jeanie and Sanders, Matthew R. (2014). Erratum to: stepping stones Triple P: an RCT of a parenting program with parents of a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 42 (7), 1249-1249. doi: 10.1007/s10802-014-9927-0
2014
Journal Article
Parenting in context
Whittingham, Koa (2014). Parenting in context. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 3 (3), 212-215. doi: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2014.01.001
2014
Journal Article
Everyday psychological functioning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: does executive functioning play a role?
Whittingham, Koa, Bodimeade, Harriet L., Lloyd, Owen and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2014). Everyday psychological functioning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: does executive functioning play a role?. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 56 (6), 572-579. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12374
2014
Journal Article
Interventions to reduce behavioral problems in children with cerebral palsy: an RCT
Whittingham, Koa, Sanders, Matthew, McKinlay, Lynne and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2014). Interventions to reduce behavioral problems in children with cerebral palsy: an RCT. Pediatrics, 133 (5), E1249-E1257. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-3620
2014
Journal Article
Are parenting interventions effective in improving the relationship between mothers and their preterm infants?
Evans, Tracey, Whittingham, Koa, Sanders, Matthew, Colditz, Paul and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2014). Are parenting interventions effective in improving the relationship between mothers and their preterm infants?. Infant Behavior and Development, 37 (2), 131-154. doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2013.12.009
2014
Journal Article
Interventions to Reduce Behavioral Problems in Children With Cerebral Palsy: An RCT (vol 133, pg e1249, 2014)
Whittingham, Koa (2014). Interventions to Reduce Behavioral Problems in Children With Cerebral Palsy: An RCT (vol 133, pg e1249, 2014). Pediatrics, 134 (6), 1222-1222. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-3029
2013
Journal Article
Executive function in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy
Bodimeade, Harriet L., Whittingham, Koa, Lloyd, Owen and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2013). Executive function in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 55 (10), 926-933. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12195
2013
Journal Article
Stepping stones Triple P and acceptance and commitment therapy for parents of children with cerebral palsy: trial protocol
Whittingham, Koa, Sanders, Matthew, McKinlay, Lynne and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2013). Stepping stones Triple P and acceptance and commitment therapy for parents of children with cerebral palsy: trial protocol. Brain Impairment, 14 (2), 270-280. doi: 10.1017/BrImp.2013.19
2013
Journal Article
Efficacy of stepping stones triple p plus a stress management adjunct for parents of children with an acquired brain injury: The protocol of a Randomised controlled trial
Brown, Felicity Louise, Whittingham, Koa, McKinlay, Lynne, Boyd, Roslyn and Sofronoff, Kate (2013). Efficacy of stepping stones triple p plus a stress management adjunct for parents of children with an acquired brain injury: The protocol of a Randomised controlled trial. Brain Impairment, 14 (2), 253-269. doi: 10.1017/BrImp.2013.18
2013
Journal Article
Sorrow, coping and resiliency: parents of children with cerebral palsy share their experiences.
Whittingham, Koa, Wee, Diana, Sanders, Matthew R. and Boyd, Roslyn (2013). Sorrow, coping and resiliency: parents of children with cerebral palsy share their experiences.. Disability and Rehabilitation, 35 (17), 1447-1452. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2012.737081
2013
Journal Article
Parenting and prematurity: understanding parent experience and preferences for support
Whittingham, Koa, Boyd, Roslyn N., Sanders, Matthew R. and Colditz, Paul (2013). Parenting and prematurity: understanding parent experience and preferences for support. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23 (6), 1050-1061. doi: 10.1007/s10826-013-9762-x
2013
Journal Article
Predictors of psychological adjustment, experienced parenting burden and chronic sorrow symptoms in parents of children with cerebral palsy
Whittingham, K., Wee, D., Sanders, M. R. and Boyd, R. (2013). Predictors of psychological adjustment, experienced parenting burden and chronic sorrow symptoms in parents of children with cerebral palsy. Child Care Health and Development, 39 (3), 366-373. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2012.01396.x
2013
Journal Article
Move it to improve it (Mitii): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a novel web-based multimodal training program for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Boyd, Roslyn N., Mitchell, Louise E., James, Sarah T., Ziviani, Jenny, Sakzewski, Leanne, Smith, Anthony, Rose, Stephen, Cunnington, Ross, Whittingham, Koa, Ware, Robert S., Comans, Tracey A. and Scuffham, Paul A. (2013). Move it to improve it (Mitii): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a novel web-based multimodal training program for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 3 (4) e002853, e002853.1-e002853.20. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002853
2013
Journal Article
Executive functioning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: protocol for a cross-sectional study
Bodimeade, Harriet L., Whittingham, Koa, Lloyd, Owen and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2013). Executive functioning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: protocol for a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 3 (4) e002500, e002500.1-e002500.10. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002500
2013
Journal Article
UP-BEAT (Upper Limb Baby Early Action-observation Training): protocol of two parallel randomised controlled trials of action-observation training for typically developing infants and infants with asymmetric brain lesions
Guzzetta, Andrea, Boyd, Roslyn N., Perez, Micah, Ziviani, Jenny, Burzi, Valentina, Slaughter, Virginia, Rose, Stephen, Provan, Kerry, Findlay, Lisa, Fisher, Imogen, Colombini, Francesca, Tealdi, Gessica, Marchi, Viviani and Whittingham, Koa (2013). UP-BEAT (Upper Limb Baby Early Action-observation Training): protocol of two parallel randomised controlled trials of action-observation training for typically developing infants and infants with asymmetric brain lesions. BMJ Open, 3 (2) 002512, 1-11. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002512
2013
Journal Article
Parenting a child with a traumatic brain injury: Experiences of parents and health professionals
Brown, Felicity L., Whittingham, Koa, Sofronoff, Kate and Boyd, Roslyn N. (2013). Parenting a child with a traumatic brain injury: Experiences of parents and health professionals. Brain Injury, 27 (13-14), 1570-1582. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2013.841996
2012
Journal Article
Prematurity and parental self-efficacy: the Preterm Parenting & Self-Efficacy Checklist
Pennell, Claire, Whittingham, Koa, Boyd, Roslyn, Sanders, Matthew and Colditz, Paul (2012). Prematurity and parental self-efficacy: the Preterm Parenting & Self-Efficacy Checklist. Infant Behavior and Development, 35 (4), 678-688. doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2012.07.009
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Koa Whittingham is:
- Available for supervision
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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
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
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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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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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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