Overview
Background
James N. Kirby, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. His research focus is on the science of compassion, exploring what helps or hinders our ability to be compassionate, with a key focus on the clinical effectiveness of compassion-focused interventions for addressing self-criticism and shame. James is an international trainer of Compassion Focused Therapy and is an accredited clinical supervisor, and STAP accredited Trainer. James is an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK, a Fellow of the Mind & Life Institute, and a founding board member of the Global Compassion Coalition. In 2022 he authored Choose Compassion, and in 2020 he co-edited Making an Impact on Mental Health. His new book just published by Routledge is called, The Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians.
Availability
- Associate Professor James Kirby is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Psychological Science, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Deepening Self-Compassion
This project will examine novel intervention strategies to deepen self-compassion
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Compassionate decision-making
This project is examining predictors to compassionate-decision making using behavioural measures
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Compassion and athletes
This project examines how compassion can help in the context of sports and athletes
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Examining the psychological impacts of integrated residential housing for young people with high-level disability
This project is supported by funding from YoungCare
Works
Search Professor James Kirby’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
To whom do we confide our secrets?
Slepian, Michael L. and Kirby, James N. (2018). To whom do we confide our secrets?. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44 (7), 1008-1023. doi: 10.1177/0146167218756032
2018
Journal Article
The factor structure of the forms of self-criticising/attacking & self-reassuring scale in thirteen distinct populations
Halamová, Júlia, Kanovský, Martin, Gilbert, Paul, Troop, Nicholas A., Zuroff, David C., Hermanto, Nicola, Petrocchi, Nicola, Sommers-Spijkerman, Marion, Kirby, James N., Shahar, Ben, Krieger, Tobias, Matos, Marcela, Asano, Kenichi, Yu, FuYa, Basran, Jaskaran and Kupeli, Nuriye (2018). The factor structure of the forms of self-criticising/attacking & self-reassuring scale in thirteen distinct populations. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 40 (4), 1-16. doi: 10.1007/s10862-018-9686-2
2018
Journal Article
The cost of helping: an exploration of compassionate responding in children
Green, Mitchell, Kirby, James N. and Nielsen, Mark (2018). The cost of helping: an exploration of compassionate responding in children. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 36 (4), 673-678. doi: 10.1111/bjdp.12252
2018
Journal Article
A randomized micro-trial of a loving-kindness meditation to help parents respond to difficult child behavior vignettes
Kirby, James N. and Baldwin, Sarah (2018). A randomized micro-trial of a loving-kindness meditation to help parents respond to difficult child behavior vignettes. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 27 (5), 1614-1628. doi: 10.1007/s10826-017-0989-9
2018
Journal Article
Children imitate antisocial in-group members
Wilks, Matti, Kirby, James and Nielsen, Mark (2018). Children imitate antisocial in-group members. Developmental Science, 21 (6) e12675, e12675. doi: 10.1111/desc.12675
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
Book Chapter
Parenting of adult children: a neglected area of parenting studies
Kirby, James N. and Hoang, Nam-Phuong T. (2018). Parenting of adult children: a neglected area of parenting studies. Handbook of parenting and child development across the lifespan. (pp. 653-675) edited by Matthew R. Sanders and Alina Morawska. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-94598-9_29
2017
Journal Article
A meta-analysis of compassion-based interventions: current state of knowledge and future directions
Kirby, James N., Tellegen, Cassandra L. and Steindl, Stanley R. (2017). A meta-analysis of compassion-based interventions: current state of knowledge and future directions. Behavior Therapy, 48 (6), 778-792. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2017.06.003
2017
Journal Article
Compassion interventions: the programmes, the evidence, and implications for research and practice
Kirby, James N. (2017). Compassion interventions: the programmes, the evidence, and implications for research and practice. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 90 (3), 432-455. doi: 10.1111/papt.12104
2017
Journal Article
An evolutionary model to conceptualise masculinity and compassion in male teenagers: a unifying framework
Kirby, James N. and Kirby, Peter G. (2017). An evolutionary model to conceptualise masculinity and compassion in male teenagers: a unifying framework. Clinical Psychologist, 21 (2), 74-89. doi: 10.1111/cp.12129
2017
Journal Article
A randomized micro-trial of a loving-kindness meditation for young adults living at home with their parents
Kirby, James N. and Laczko, David (2017). A randomized micro-trial of a loving-kindness meditation for young adults living at home with their parents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26 (7), 1-12. doi: 10.1007/s10826-017-0692-x
2017
Journal Article
The current and future role of heart rate variability for assessing and training compassion
Kirby, James N., Doty, James R., Petrocchi, Nicola and Gilbert, Paul (2017). The current and future role of heart rate variability for assessing and training compassion. Frontiers in Public Health, 5 40, 40. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00040
2017
Journal Article
A tailored compassion-focused therapy program for sexual minority young adults with depressive symotomatology: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Pepping, Christopher A., Lyons, Anthony, McNair, Ruth, Kirby, James N., Petrocchi, Nicola and Gilbert, Paul (2017). A tailored compassion-focused therapy program for sexual minority young adults with depressive symotomatology: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychology, 5 (1) 5, 5. doi: 10.1186/s40359-017-0175-2
2017
Book Chapter
Working with grandparents and extended family members
Kirby, James N. (2017). Working with grandparents and extended family members. The Power of Positive Parenting. (pp. 196-205) edited by Matthew R. Sanders and Trevor G. Mazzucchelli. New York, NY, United States: Oxford University Press.. doi: 10.1093/med-psych/9780190629069.003.0016
2017
Book Chapter
