Dr Theresa Scott
Senior Lecturer
School of Psychology
+61 7 336 56723
McElwain Building (24A)
Level 4, Room 410
Level 4, Room 410
Researcher biography
Dr Theresa Scott is Senior Lecturer in Clinical Geropsychology and formerly NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellow, experienced in research on functional outcomes for older persons and persons with dementia in community and residential aged care settings. Theresa's NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowship focused on the complex issues around dementia and driving. The aim of this research program was to translate a comprehensive support- and education-based driving cessation intervention for people with dementia and their carers, into clinical practice. The results of this research will enhance understanding of the issues for health professionals who monitor driving cessation in primary care settings; and inform the most effective strategies for primary care delivery of the intervention in metropolitan and regional areas.
Theresa is skilled in both qualitative and quantitative methods of research design and analyses, and in evaluation research. Her research to date has focused on ageing well programs, psychosocial interventions that support people with dementia and their carers, social and therapeutic horticulture to combat loneliness and depression for older people, clinical psychology postgraduate training and continuing professional development programs. Additional research interests include evidence-based complementary and expressive therapies for older adults; psychosocial interventions in long-term care environments; and attitudes to ageing and self-stereotypes.
Publications
Book Chapters
Musselwhite, Charles B.A. and Scott, Theresa (2021). Transport modes and an aging society. International Encyclopedia of Transportation. (pp. 6-12) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-102671-7.10398-7
Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki and Pachana, Nancy A. (2021). Driving and community mobility for people living with dementia. Dementia rehabilitation: evidence-based interventions and clinical recommendations. (pp. 129-147) edited by Lee-Fay Low and Kate Laver. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818685-5.00008-8
Scott, Theresa L. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2016). Therapeutic gardens and expressive therapies. Complementary, alternative, and integrative interventions for mental health and aging: research and practice. (pp. 529-546) New York , NY, United States: Oxford Univerisity Press.
Scott, Theresa L. (2015). Horticultural therapy. Encyclopedia of geropsychology. (pp. 1-5) edited by Nancy A. Pachana. Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-287-080-3_268-1
Journal Articles
Scott, Theresa L. (2022). Silver tsunamis, gray ceilings, and ‘the problem of older adults’. International Psychogeriatrics, 35 (3), 1-7. doi: 10.1017/s1041610222001004
Lee, Andrew K. and Scott, Theresa L. (2022). Exploring Psychosocial Dynamics Underpinning Driver Identity in an Older Adult Sample. Geriatrics, 7 (6) 122, 122. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics7060122
Peterson, Colleen M., Birkeland, Robyn W., Louwagie, Katie W., Ingvalson, Stephanie N., Mitchell, Lauren L., Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, Jacki, Pachana, Nancy A., Gustafsson, Louise and Gaugler, Joseph E. (2022). Refining a driving retirement program for persons with dementia and their care partners: a mixed methods evaluation of CarFreeMe™-Dementia. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 78 (3), 506-519. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbac151
Scott, Theresa L. (2022). Aging is inevitable, nihilism is optional. International Psychogeriatrics, 34 (9), 761-763. doi: 10.1017/s1041610222000345
Scott, Theresa L., Jao, Ying-Ling, Tulloch, Kristen, Yates, Eloise, Kenward, Oliver and Pachana, Nancy A. (2022). Well-being benefits of horticulture-based activities for community dwelling people with dementia: a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (17) 10523, 1-20. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191710523
Hodroj, Batoul, Way, Kïrsten Agnes, Scott, Theresa L., Wright, April L. and Manchha, Asmita (2022). Does context count? The association between quality of care and job characteristics in residential aged care and hospital settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Gerontologist. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnac039
Beasley, Elizabeth A., Scott, Theresa L. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2021). Making meaning of integrated care during a pandemic: learning from older adults. Clinical Gerontologist, 45 (1), 1-17. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1933291
Tulloch, Kristen, McCaul, Trudy and Scott, Theresa L. (2021). Positive aspects of dementia caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical Gerontologist, 45 (1), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1929630
Scott, Theresa L. and Tulloch, Kristen (2021). Is community mobility contingent upon driving? Attitudes toward and intentions to use alternative modes of transport according to a mixed-aged sample. Journal of Transport and Health, 20 100974, 100974. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2020.100974
NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research Special Interest Group in Rehabilitation, Dementia, Low, Lee‐Fay, Laver, Kate, Lawler, Katherine, Swaffer, Kate, Bahar‐Fuchs, Alex, Bennett, Sally, Blair, Annaliese, Burton, Jason, Callisaya, Michele, Cations, Monica, MC O'Connor, Claire, Gresham, Meredith, Lewin, Gill, Messent, Petrea, Poulos, Christopher J., Wesson, Jacqueline, Scott, Theresa L. and Rees, Glenn (2021). We need a model of health and aged care services that adequately supports Australians with dementia. Medical Journal of Australia, 214 (2) mja2.50911, 1-3.e1. doi: 10.5694/mja2.50911
Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, Jacqueline, Sidhu, Raychelle, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Beattie, Elizabeth, Gustafsson, Louise and Pachana, Nancy A. (2020). Adaptation of the CarFreeMe driver retirement intervention to provide driving cessation support to older people living with dementia. Brain Impairment, 21 (3), 1-12. doi: 10.1017/brimp.2020.16
Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah, Neville, Christine, Scott, Theresa and Petriwskyj, Andrea (2020). The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 32 (4), 341-356. doi: 10.1080/15528030.2020.1765448
Scott, Theresa L., Masser, Barbara M. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2020). Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise. SAGE Open Medicine, 8, 205031212090173. doi: 10.1177/2050312120901732
Scott, Theresa L., Kugelman, Melissa and Tulloch, Kristen (2019). How medical professional students view older people with dementia: implications for education and practice. PLoS One, 14 (11) e0225329, e0225329. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225329
Brown Wilson, Christine, Arendt, Lars, Nguyen, Mynhi, Scott, Theresa L, Neville, Christine C and Pachana, Nancy A (2019). Nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety and dementia in nursing homes: a systematic review. The Gerontologist, 59 (6), e731-e742. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnz020
Musselwhite, Charles and Scott, Theresa (2019). Developing a model of mobility capital for an ageing population. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (18) 3327, 3327. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16183327
Walker, Nicole, Dissanayaka, Nadeeka N., Scott, Theresa, Manchha, Asmita and Pachana, Nancy A. (2019). Shaping attitudes: the association between prior contact with residential aged care and resistance to enter residential aged care. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 14 (4) e12268, e12268. doi: 10.1111/opn.12268
Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Beattie, Elizabeth and Pachana, Nancy (2019). Implementation and evaluation of a driving cessation intervention to improve community mobility and wellbeing outcomes for people living with dementia: study protocol of the ‘CarFreeMe’ for people with dementia program. BMC Geriatrics, 19 (1) 66, 66. doi: 10.1186/s12877-019-1074-6
Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah, Petriwskyj, Andrea, Scott, Theresa and Neville, Christine (2019). Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: a qualitative approach. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 38 (1), E25-E30. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12598
Scott, T. L., Liddle, J., Pachana, N. A., Beattie, E. and Mitchell, G. K. (2019). Managing the transition to non-driving in patients with dementia in primary care settings: facilitators and barriers reported by primary care physicians. International Psychogeriatrics, 32 (12), 1-10. doi: 10.1017/S1041610218002326
Walker, Nicole, Scott, Theresa, Dissanayaka, Nadeeka N., Barlow, Fiona Kate and Pachana, Nancy A. (2018). Persisting use of physical restraint: knowledge translation vs. attitudes. International Journal of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, 5, 1-4. doi: 10.21035/ijcnmh.2018.5.1
Pakenham, Kenneth I., Scott, Theresa and Uccelli, Michele Messmer (2018). Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy training for psychologists working with people with multiple sclerosis. International Journal of MS Care, 20 (1), 44-48. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073.2016-080
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa (2017). Appreciating the work of nurses caring for adults with intellectual disability and mental health issues. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 26 (6), 629-638. doi: 10.1111/inm.12291
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa (2015). Mental health inpatient experiences of adults with intellectual disability. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 24 (6), 507-518. doi: 10.1111/inm.12148
Woodhead, Erin L., Emery-Tiburcio, Erin E., Pachana, Nancy A., Scott, Theresa L., Konnert, Candace A. and Edelstein, Barry A. (2015). Clinical and Counseling Psychology Graduate Students’ Expectations for Future Work With Older Adults. Clinical Gerontologist, 38 (5), 357-374. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2015.1067271
Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa (2015). The effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy for loneliness, anxiety and depression in older adults in long-term care: A systematic review. Geriatric Nursing, 36 (5), 372-380. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.05.004
Scott, Theresa L., Mittelman, Mary S., Beattie, Elizabeth, Parker, Deborah and Neville, Christine (2015). Translating training in the NYU caregiver intervention in Australia: maintaining fidelity and meeting graduate standards in an online continuing professional education setting. Educational Gerontology, 41 (10), 710-722. doi: 10.1080/03601277.2015.1048171
Scott, Theresa, L., Masser, Barbara, M. and Pachana, Nancy, A. (2014). Multisensory installations in residential aged-care facilities: increasing novelty and encouraging social engagement through modest environmental changes. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40 (9), 20-31. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20140731-01
Scott, Theresa L., Masser, Barbara M. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2014). Exploring the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening for older adults. Ageing and Society, 35 (10), 2176-2200. doi: 10.1017/S0144686X14000865
