Overview
Background
I have worked in both the clinical and academic fields of clinical psychology, in Australia and the UK, before joining UQ in 2012. My research investigates the cognitive and social consequences of trauma and disease in neurological populations, and also on identity-cognition relationships in aging. In this work I have addressed questions about the integrity of cogntiive ability, notably memory, and its rehabilitation, but also the impact that impairment of these abilities have on personal andsocial identity.
Availability
- Professor Catherine Haslam is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, University of New South Wales
- Masters (Coursework) of Arts (Clinical Psychology), Macquarie University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University
Research interests
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Social identity and the social determinants of health
There are several strands of this research. The first investigates the impact that identity processes have on cognitive integrity, mental health, and well-being following life change. A second strand investigates the impact of social group-based interventions, that build new social identities and provide people with the skills for effective use of these psychological resources to protect health and well-being. This has informed development of a new social intervention — Groups 4 Health — that aims to give people the knowledge and skills they need to independently manage their social group memberships, and the social identities that underpin them, effectively. This work has been conducted with a range of clinical and non-clinical populations — including older adults in the community and residential care, neurological populations (acquired brain injury, dementia), people with addictions, and mental health populations (notably, depression) — using cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental methodologies.
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Neuro-rehabilitation
This research addresses the treatment of neurological disorders in people with stable and progressive conditions across the lifespan. My particular focus is on memory rehabilitation and involves exploration of theory relevant to memory enhancement and its intervention through use of learning principles and instructive techniques (errorless learning, spaced retrieval, and vanishing cues).
Works
Search Professor Catherine Haslam’s works on UQ eSpace
2017
Conference Publication
Social identity mapping and the effect of social group membership on wellbeing outcomes following residential treatment for alcohol and other drug problems
Bathish, Ramez, Savic, Michael, Best, David, Haslam, Catherine, Dingle, Genevieve, Staiger, Petra K., Mackenzie, Jock, Beckwith, Melinda and Lubman, Dan I. (2017). Social identity mapping and the effect of social group membership on wellbeing outcomes following residential treatment for alcohol and other drug problems. APSAD 2017 Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 12-15 November 2017. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
2017
Book Chapter
Rehabilitation of memory disorders in adults and children
Parker, Giverny, Haslam, Catherine, Fleming, Jennifer and Shum, David (2017). Rehabilitation of memory disorders in adults and children. International handbook of neuropsychological rehabilitation. (pp. 196-206) edited by Barbara A. Wilson, Jill Winegardner, Caroline M. van Heugten and Tamara Ownsworth. Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315629537
2017
Conference Publication
Social factors predict addiction treatment commitment and retention better than substance related and other individual factors
Dingle, Genevieve, Haslam, Catherine, Best, David, Chan, Gary C. K., Staiger, Petra K., Savic, Michael, Beckwith, Melinda, Mackenzie, Jock, Bathish, Ramez and Lubman, Dan I. (2017). Social factors predict addiction treatment commitment and retention better than substance related and other individual factors. APSAD 2017 Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 12–15 November 2017. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
2017
Book Chapter
Social identity mapping: measuring social identity change in recovery from addiction
Haslam, Catherine, Dingle, Genevieve A., Best, David, Mackenzie, Jock and Beckwith, Melinda (2017). Social identity mapping: measuring social identity change in recovery from addiction. Addiction, behavioral change and social identity: the path to resilience and recovery. (pp. 155-171) edited by Sarah A. Buckingham and David Best. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
2016
Journal Article
Social Identity Mapping: a procedure for visual representation and assessment of subjective multiple group memberships
Cruwys, Tegan, Steffens, Niklas K., Haslam, Stephen Alexander, Haslam, Catherine, Jetten, Jolanda and Dingle, Genevieve A. (2016). Social Identity Mapping: a procedure for visual representation and assessment of subjective multiple group memberships. British Journal of Social Psychology, 55 (4), 613-642. doi: 10.1111/bjso.12155
2016
Journal Article
Multiple social identities enhance health post-retirement because they are a basis for giving social support
Steffens, Niklas K., Jetten, Jolanda, Haslam, Catherine, Cruwys, Tegan and Haslam, S. Alexander (2016). Multiple social identities enhance health post-retirement because they are a basis for giving social support. Frontiers in Psychology, 7 (OCT) 1519, 1519. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01519
2016
Journal Article
Activating and Guiding the Engagement of Seniors With Online Social Networking: Experimental Findings From the AGES 2.0 Project
Morton, Thomas A., Wilson, Neil, Haslam, Catherine, Birney, Megan, Kingston, Rosemary and McCloskey, Lauren-Grace (2016). Activating and Guiding the Engagement of Seniors With Online Social Networking: Experimental Findings From the AGES 2.0 Project. Journal of Aging and Health, 30 (1), 27-51. doi: 10.1177/0898264316664440
2016
Journal Article
The more (social group memberships), the merrier: is this the case for Asians?
