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Associate Professor Divna Haslam
Associate Professor

Divna Haslam

Email: 

Overview

Background

My work aims to ensure all children have access to safe, stable, violence-free childhoods they need to thrive in childhood and across life. This spans from extensive work on evidence-based parenting programs to major national epidemiological work on child maltreatment, corporal punishment (smacking) & mental health & wellbeing.

In 2023, I was a ministerial appointment to the Child Death Review Board which conducts systemic reviews of child deaths to identify areas to improve child safety in QLD. In 2024 the World Health Organisation appointed me to their international Technical Expert Group for Violence Against Children Estimations. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Parenting & Family Researchers Alliance and on the editorial board of the Australian Journal of Social Issues a policy masthead.

As both a clinical psychologist and a research academic, I use a prevention lens to target risk and protective factors to enhance child and family wellbeing to reduce the presence and impact of early adversity & mental ill health. This includes a focus on parenting stress, family violence and maltreatment, and issues associated with balancing work and life.

I am a chief investigator on the Young Minds: Our Future study which is the Third Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, and I am part of the award-winning Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) team which generated the first nationally representative Australian data on the prevalence and mental health impact of the five types of child maltreatment in Australia.

As a researcher, I have received >$10 million in research funding and published extensively in leading D1 & Q1 journals. I am a sought-after speaker & frequently engage in science communication via the media across all platforms.

Availability

Associate Professor Divna Haslam is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Australian Psychological Society, Australian Psychological Society

Research impacts

I am an international leader in knowledge generation, particularly around parenting and the use of parenting support to reduce violence toward children and strategies to enhance child mental health and wellbeing. My research has demonstrated global impact on research and policy and there is strong evidence of recognition of my thought leadership by governments and peak bodies within Australia and overseas. My research has been cited in 65 policy documents, across 12 countries (Overton, 2024) including the UK, Australia, and Norway, and by peak bodies such as UNICEF, and in clinical excellence guidelines such as the UK's National Insitute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines. My work has a strong focus on science communication and the media frequently seek me to provide expert commentary on parenting, child adversity, and the importance of the early years. Clinical tools I have developed have been used in over 15 countries across 10 languages.

I actively participate in public discourse and knowledge transfer through the generation of knowledge-sharing resources, and the publication of feature articles aimed at policymakers and the general public in platforms such as the Conversation and John Menadue's Public Policy Journal. I am a sought-after speaker and have provided a range of keynotes and invited presentations across all levels of government, the sector, and in academic conference settings. The Australian government has engaged me as a field expert for several different projects in parenting and child maltreatment. For example, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade contracted me as an expert to provide policy recommendations in the area of parenting to the Indonesian government as they established a parenting directorate, and in 2023 the National Office of Child Safety within the Attorney General's contracted me to conducted a scoping study on Wave Two Australian Child Maltreatment Study.

Works

Search Professor Divna Haslam’s works on UQ eSpace

82 works between 2006 and 2025

41 - 60 of 82 works

2021

Journal Article

Child maltreatment and long-term physical and mental health outcomes: an exploration of biopsychosocial determinants and implications for prevention

Mehta, Divya, Kelly, Adrian B., Laurens, Kristin R., Haslam, Divna, Williams, Kate E., Walsh, Kerryann, Baker, Philip R. A., Carter, Hannah E., Khawaja, Nigar G., Zelenko, Oksana and Mathews, Ben (2021). Child maltreatment and long-term physical and mental health outcomes: an exploration of biopsychosocial determinants and implications for prevention. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 54 (2), 1-15. doi: 10.1007/s10578-021-01258-8

Child maltreatment and long-term physical and mental health outcomes: an exploration of biopsychosocial determinants and implications for prevention

2021

Journal Article

The acceptability of Group Triple P with Brazilian parents

Schulz, Mariajose L. C., Haslam, Divna M., Morawska, Alina and Kish, Antonia (2021). The acceptability of Group Triple P with Brazilian parents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 30 (8), 1950-1964. doi: 10.1007/s10826-021-01998-0

The acceptability of Group Triple P with Brazilian parents

2021

Journal Article

The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS): protocol for a national survey of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, associated mental disorders and physical health problems, and burden of disease

Mathews, Ben, Pacella, Rosana, Dunne, Michael, Scott, James, Finkelhor, David, Meinck, Franziska, Higgins, Daryl J, Erskine, Holly, Thomas, Hannah J., Haslam, Divna, Tran, Nam, Le, Ha, Honey, Nikki, Kellard, Karen and Lawrence, David (2021). The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS): protocol for a national survey of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, associated mental disorders and physical health problems, and burden of disease. BMJ Open, 11 (5) e047074, e047074. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047074

The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS): protocol for a national survey of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, associated mental disorders and physical health problems, and burden of disease

2021

Journal Article

A model of intention to participate in parenting interventions: the role of parent cognitions and behaviours

Gonzalez, Carolina, Morawska, Alina and Haslam, Divna M. (2021). A model of intention to participate in parenting interventions: the role of parent cognitions and behaviours. Behavior Therapy, 52 (3), 761-773. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.09.006

A model of intention to participate in parenting interventions: the role of parent cognitions and behaviours

