Overview
Background
James N. Kirby, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. He has broad research interests in compassion, but specifically examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding. He also examines the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically in how they help with self-criticism and shame that underpin many depression and anxiety disorders. James also holds a Visiting Fellowship at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and is an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK. In 2022 he authored Choose Compassion, and in 2020 he co-edited Making an Impact on Mental Health. He serves as an Associate Editor for two international journals Mindfulness and Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.
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
2012
Journal Article
Consumer engagement and the development, evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs.
Sanders, Matthew R. and Kirby, James N. (2012). Consumer engagement and the development, evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs.. Behavior Therapy, 43 (2), 234-250. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2011.01.005
2010
Journal Article
Consumer involvement and population based parenting interventions
Sanders, Matthew R. and Kirby, James N. (2010). Consumer involvement and population based parenting interventions. Administration, 58 (2), 33-50.
2010
Book Chapter
Parental programs for preventing behavioural and emotional problems in children
Sanders, Matthew and Kirby, James (2010). Parental programs for preventing behavioural and emotional problems in children. Oxford Guide to Low Intensity CBT Interventions. (pp. 399-406) edited by James Bennett-Levy, David Richards, Paul Farrand, Helen Christensen, Kathy Griffiths, David Kavanagh, Britt Klein, Mark A. Lau, Judy Proudfoot, Lee Ritterband, Chris Williams and Jim White. New York, United States: Oxford University Press.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor James Kirby is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact 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
Social and Affective Impacts of Adult Attachment Style on The Experience of Compassion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jonathan Redshaw, Dr Chase Sherwell
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Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online Compassion-Based Intervention for Caregivers of Children Born Preterm
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Feasibility and pilot testing of a compassion-focused intervention in young offenders and children in care
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chase Sherwell
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and Enhancing Doctor, Nurse and Patient Compassion in Healthcare
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Gender and sexuality perspectives on body image
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gemma Sharp
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Mindful and compassionate nature connection to increase the well-being of family members caring for people living with dementia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Theresa Scott
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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
Fostering resilience and personal growth for people with traumatic spinal cord injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Melanie Hoyle, Associate Professor Jacki Liddle
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, Dr Tegan Cruwys
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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: Dr 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, Professor Matthew Sanders
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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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