Chang, Melissa X.-L., Jetten, Jolanda, Cruwys, Tegan, Haslam, Catherine and Praharso, Nurul (2016). The more (social group memberships), the merrier: is this the case for Asians?. Frontiers in Psychology, 7 (1001) 1001, 1-17. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01001
2016
Journal Article
Overcoming alcohol and other drug addiction as a process of social identity transition: the social identity model of recovery (SIMOR)
Best, David, Beckwith, Melinda, Haslam, Catherine, Haslam, S. Alexander, Jetten, Jolanda, Mawson, Emily and Lubman, Dan I. (2016). Overcoming alcohol and other drug addiction as a process of social identity transition: the social identity model of recovery (SIMOR). Addiction Research and Theory, 24 (2), 111-123. doi: 10.3109/16066359.2015.1075980
2016
Journal Article
GROUPS 4 HEALTH: Evidence that a social-identity intervention that builds and strengthens social group membership improves mental health
Haslam, Catherine, Cruwys, Tegan, Haslam, S. Alexander, Dingle, Genevieve and Chang, Melissa Xue-Ling (2016). GROUPS 4 HEALTH: Evidence that a social-identity intervention that builds and strengthens social group membership improves mental health. Journal of Affective Disorders, 194, 188-195. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.010
2016
Journal Article
Group ties protect cognitive health by promoting social identification and social support
Haslam, Catherine, Cruwys, Tegan, Milne, Matilda, Kan, Chi-Hsin and Haslam, S. Alexander (2016). Group ties protect cognitive health by promoting social identification and social support. Journal of Aging and Health, 28 (2), 244-266. doi: 10.1177/0898264315589578
2016
Journal Article
Social group memberships in retirement are associated with reduced risk of premature death: evidence from a longitudinal cohort study
Steffens, Niklas K, Cruwys, Tegan, Haslam, Catherine, Jetten, Jolanda and Haslam, S Alexander (2016). Social group memberships in retirement are associated with reduced risk of premature death: evidence from a longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open, 6 (2) e010164, e010164. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010164
2016
Conference Publication
Characteristics of individuals entering residential treatment at therapeutic communities for methamphetamine problems versus other drug and alcohol problems
Bathish, Ramez, Mackenzie, Jock, Dingle, Genevieve, Savic, Michael, Best, David, Haslam, Catherine, Staiger, Petra, Beckwith, Melinda and Lubman, Dan I. (2016). Characteristics of individuals entering residential treatment at therapeutic communities for methamphetamine problems versus other drug and alcohol problems. Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2016, Sydney, Australia, 30 October-2 November 2016. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
2016
Journal Article
Social networks and recovery (SONAR): characteristics of a longitudinal outcome study in five therapeutic communities in Australia
Best, David William, Haslam, Catherine, Staiger, Petra, Dingle, Genevieve, Savic, Michael, Bathish, Ramez, Mackenzie, Jock, Beckwith, Melinda and Lubman, Dan I. (2016). Social networks and recovery (SONAR): characteristics of a longitudinal outcome study in five therapeutic communities in Australia. Therapeutic Communities, 37 (3), 131-139. doi: 10.1108/TC-04-2016-0012
2015
Journal Article
Elaborative encoding through self-generation enhances outcomes with errorless learning: findings from the Skypekids memory study
Haslam, Catherine, Wagner, Joseph, Wegener, Signy and Malouf, Tania (2015). Elaborative encoding through self-generation enhances outcomes with errorless learning: findings from the Skypekids memory study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 27 (1), 1-20. doi: 10.1080/09602011.2015.1053947
2015
Journal Article
Correction: Having a lot of a good thing: multiple important group memberships as a source of self-esteem
Jetten, Jolanda, Branscombe, Nyla R., Haslam, S. Alexander, Haslam, Catherine, Cruwys, Tegan, Jones, Janelle M., Cui, Lijuan, Dingle, Genevieve, Liu, James, Murphy, Sean C., Thai, Anh, Walter, Zoe and Zhang, Airong (2015). Correction: Having a lot of a good thing: multiple important group memberships as a source of self-esteem. PLoS One, 10 (6) e0131035, e0131035. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131035
2015
Journal Article
Having a lot of a good thing: multiple group memberships as a source of self-esteem
Jetten, Jolanda, Branscombe, Nyla R., Haslam, S. Alexander, Haslam, Catherine, Cruwys, Tegan, Jones, Janelle M., Cui, Lijuan, Dingle, Genevieve, Liu, James, Murphy, Sean, Thai, Anh, Walter, Zoe and Zhang, Airong (2015). Having a lot of a good thing: multiple group memberships as a source of self-esteem. PLoS One, 10 (5) e0124609, e0124609.1-e0124609.29. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124609
2015
Book Chapter
Social connectedness and health
Haslam, Catherine, Cruwys, Tegan, Haslam, S. Alexander and Jetten, Jolanda (2015). Social connectedness and health. Encyclopedia of geropsychology. (pp. 1-10) Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-287-080-3_46-2
2015
Book Chapter
Social determinants of cognitive change: Identity processes as the source of both enhancement and decline
Haslam, Catherine, Haslam, S. Alexander and Jetten, Jolanda (2015). Social determinants of cognitive change: Identity processes as the source of both enhancement and decline. Psychology of change: life contexts, experiences, and identities. (pp. 133-150) edited by Katherine J. Reynolds and Nyla R. Branscombe. New York, NY United States: Psychology Press.
