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Associate Professor Karen Turner
Associate Professor

Karen Turner

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 57302

Overview

Background

Karen Turner is a clinical psychologist and research academic. She is Deputy Director at the Parenting and Family Support Centre. Her research activity focuses on the impact of evidence-based parenting support on child, family and community outcomes. She is a foundational co-author of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and has published more than 50 professional manuals, parent workbooks, tip sheet series, and video programs, which are currently being used in 27 countries, in 20 languages. She has also co-written television segments and four interactive online parenting programs. She has clinical and research experience relating to parent wellbeing, child development, and the prevention and treatment of a variety of childhood behavioural and emotional problems, including work with feeding disorders, pain syndromes and conduct problems. Her research has also focused on the development and evaluation of brief primary care interventions in the prevention of behaviour disorders in children, and the dissemination of these interventions to the professional community. She has also conducted series of research into: online delivery of parenting programs; the cultural tailoring of mainstream parenting programs for Indigenous families; and enhancing the training and post-training environment for Indigenous professionals. Her current work includes further resource development for primary care settings, early education settings, and an ongoing focus on making evidence-based parenting support programs more accessible for First Nations families, and in low-resource and developing communities.

Availability

Associate Professor Karen Turner is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, The University of Queensland
  • Masters (Coursework), The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research impacts

Associate Professor Turner has over 35 years of experience in the development, evaluation and dissemination of behavioural family intervention and prevention programs. Her work has primarily revolved around the UQ flagship Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, which has been subjected to over 400 research trials by over 1700 researchers in over 540 institutions; is used by more than 77,000 trained and accredited practitioners from different disciplines; and has reached more than an estimated 7 million children. The key theme of her program development and research endeavours has been increasing access to evidence-based parenting and family support for all families, with the aim of reducing population prevalence rates of child behavioural and emotional problems, family conflict and adversity. The impact of this work is both instrumental (in shaping policy, professional practice and family outcomes) and capacity building (in building community, organisational, professional and individual skills), and is establishing enduring international connectivity. It has led to adoption of evidence-based parenting programs by most state governments in Australia, and from a county/province to a national level in other countries. Her work in the cultural tailoring of programs for Australian First Nations families has engendered interest from other First Nations populations (e.g. Canada, New Zealand) and migrant and resettled families.

Works

Search Professor Karen Turner’s works on UQ eSpace

93 works between 1994 and 2024

61 - 80 of 93 works

2011

Book

Triple P discussion group workbook: Developing good bedtime routines

Turner, Karen M.T. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2011). Triple P discussion group workbook: Developing good bedtime routines. 26 ed. Brisbane, Australia: Triple P International.

Triple P discussion group workbook: Developing good bedtime routines

2010

Journal Article

Reducing preschoolers' disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group

Joachim, Sabine, Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2010). Reducing preschoolers' disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 41 (1), 47-60. doi: 10.1007/s10578-009-0151-z

Reducing preschoolers' disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group

2010

Book

Every parent's self-help workbook

Markie-Dadds, Carol, Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2010). Every parent's self-help workbook. 3rd ed. Brisbane, Australia: Triple P International.

Every parent's self-help workbook

2010

Book

Facilitator's kit for primary care triple P

Turner. Karen Mary Thomas, Sanders, Matthew R. and Markie-Dadds, Carol (2010). Facilitator's kit for primary care triple P. 3 ed. Brisbane, Australia: Triple P International.

Facilitator's kit for primary care triple P

2010

Book

Consultation flip chart for Primary Care Triple P

Turner, Karen Mary Thomas, Markie-Dadds, Carol and Sanders, Matthew R. (2010). Consultation flip chart for Primary Care Triple P. 2 ed. Brisbane, Australia: Triple P International.

Consultation flip chart for Primary Care Triple P

2009

Book

Every parent's group workbook

Markie-Dadds, Carol, Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2009). Every parent's group workbook. 3rd ed. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Every parent's group workbook

2008

Book

Supporting Indigenous health professionals: key issues and supports for the adoption of evidence–based behavioural family intervention in Indigenous communities

Turner, Karen M. T. (2008). Supporting Indigenous health professionals: key issues and supports for the adoption of evidence–based behavioural family intervention in Indigenous communities. Not available:

Supporting Indigenous health professionals: key issues and supports for the adoption of evidence–based behavioural family intervention in Indigenous communities

2007

Journal Article

Randomised clinical trial of a group parent education programme for Australian Indigenous families

Turner, Karen M. T., Richards, Mary and Sanders, Matthew R. (2007). Randomised clinical trial of a group parent education programme for Australian Indigenous families. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 43 (6), 429-437. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01053.x

Randomised clinical trial of a group parent education programme for Australian Indigenous families

2007

Journal Article

Does the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program provide value for money?

Mihalopoulos, Cathrine, Sanders, Matthew R., Turner, Karen M. T., Murphy-Brennan, Majella and Carter, Rob (2007). Does the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program provide value for money?. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 41 (3), 239-246. doi: 10.1080/00048670601172723

Does the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program provide value for money?

2007

Book Chapter

Paediatric Psychology and the Treatment of Childhood Disorders

Sanders, Matthew R., Turner, Karen M. T. and Markie- Dadds, Carol (2007). Paediatric Psychology and the Treatment of Childhood Disorders. Clinical Psychology: Profession and Practice in Australia. (pp. 287-314) edited by Jay S. Birnbrauer and Paul R. Martin. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Macmillan Education.