2021

Journal Article

Assessing critical dimensions of the parent–adolescent relationship from multiple perspectives: Development and validation of the Parent-Adolescent Relationship Scale (PARS)

Burke, Kylie, Dittman, Cassandra K., Haslam, Divna and Ralph, Alan (2021). Assessing critical dimensions of the parent–adolescent relationship from multiple perspectives: Development and validation of the Parent-Adolescent Relationship Scale (PARS). Psychological Assessment, 33 (5), 395-410. doi: 10.1037/pas0000992

Assessing critical dimensions of the parent–adolescent relationship from multiple perspectives: Development and validation of the Parent-Adolescent Relationship Scale (PARS)

2021

Journal Article

Influence of father involvement, fathering practices and father-child relationships on children in Mainland China

Liu, Yang, Dittman, Cassandra K., Guo, Mingchun, Morawska, Alina and Haslam, Divna (2021). Influence of father involvement, fathering practices and father-child relationships on children in Mainland China. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 30 (8), 1858-1870. doi: 10.1007/s10826-021-01986-4

Influence of father involvement, fathering practices and father-child relationships on children in Mainland China

2020

Journal Article

The Guilt about Parenting Scale (GAPS): Development and Initial Validation of a Self-Report Measure of Parenting Guilt, and the Relationship between Parenting Guilt and Work and Family Variables

Haslam, Divna, Filus, Ania and Finch, Jules (2020). The Guilt about Parenting Scale (GAPS): Development and Initial Validation of a Self-Report Measure of Parenting Guilt, and the Relationship between Parenting Guilt and Work and Family Variables. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29 (3), 880-894. doi: 10.1007/s10826-019-01565-8

The Guilt about Parenting Scale (GAPS): Development and Initial Validation of a Self-Report Measure of Parenting Guilt, and the Relationship between Parenting Guilt and Work and Family Variables

2020

Conference Publication

The role of parents’ cognitions and behaviours in their initial engagement with parenting programs

Gonzalez, C., Morawska, A. and Haslam, D. (2020). The role of parents’ cognitions and behaviours in their initial engagement with parenting programs. Helping Families Change Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 5 -7 February 2020.

The role of parents’ cognitions and behaviours in their initial engagement with parenting programs

2020

Journal Article

Parenting style, child emotion regulation and behavioral problems: the moderating role of cultural values in Australia and Indonesia

Haslam, Divna, Poniman, Chrislyne, Filus, Ania, Sumargi, Agnes and Boediman, Lia (2020). Parenting style, child emotion regulation and behavioral problems: the moderating role of cultural values in Australia and Indonesia. Marriage and Family Review, 56 (4), 1-23. doi: 10.1080/01494929.2020.1712573

Parenting style, child emotion regulation and behavioral problems: the moderating role of cultural values in Australia and Indonesia

2019

Journal Article

Child chronic illness and parent work-family conflict: investigating the experiences of working parents

Kish, Antonia M., Haslam, Divna M. and Newcombe, Peter A. (2019). Child chronic illness and parent work-family conflict: investigating the experiences of working parents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29 (5), 1312-1325. doi: 10.1007/s10826-019-01666-4

Child chronic illness and parent work-family conflict: investigating the experiences of working parents

2019

Journal Article

Using epidemiological data to identify needs for child-rearing support among Chinese parents: a cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 6 to 35 months in 15 Chinese cities

Zhang, Yue, Sanders, Matthew, Feng, Weiwei, Tang, He, Wang, Huishan, Jin, Xi, Wu, Jieling, Huang, Guangwen, Sun, Jin, Luo, Yan, Lv, Lanqiu, Yan, Shuangqin, Zhao, Dongmei, Mu, Lijuan, Yan, Dongmei, Wang, Hong, Gao, Xueting, Yang, Jing, Wang, Nianrong, Shao, Jie, Yang, Jinliuxing and Haslam, Divna (2019). Using epidemiological data to identify needs for child-rearing support among Chinese parents: a cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 6 to 35 months in 15 Chinese cities. BMC Public Health, 19 (1) 1470, 1470. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-7635-y

Using epidemiological data to identify needs for child-rearing support among Chinese parents: a cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 6 to 35 months in 15 Chinese cities

2019

Conference Publication

Is parental engagement unidimensional or multidimensional?

Gonzalez, C., Morawska, A. and Haslam, D. (2019). Is parental engagement unidimensional or multidimensional?. 40th National Conference, Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 24 -25 October 2019.

Is parental engagement unidimensional or multidimensional?

2019

Journal Article

Coparenting conflict and cooperation between parents and grandparents in Vietnamese families: the role of grandparent psychological control and parent–grandparent communication

Hoang, Nam‐Phuong T., Haslam, Divna and Sanders, Matthew (2019). Coparenting conflict and cooperation between parents and grandparents in Vietnamese families: the role of grandparent psychological control and parent–grandparent communication. Family Process, 59 (3) famp.12496, 1161-1174. doi: 10.1111/famp.12496

Coparenting conflict and cooperation between parents and grandparents in Vietnamese families: the role of grandparent psychological control and parent–grandparent communication

2019

Conference Publication

Short-term Efficacy of Triple P on Child Behavior and Parenting Among Brazilian Parents

Schulz, M., Haslam, D. and Morawska, A. (2019). Short-term Efficacy of Triple P on Child Behavior and Parenting Among Brazilian Parents. SRCD Biennial Meeting, Baltimore, MD, United States, 21-23 March 2019.