2014
Journal Article
Adjusting to living with multiple sclerosis: the role of social groups
Tabuteau-Harrison, Sophie L., Haslam, Catherine and Mewse, Avril J. (2014). Adjusting to living with multiple sclerosis: the role of social groups. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 26 (1), 36-59. doi: 10.1080/09602011.2014.993403
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Catherine Haslam is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Adjustment to retirement as a process of social identity change
Retirement is an inevitable part of aging for most people, but successful adjustment is far from straightforward. About 30 percent of people find the transition highly stressful and experience a marked reduction in well-being and this is despite engaging in financial planning. As these data, suggest successful transition into retirement is about much more than having enough money. Recent research has begun to focus on the role of social factors given the upheaval that this significant life change imposes on our social networks. Supporting this development are emerging data showing that people who maintain and extend their social ties, especially those with social groups (e.g., work/ professional, friendship, community groups), live longer and have a better quality of life after retirement. So what is it about these social group networks that promotes health and well-being in the retirement transition? This is the key question that this project will address.
This project will draw on recent data from UK, US and Australian populations to examine the extent to which changes in our social group relationships as we retire affects adjustment. It aims to improve understanding of the nature and size of that influence to more effectively manage that social change with a view to optimising adjustment, health, and well-being as we age into retirement. The Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) provides a framework to investigate these issues as it specifies mechanisms that can buffer the effects of social group change in life transitions. It has yet to be fully interrogated in the retirement context and this will provide the theoretical focus for the project.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing the potential of community groups to prevent loneliness in older people
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Psychological adjustment after acquired brain injury: The role of social identity in psychosocial recovery.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Zoe Walter, Dr Tegan Cruwys
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Doctor Philosophy
From PTSD to PTG: The role of social identity in resilience and recovery from trauma.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tegan Cruwys, Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
Stereotype Threat and Workplace Disengagement: Social Identity as a Buffer Among Older Employees
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Self and Reward on Cognitive Processes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ada Kritikos
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Doctor Philosophy
Stereotype Threat and Workplace Disengagement: Social Identity as a Buffer Among Older Employees
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
Detection of negative emotions using wearable sensors
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Chelsea Dobbins
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Doctor Philosophy
Stereotype Threat and Workplace Disengagement: Social Identity as a Buffer Among Older Employees
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
From PTSD to PTG: The role of social identity in resilience and recovery from trauma.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tegan Cruwys, Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
Stereotype Threat and Workplace Disengagement: Social Identity as a Buffer Among Older Employees
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
Detection of negative emotions using wearable sensors
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Chelsea Dobbins
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Doctor Philosophy
Social identity processes affecting retirement from sport
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nik Steffens, Professor Alex Haslam
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Doctor Philosophy
From trauma to growth: The role of social identity in resilience and recovery from trauma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tegan Cruwys, Professor Jolanda Jetten
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Doctor Philosophy
Memory Symptoms in People with Epilepsy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Alan Pegna
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Group Processes to Maximise the Potential of Group Interventions
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Social Connectedness and Retirement Adjustment: The Contribution of Social Participation and Social Group Memberships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nik Steffens
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
A Social Identity Approach to Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alex Haslam, Dr Tegan Cruwys
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Self and Reward on Cognitive Processes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ada Kritikos
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The role of social identities in the mental health, well-being and academic performance of international students: An application of the Social Identity Model of Identity Change
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tegan Cruwys, Professor Alex Haslam
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Depression across Cultures: A Social Identity Perspective
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tegan Cruwys, Professor Jolanda Jetten
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Catherine Haslam directly for media enquiries about:
- social dimensions of health
- social intervention
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