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Associate Professor Karen Turner
Associate Professor

Karen Turner

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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

243 works between 1986 and 2025

81 - 100 of 243 works

2017

Conference Publication

Working effectively with Indigenous families

Forster, M., McIlduff, C. D., Turner, K. M. T. and Hodge, L. (2017). Working effectively with Indigenous families. 9th Annual SELF Positive Psychology Conference, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 25-28 September 2017.

Working effectively with Indigenous families

2017

Conference Publication

Empowering families by strengthening parents’ and carers’ capacity: Jandu Yani U (For All Families)

McIlduff, C. D., Davies, J., the Jandu Yani U team and Turner, K. M. T. (2017). Empowering families by strengthening parents’ and carers’ capacity: Jandu Yani U (For All Families). SNAICC National Conference, Canberra, ACT Australia, 12-14 September 2017.

Empowering families by strengthening parents’ and carers’ capacity: Jandu Yani U (For All Families)

2017

Journal Article

Factors that influence evidence-based program sustainment for family support providers in child protection services in disadvantaged communities

Hodge, Lauren M., Turner, Karen M. T., Sanders, Matthew R. and Forster, Michell (2017). Factors that influence evidence-based program sustainment for family support providers in child protection services in disadvantaged communities. Child Abuse and Neglect, 70, 134-145. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.05.017

Factors that influence evidence-based program sustainment for family support providers in child protection services in disadvantaged communities

2017

Conference Publication

The Jandu Yani U Project

McIlduff, C. D., Cherel, S., the Jandu Yani U team and Turner, K. M. T. (2017). The Jandu Yani U Project. Aboriginal Health Conference, Perth, WA Australia, 1-2 July 2017.

The Jandu Yani U Project

2017

Journal Article

Sustained implementation support scale: validation of a measure of program characteristics and workplace functioning for sustained program implementation

Hodge, Lauren M., Turner, Karen M. T., Sanders, Matthew R. and Filus, Ania (2017). Sustained implementation support scale: validation of a measure of program characteristics and workplace functioning for sustained program implementation. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 44 (3), 442-464. doi: 10.1007/s11414-016-9505-z

Sustained implementation support scale: validation of a measure of program characteristics and workplace functioning for sustained program implementation

2017

Journal Article

A randomized controlled trial evaluating a low-intensity interactive online parenting intervention, Triple P Online Brief, with parents of children with early onset conduct problems

Baker, Sabine, Sanders, Matthew R., Turner, Karen M. T. and Morawska, Alina (2017). A randomized controlled trial evaluating a low-intensity interactive online parenting intervention, Triple P Online Brief, with parents of children with early onset conduct problems. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 91, 78-90. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2017.01.016

A randomized controlled trial evaluating a low-intensity interactive online parenting intervention, Triple P Online Brief, with parents of children with early onset conduct problems

2017

Book Chapter

The international dissemination of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program

Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2017). The international dissemination of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program. Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents. (pp. 429-448) edited by John R. Weisz and Alan E. Kazdin. New York, United States: The Guildford Press.

The international dissemination of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program

2017

Book Chapter

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program System

Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2017). Triple P – Positive Parenting Program System. Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy . (pp. 1-7) edited by Jay Lebow, Anthony Chambers and Douglas C. Breunlin. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_376-1

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program System

2017

Book Chapter

Working effectively with indigenous families

Turner, Karen M. T., Hodge, Lauren M., Forster, Michell and McIlduff, Cari D. (2017). Working effectively with indigenous families. The power of positive parenting: transforming the lives of children, parents, and communities using the Triple P System. (pp. 321-331) edited by Matthew R. Sanders and Trevor G. Mazzucchelli. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/med-psych/9780190629069.003.0029

Working effectively with indigenous families

2016

Journal Article

Sustained implementation of evidence-based programs in disadvantaged communities: a conceptual framework of supporting factors

Hodge, Lauren M. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2016). Sustained implementation of evidence-based programs in disadvantaged communities: a conceptual framework of supporting factors. American Journal of Community Psychology, 58 (1-2), 192-210. doi: 10.1002/ajcp.12082

Sustained implementation of evidence-based programs in disadvantaged communities: a conceptual framework of supporting factors

2016

Conference Publication

Translating evidence-based behavioural family interventions for online delivery: Our experience with The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Turner, K. M. T., Sanders, M. R., Baker, S., Day, J. and Dittman, C. (2016). Translating evidence-based behavioural family interventions for online delivery: Our experience with The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. 8th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 22-26 June 2016.

Translating evidence-based behavioural family interventions for online delivery: Our experience with The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

2016

Conference Publication

Development and pilot evaluation of the Positive Child Care Program for educators: Bringing a behavioural family intervention approach to early learning and childcare settings

Turner, K. M. T., Dittman, C. and Lee, S. (2016). Development and pilot evaluation of the Positive Child Care Program for educators: Bringing a behavioural family intervention approach to early learning and childcare settings. 8th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 22-26 June 2016.