Paediatric Psychology and the Treatment of Childhood Disorders

2007

Journal Article

Family intervention in Indigenous communities: emergent issues in conducting outcome research

Turner, Karen and Sanders, Matthew (2007). Family intervention in Indigenous communities: emergent issues in conducting outcome research. Australasian Psychiatry, 15 (Supplement 1), S39-S43. doi: 10.1080/10398560701701189

Family intervention in Indigenous communities: emergent issues in conducting outcome research

2006

Journal Article

Help when it's needed first: A controlled evaluation of brief, preventive behavioral family intervention in a primary care setting

Turner, Karen M. T. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2006). Help when it's needed first: A controlled evaluation of brief, preventive behavioral family intervention in a primary care setting. Behavior Therapy, 37 (2), 131-142. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2005.05.004

Help when it's needed first: A controlled evaluation of brief, preventive behavioral family intervention in a primary care setting

2006

Journal Article

Dissemination of evidence-based parenting and family support strategies: Learning from the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program system approach

Turner, Karen M. T. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2006). Dissemination of evidence-based parenting and family support strategies: Learning from the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program system approach. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 11 (2), 176-193. doi: 10.1016/j.avb.2005.07.005

Dissemination of evidence-based parenting and family support strategies: Learning from the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program system approach

2006

Book

The Preschooler Book

Sanders, M. R., Turner, K. M. T. and Markie-Dadds, C. (2006). The Preschooler Book. Brisbane, Australia: Triple P International.

The Preschooler Book

2006

Conference Publication

Tailoring and evaluating an evidence-based group family intervention program for parents in indigenous communities

Turner, K. M. T., Sanders, M. R., Richards, M. and Arthur, N. (2006). Tailoring and evaluating an evidence-based group family intervention program for parents in indigenous communities. The Joint Conference of the Australian Psychological Society and the New Zealand Psychological Society, Sky City Auckland Convention Centre, New Zealand, 26-30 September, 2006. London: Taylor and Francis. doi: 10.1080/00049530600940019

Tailoring and evaluating an evidence-based group family intervention program for parents in indigenous communities

2006

Book

Every parent's workbook for Indigenous Triple P

Turner, Karen M. T., Sanders, Matthew R. and Markie-Dadds, Carol (2006). Every parent's workbook for Indigenous Triple P. Brisbane, Australia: Triple P International.

Every parent's workbook for Indigenous Triple P

2005

Journal Article

Reflections on the challenges of effective dissemination of behavioural family intervention: Our experience with the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2005). Reflections on the challenges of effective dissemination of behavioural family intervention: Our experience with the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 10 (4), 158-169. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2005.00367.x

Reflections on the challenges of effective dissemination of behavioural family intervention: Our experience with the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

2005

Book

Every parent's supplementary workbook module 1: Practice

Turner, Karen Mary Thomas, Sanders, Matthew R. and Markie-Dadds, Carol (2005). Every parent's supplementary workbook module 1: Practice. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Every parent's supplementary workbook module 1: Practice

2005

Book

Every parent's supplementary workbook module 4: Maintenance and closure

Markie-Dadds, Carol, Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen Mary Thomas (2005). Every parent's supplementary workbook module 4: Maintenance and closure. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Every parent's supplementary workbook module 4: Maintenance and closure

2005

Book

Every parent's supplementary workbook module 2: Coping skills

Markie-Dadds, Carol, Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen Mary Thomas (2005). Every parent's supplementary workbook module 2: Coping skills. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Every parent's supplementary workbook module 2: Coping skills

Funding

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2024
    Deadly start: enabling preschoolers' literacy, numeracy and wellbeing (ARC Discovery Project administered by the Australian Catholic University)
    Australian Catholic University
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Positive Parenting Collaborative Project
    Queensland Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Life Skills Triple P Feasibility Trial
    Sydney Local Health District
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    A collaborative partnership approach to providing parenting support in remote indigenous communities
    Australian Catholic University
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    Evaluating an Online Parenting Support System Disseminated by Paediatric Practices (NIH grant administered by the Oregon Research Institute)
    Oregon Research Institute
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Developing and beta testing the Positive Parenting Program in a social-network community in Los Angeles County (Administered by California State University, Northridge)
    California State University, Northridge
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Enhancing the public health approach to evidence-based parenting support: Efficacy of a low intensity online intervention
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Exploring Optimal Training Processes for Indigenous Child Protection Sector Professionals
    Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Assessing the effectiveness, acceptability and sustainability of a culturally adapted evidence-based intervention for Indigenous parents
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2013
    Effects of a technology enhanced parenting intervention for young children with early onset conduct problems
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Group Triple P - Positive Parenting Program for Indigenous Families in Community and Health Settings in Far North Queensland: A Pilot. [NHMRC Mental Health Services Evaluation Research Grant]
    NHMRC - Strategic Funds
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Karen Turner is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Women¿s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in Papua New Guinea

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Dr Vigya Sharma

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Indigenous parent wellbeing: Implications for early intervention parenting support in Indigenous communities

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Matthew Sanders

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Evaluating low intensity school based program to promote parent-teracher communication and collaboration

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Matthew Sanders, Dr Cassandra Tellegen

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Karen Turner directly for media enquiries about:

  • Child behaviour
  • Parenting
  • Parenting programs
  • Triple P

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au