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Associate Professor Karen Turner
Associate Professor

Karen Turner

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+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

101 - 120 of 243 works

2015

Conference Publication

Dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs in diverse contexts: Embracing cultural complexity. Symposium with presenters from Australia, New Zealand, Panama and Africa

Turner, K. M. T., Weston, M., Mejia, A. and Haslam, D. (2015). Dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs in diverse contexts: Embracing cultural complexity. Symposium with presenters from Australia, New Zealand, Panama and Africa. 17th Helping Families Change Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 25-27 February 2015.

Dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs in diverse contexts: Embracing cultural complexity. Symposium with presenters from Australia, New Zealand, Panama and Africa

2015

Conference Publication

Addressing targeted parenting challenges with a brief online parenting intervention

Baker, S., Turner, K. M. T. and Sanders, M. R. (2015). Addressing targeted parenting challenges with a brief online parenting intervention. 17th Helping Families Change Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 25-27 February 2015.

Addressing targeted parenting challenges with a brief online parenting intervention

2015

Conference Publication

The application of positive parenting principles in early childhood education and care: A discussion of potential implementation considerations and opportunities (symposium uniting presenters from UK, Canada, USA and Australia)

Buttery, M., Lee, S., Rusby, J. and Turner, K. M. T. (2015). The application of positive parenting principles in early childhood education and care: A discussion of potential implementation considerations and opportunities (symposium uniting presenters from UK, Canada, USA and Australia). 17th Helping Families Change Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 25-27 February 2015.

The application of positive parenting principles in early childhood education and care: A discussion of potential implementation considerations and opportunities (symposium uniting presenters from UK, Canada, USA and Australia)

2015

Conference Publication

Dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs in diverse contexts: Embracing cultural complexity (paper presenter and symposium chair uniting presenters from Australia, New Zealand, Panama and Africa)

Turner, K. M. T., Weston, M., Mejia, A. and Haslam, D. (2015). Dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs in diverse contexts: Embracing cultural complexity (paper presenter and symposium chair uniting presenters from Australia, New Zealand, Panama and Africa). 17th Helping Families Change Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 25-27 February 2015.

Dissemination of evidence-based parenting programs in diverse contexts: Embracing cultural complexity (paper presenter and symposium chair uniting presenters from Australia, New Zealand, Panama and Africa)

2015

Conference Publication

Triple P Online: New findings, new programs (symposium chair uniting presenters from Australia and USA)

Turner, K. M. T., Day, J., Baker, S., Love, S. and Metzler, C. (2015). Triple P Online: New findings, new programs (symposium chair uniting presenters from Australia and USA). 17th Helping Families Change Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 25-27 February 2015.

Triple P Online: New findings, new programs (symposium chair uniting presenters from Australia and USA)

2015

Book Chapter

Triple P—Positive Parenting Program

Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2015). Triple P—Positive Parenting Program. Evidence-based parenting education: a global perspective. (pp. 225-243) edited by James J. Ponzetti, Jr.. New York, United States: Routledge.

Triple P—Positive Parenting Program

2015

Book

Triple P discussion group workbook: Being a positive parent

Sanders, Matthew R. and Turner, Karen M. T. (2015). Triple P discussion group workbook: Being a positive parent. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Triple P discussion group workbook: Being a positive parent

2014

Journal Article

Issues in Professional Training to Implement Evidence-based Parenting Programs: The Preferences of Indigenous Practitioners

Turner, Karen M. T., Sanders, Matthew R. and Hodge, Lauren (2014). Issues in Professional Training to Implement Evidence-based Parenting Programs: The Preferences of Indigenous Practitioners. Australian Psychologist, 49 (6), 384-394. doi: 10.1111/ap.12090

Issues in Professional Training to Implement Evidence-based Parenting Programs: The Preferences of Indigenous Practitioners

2014

Journal Article

Erratum: the role of practitioner self-efficacy, training, program and workplace factors on the implementation of an evidence-based parenting intervention in primary care [The Journal of Primary Prevention], 32, (2011) 95-112 DOI10.1007/s10935-011-0240-1]