Short-term Efficacy of Triple P on Child Behavior and Parenting Among Brazilian Parents

2019

Journal Article

Self-regulation in low- and middle-income countries: challenges and future directions

Haslam, Divna, Mejia, Anilena, Thomson, Dana and Betancourt, Theresa (2019). Self-regulation in low- and middle-income countries: challenges and future directions. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 22 (1), 104-117. doi: 10.1007/s10567-019-00278-0

Self-regulation in low- and middle-income countries: challenges and future directions

2019

Journal Article

Practice of parenting and related factors on children aged 0-5 in the urban areas of China

Jinliuxing, Yang, Yue, Zhang, Weiwei, Feng, He, Tang, Jie, Shao, Nianrong, Wang, Hong, Wang, Jin, Sun, Yan, Luo, Lanqiu, Lyu, Shuangqin, Yan, Dongmei, Zhao, Lijuan, Mu, Dongmei, Yan, Hong, Wang, Xueting, Gao, Manfen, He, Jing, Yang, Min, Fu, Sanders, Matthew and Haslam, Divna (2019). Practice of parenting and related factors on children aged 0-5 in the urban areas of China. Zhonghua Difang Bingxue Zazhi, 40 (4), 422-426. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-6450.2019.04.010

Practice of parenting and related factors on children aged 0-5 in the urban areas of China

2018

Journal Article

Understanding the role of parenting in developing radical beliefs: lessons learned from Indonesia

Riany, Yulina Eva, Haslam, Divna, Musyafak, Najahan, Farida, Jauharotul, Ma’arif, Syamsul and Sanders, Matthew (2018). Understanding the role of parenting in developing radical beliefs: lessons learned from Indonesia. Security Journal, 32 (3), 236-263. doi: 10.1057/s41284-018-00162-6

Understanding the role of parenting in developing radical beliefs: lessons learned from Indonesia

2018

Journal Article

Working and caring for a child with chronic illness: a review of current literature

Kish, A M, Newcombe, P A and Haslam, D M (2018). Working and caring for a child with chronic illness: a review of current literature. Child: Care, Health and Development, 44 (3), 343-354. doi: 10.1111/cch.12546

Working and caring for a child with chronic illness: a review of current literature

2018

Journal Article

Enhancing initial parental engagement in interventions for parents of young children: a systematic review of experimental studies

Gonzalez, Carolina, Morawska, Alina and Haslam, Divna M (2018). Enhancing initial parental engagement in interventions for parents of young children: a systematic review of experimental studies. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 21 (3), 415-432. doi: 10.1007/s10567-018-0259-4

Enhancing initial parental engagement in interventions for parents of young children: a systematic review of experimental studies

2018

Conference Publication

What engagement strategies are more effective to engage parents? Preliminary results from a systematic review.

Gonzalez, C., Morawska, A. and Haslam, D. (2018). What engagement strategies are more effective to engage parents? Preliminary results from a systematic review.. Helping Families Change Conference, Santa Rosa, CA, United States, 28 February - 2 March 2018.

What engagement strategies are more effective to engage parents? Preliminary results from a systematic review.

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Services for a National Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing Study
    Curtin University
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2015 - 2016
    A randomised controlled trial of a brief positive parenting program for Kenyan parents living in poverty
    Edmund Rice Overseas Aid Fund
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Promoting positive adjustment in migrant and refugee families through delivery of an evidence-based parenting program
    The Sidney Myer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    What is the impact of defence life on children and families? A cross-sectional comparison of child wellbeing and family experiences of defence and civilian families.
    DHF Establishment Grants
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Teachers as Parents Project. Examining the work-family interface: The Impact of a Worksite Parenting Invervention on Family and Occupational Functioning
    Australian Rotary Health Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Teachers as Parents Project. Examining the work-family interface: The impact of a worksite parenting intervention on family and occupational functioning.
    Australian Rotary Health Research Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Divna Haslam is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Settlement Success Project: Examining the Efficacy of a Parenting Intervention Aimed at Promoting Family Adjustment following Settlement in Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alina Morawska

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Parenting after migration exploration of the unique parenting needs of migrant parents to australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alina Morawska

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Settlement Success Project: Examining the Efficacy of a Parenting Intervention Aimed at Promoting Family Adjustment following Settlement in Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alina Morawska

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The efficacy of Triple P with Deaf children in Indonesia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alina Morawska

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Divna Haslam directly for media enquiries about:

  • adverse childhood experiences
  • child abuse
  • child anxiety
  • child behaviour
  • child maltreatment
  • child mental health
  • children
  • corporal punishment
  • family
  • parenting
  • parenting programs
  • smacking
  • triple p
  • violence against children
  • work life balance
  • work-family conflict
  • work-life balance
  • working parents

Need help?

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

communications@uq.edu.au