Development and pilot evaluation of the Positive Child Care Program for educators: Bringing a behavioural family intervention approach to early learning and childcare settings

2016

Journal Article

Social media and gamification: engaging vulnerable parents in an online evidence-based parenting program

Love, Susan M., Sanders, Matthew R., Turner, Karen M. T., Maurange, Marianne, Knott, Theresa, Prinz, Ronald, Metzler, Carol and Ainsworth, Andrew T. (2016). Social media and gamification: engaging vulnerable parents in an online evidence-based parenting program. Child Abuse and Neglect, 53, 95-107. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.10.031

Social media and gamification: engaging vulnerable parents in an online evidence-based parenting program

2016

Conference Publication

Triple P implementation in Indigenous communities: Sustainability, engagement and cultural accommodation

Turner, K. M. T., Hodge, L., Hoath, F., McIlduff, C., Rihari, D. and Cooper, E. (2016). Triple P implementation in Indigenous communities: Sustainability, engagement and cultural accommodation. 18th Helping Families Change Conference, Banff, Alberta, Canada, 3-5 February 2016.

Triple P implementation in Indigenous communities: Sustainability, engagement and cultural accommodation

2016

Conference Publication

Predictors of program use and outcomes of Triple P Online Brief, a low intensity online parenting intervention

Baker, S., Turner, K. M. T. and Sanders, M. R. (2016). Predictors of program use and outcomes of Triple P Online Brief, a low intensity online parenting intervention. 18th Helping Families Change Conference, Banff, Alberta, Canada, 3-5 February 2016.

Predictors of program use and outcomes of Triple P Online Brief, a low intensity online parenting intervention

2016

Conference Publication

Supporting families to complete parenting programs online: Learnings from Triple P Online evaluations

Turner, K. M. T., Baker, S., Sanders, M. R., Day, J. and Metzler, C. (2016). Supporting families to complete parenting programs online: Learnings from Triple P Online evaluations. 18th Helping Families Change Conference, Banff, Alberta, Canada, 3-5 February 2016.

Supporting families to complete parenting programs online: Learnings from Triple P Online evaluations

2016

Conference Publication

Sharing insights and future directions for Triple P implementation in indigenous communities internationally

Turner, K. M. T. and McIlduff, C. (2016). Sharing insights and future directions for Triple P implementation in indigenous communities internationally. 18th Helping Families Change Conference, Banff, Alberta, Canada, 3-5 February 2016.

Sharing insights and future directions for Triple P implementation in indigenous communities internationally

2016

Book Chapter

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program: a community-wide approach to parenting and family support

Sanders, Matthew R., Turner, Karen M. T. and McWilliam, Jenna (2016). The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program: a community-wide approach to parenting and family support. Family-based prevention programs for children and adolescents: theory, research, and large-scale dissemination. (pp. 134-159) edited by Mark J. Van Ryzin, Karol L. Kumpfer, Gregory M. Fosco and Mark T. Greenberg. New York, NY, United States: Psychology Press. doi: 10.4324/9781315764917-14

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program: a community-wide approach to parenting and family support

2015

Journal Article

Erratum: Reducing preschoolers’ disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group

Joachim, Sabine, Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2015). Erratum: Reducing preschoolers’ disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 46 (5), 821-821. doi: 10.1007/s10578-014-0501-3

Erratum: Reducing preschoolers’ disruptive behavior in public with a brief parent discussion group

2015

Conference Publication

Engaging consumers in the development of effective interventions - the example of a brief online parenting program

Baker, S., Sanders, M. R. and Turner, K. M. T. (2015). Engaging consumers in the development of effective interventions - the example of a brief online parenting program. 50th APS Annual Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 29 September - 2 October 2015.

Engaging consumers in the development of effective interventions - the example of a brief online parenting program

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2030
    Deadly Home Reading: Enabling Indigenous Children's Literacy & Wellbeing (ARC Linkage Project administered by the Australian Catholic University)
    Australian Catholic University
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Proposal for Undertaking Evaluation Activities Australian Parenting Education and Support Program Grant
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2025
    A collaborative partnership approach to providing parenting support in remote indigenous communities
    Australian Catholic University
    Open grant

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
  • 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
  • 1995
    Primary Care Positive Parenting Strategy (PCPPS)
    Department Health, Victoria
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    Primary Care Positive Parenting Strategy (PCPPS)
    Department Health, Victoria
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Karen Turner is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Parents as partners in children's education: Evaluating the role of parental-self-regulation in effective home-school partnership

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: 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