Turner, Karen M. T., Nicholson, Jan M. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2014). Erratum: the role of practitioner self-efficacy, training, program and workplace factors on the implementation of an evidence-based parenting intervention in primary care [The Journal of Primary Prevention], 32, (2011) 95-112 DOI10.1007/s10935-011-0240-1]. Journal of Primary Prevention, 35 (6), 457-457. doi: 10.1007/s10935-014-0365-0

Erratum: the role of practitioner self-efficacy, training, program and workplace factors on the implementation of an evidence-based parenting intervention in primary care [The Journal of Primary Prevention], 32, (2011) 95-112 DOI10.1007/s10935-011-0240-1]

2014

Conference Publication

Consumer informed development of a brief online parenting intervention

Sanders, M. R., Baker, S. and Turner. K. M. T. (2014). Consumer informed development of a brief online parenting intervention. Society for Prevention Research 22nd Annual Meeting, Washington DC, United States, 27-30 May 2014.

Consumer informed development of a brief online parenting intervention

2014

Conference Publication

Do Indigenous professionals have preferred training processes?

Turner. K. M. T. (2014). Do Indigenous professionals have preferred training processes?. 16th Helping Families Change Conference, Sydney, Australia, 19-21 February 2014.

Do Indigenous professionals have preferred training processes?

2014

Conference Publication

A brief modular approach to Triple P as a web-based intervention

Baker, S., Turner. K. M. T. and Sanders, M. R. (2014). A brief modular approach to Triple P as a web-based intervention. 16th Helping Families Change Conference, Sydney, Australia, 19-21 February 2014.

A brief modular approach to Triple P as a web-based intervention

2013

Conference Publication

Changing complex behaviours using digital technologies

Duval, A. and Turner, K. M. T. (2013). Changing complex behaviours using digital technologies. EduTech National Congress, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 3-5 June 2013.

Changing complex behaviours using digital technologies

2013

Conference Publication

Supporting parents with Triple P Online (Invited clinical workshop)

Turner. K. M. T. (2013). Supporting parents with Triple P Online (Invited clinical workshop). 15th Helping Families Change Conference, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 13-15 February 2013.

Supporting parents with Triple P Online (Invited clinical workshop)

2013

Conference Publication

Triple P Online: Evaluation of Triple P as a web-based intervention for parents of children with early onset conduct problems. (Invited address).

Turner. K. M. T. (2013). Triple P Online: Evaluation of Triple P as a web-based intervention for parents of children with early onset conduct problems. (Invited address).. 15th Helping Families Change Conference, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 13-15 February 2013.

Triple P Online: Evaluation of Triple P as a web-based intervention for parents of children with early onset conduct problems. (Invited address).

2013

Other Outputs

Triple P Online

Turner, K. M. T. and Sanders, M. R. (2013). Triple P Online. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Triple P Online

2013

Book

Positive parenting

Sanders, M. R., Markie-Dadds, C. and Turner, K. M. T. (2013). Positive parenting. 2nd ed. Brisbane, QLD Australia: Families International.

Positive parenting

2013

Other Outputs

Supporting Indigenous Health Professionals: key issues and supports for the adoption of evidence-based behavioural family intervention in Indigenous communities

Turner, Karen (2013). Supporting Indigenous Health Professionals: key issues and supports for the adoption of evidence-based behavioural family intervention in Indigenous communities. Brisbane, Australia:

Supporting Indigenous Health Professionals: key issues and supports for the adoption of evidence-based behavioural family intervention in Indigenous communities

2013

Book

Practitioner’s manual for Standard Triple P

Sanders, Matthew R., Markie-Dadds, Carol and Turner, Karen M. T. (2013). Practitioner’s manual for Standard Triple P. 2nd ed. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Triple P International.

Practitioner’s manual for Standard Triple P

2012

Journal Article

A commentary on evidenced-based parenting programs: redressing misconceptions of the empirical support for Triple P

Sanders, Matthew R., Pickering, John A., Kirby, James N., Turner, Karen M. T., Morawska, Alina, Mazzucchelli, Trevor, Ralph, Alan and Sofronoff, Kate (2012). A commentary on evidenced-based parenting programs: redressing misconceptions of the empirical support for Triple P. BMC Medicine, 10 (1) 145, 145.1-145.5. doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-10-145

A commentary on evidenced-based parenting programs: redressing misconceptions of the empirical support for Triple P

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

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

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