Compassion as the highest ethic
Kirby, James N., Steindl, Stanley R. and Doty, James R. (2017). Compassion as the highest ethic. Mindfulness in Behavioral Health. (pp. 253-277) edited by Lynette M. Monteiro, Jane F. Compson and Frank Musten. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-64924-5_10
2017
Book Chapter
Quality assurance and program development
Sanders, Matthew R. and Kirby, James N. (2017). Quality assurance and program development. The power of positive parenting: transforming the lives of children, parents, and communities using the Triple P system. (pp. 460-471) edited by Matthew R. Sanders and Trevor G. Mazzuchelli. New York, United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/med-psych/9780190629069.003.0043
2017
Book Chapter
The emergence of the compassion focused therapies
Kirby, James N. and Gilbert, Paul (2017). The emergence of the compassion focused therapies. Compassion: concepts, research and applications. (pp. 258-285) edited by Paul Gilbert. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315564296
2017
Book Chapter
Compassionate parenting: The role of compassion in parenting
Kirby, J.N. (2017). Compassionate parenting: The role of compassion in parenting. The Handbook of Compassion Science. edited by Emma M. Seppälä, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Stephanie L. Brown, Monica C. Worline, C. Daryl Cameron and James R. Doty. Oxford, England, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190464684.013.8
2016
Journal Article
A clinician's quick guide of evidence-based approaches: childhood disruptive disorders
Kirby, James N., Sanders, Matthew R. and Mazzucchelli, Trevor G. (2016). A clinician's quick guide of evidence-based approaches: childhood disruptive disorders. Clinical Psychologist, 20 (3), 154-155. doi: 10.1111/cp.12076
2016
Journal Article
The role of mindfulness and compassion in enhancing nurturing family environments
Kirby, James N. (2016). The role of mindfulness and compassion in enhancing nurturing family environments. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 23 (2), 142-157. doi: 10.1111/cpsp.12149
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor James Kirby is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Deepening Self-Compassion
This PhD project is aimed at examining novel intervention strategies to deepen self-compassion. The project involves multi-modal approaches, including the use of video-recording, physiology, and self-report measures
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Examining an online Compassion Skills Training intervention
This PhD project will examine a newly created online Compassion Skills Training intervention, which includes six modules. The progam is self-directed and aimed towards populations that have difficulty with self-criticism and shame.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online Compassion-Based Intervention for Caregivers of Children Born Preterm
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
The application of compassion focused therapy principles to alleviate difficulties with emotion regulation in adolescents
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sasha Lynn, Dr Chase Sherwell
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and Enhancing Doctor, Nurse and Patient Compassion in Healthcare
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing prospective memory function in the actual and virtual world.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Julie Henry, Dr Lena Oestreich, Dr Sarah Coundouris, Associate Professor Nell Baghaei
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Doctor Philosophy
Beyond traits: Exploring behavioural dimensions of compassion through the validation and application of the Compassionate Scenario Scale
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chase Sherwell
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Doctor Philosophy
NAVIGATEVR. Understanding age-related differences in hazard perception by leveraging insights from the virtual world.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sarah Coundouris, Associate Professor Nell Baghaei, Professor Julie Henry
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Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of AI-enabled Avatars on Body Ownership within Individualised Virtual Reality for Mental Health
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Julie Henry, Dr Jarrod Knibbe, Associate Professor Nell Baghaei
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Doctor Philosophy
Fostering resilience and personal growth for people with traumatic spinal cord injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Melanie Hoyle, Associate Professor Jacki Liddle
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Doctor Philosophy
Psychological flexibility and coaching in Australian high performance sport
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cliff Mallett
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Doctor Philosophy
An examination of men's social reactions to disclosures of non-physical intimate partner violence
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Professor Barbara Masser
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Social and Affective Impacts of Adult Attachment Style on Sensitivity to Distress and the Experience of Compassion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jonathan Redshaw, Dr Chase Sherwell
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Compassion Focused Therapy for Body Weight Shame
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Stacey Parker
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The Neurophysiological Correlates of Compassion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Stacey Parker, Professor Ross Cunnington
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Nurturing ChAMPs: Child and Adolescent mental health and Maternal wellbeing following Preterm birth.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Hon Assoc Professor Samudragupta Bora
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The Efficacy of Triple P Plus Compassion in Promoting Co-parenting Relationship Between Parents and Grandparents in Vietnam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Divna Haslam
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
The role of antisocial behaviour and group membership on children's imitation across development
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Nielsen
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor James Kirby directly for media enquiries about:
- altruism
- compassion
- empathy
- parenting
- self-compassion
- shame
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