Woodhead, Erin L., Emery, Erin E., Pachana, Nancy A., Scott, Theresa L., Konnert, Candace A. and Edelstein, Barry A. (2013). Graduate students' geropsychology training opportunities and perceived competence in working with older adults. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 44 (5), 355-362. doi: 10.1037/a0034632
Scott, Theresa L., Pachana, Nancy A. and Sofronoff, Kate (2011). Survey of current curriculum practices within Australian postgraduate clinical training programmes: Students' and programme directors' perspectives. Australian Psychologist, 46 (2), 77-89. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-9544.2011.00030.x
Pachana, Nancy A., Sofronoff, Kate, Scott, Theresa and Helmes, Edward (2011). Attainment of Competencies in Clinical Psychology Training: Ways Forward in the Australian Context. Australian Psychologist, 46 (2), 67-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-9544.2011.00029.x
Scott, Theresa L. and Darlington, Yvonne (2011). Negotiating and planning an evaluation: An example from a youth services Work for the Dole program activity. Evaluation Journal of Australasia, 11 (1), 11-19. doi: 10.1177/1035719X1101100105
Conference Papers
Scott, Theresa, Jao, Ying-Ling, Tulloch, Kristen, Yates, Eloise and Pachana, Nancy (2021). Horticulture-based Interventions to Enhance Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Dementia in the Community. GSA 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, Phoenix, AZ United States, 10-14 November 2021. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2443
Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki, Beattie, Elizabeth, Gustafsson, Louise, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Rooney, Donna and Pachana, Nancy (2020). Lifestyle adjustment and mobility-related goal setting after driving cessation with people living with dementia. GSA 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA United States, 4-8 November 2020. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press . doi: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.927
Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, J., Mitchell, G., Gustafsson, L. and Pachana, N. A. (2020). Living with young onset dementia and staying engaged without driving. Alzheimer's Disease International , Singapore, 10-12 December 2020.
Walker, N., Scott, T., Pachana, N. and Dissanayaka, N. N. (2019). Residential aged care staff: quantitative insight into staff attitudes towards entering RAC themselves. NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research Australian Dementia Forum, Hobart, Tasmania, 13-14 June 2019.
Walker, N., Scott, T., Barlow, F. K., Pachana, N. A. and Dissanayaka, N. N. W. (2018). The Good Neighbour Program: An innovative social support/educational integrated intervention in residential aged-care. International Dementia Conference: Mission Impossible - Truth and Lies in the Age of Choice, Sydney, Australia, 7-8 June 2018.
Walker, N., Dissanayaka, N., Scott, T. and Pachana, N.A. (2018). Attitudes towards Residential Aged Care (RAC): A contact theory approach. 3rd Annual NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR) Australian Dementia Forum, Sydney, NSW Australia, 4 - 5 June 2018.
Walker, N., Dissanayaka, N.N., Scott, T. and Pachana, N.A. (2018). Attitudes, contact theory and age. International Dementia Conference: "Mission Impossible? Truth and Lies in the Age of Choice", Sydney, NSW Australia, 7-8 June 2018.
Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, Jacki, Pachana, Nancy, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Chapman, Jessica and Gustafsson, Louise (2018). Living with dementia and adjusting to life without driving. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, Chicago, Illinois, 22-26 July 2018. Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.2004
Walker, N., Barlow, F., Reutas, J., Scott, T., Pachana, N. and Dissanayaka, N. (2018). Residential aged care: industry and education taking a contact theory approach. NNIDR Australian Dementia Forum, Sydney, Australia, 4-5 June 2018.
Walker, N., Scott, T., Barlow, F. K., Pachana, N. A. and Dissanayaka, N. N. W. (2017). The Good Neighbour Program: An innovative social support/educational integrated intervention in residential aged-care. Psychology & Ageing Interest Group National Conference - Empowering older adults through psychology, Brisbane, Australia, 6-7 October 2017.
Walker, N., Dissanayaka, N.N., Scott, T. and Pachana, N.A. (2017). The Good Neighbour Program. NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR) Australian Dementia Forum, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 15-17 October 2017.
Scott, T. L., Masser, B. M. and Pachana, N. A. (2016). Using indoor plants and natural elements to positively impact occupants of residential aged-care facilities. XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-22 August 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1121.2
Scott, T. L., Masser, B. M. and Pachana, N. A. (2016). Positive ageing and gardening: development and testing of a gardening survey measuring benefits of leisure gardening. XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-22 August 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1121.1
Walker, N., Dissanayaka, N.N., Scott, T. and Pachana, N.A. (2016). Shaping attitudes: the association between prior contact with residential aged care and resistance to enter residential aged care. Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Meeting 2016, Louisiana, United States, 16-20 November 2016.
Scott, T. L., Liddle, J., Pachana, N., Beattie, E. and Mitchell, G. (2016). Navigating Driving Cessation: Developing An Education and Support Program for People with Dementia. GSA Annual Scientific Meeting, New Orleans, LA, United States, 16-20 November 2016. Cary, NC, United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnw162.1329
Rosenfeld-Lovell, D., Brown Wilson, C., Scott, T. and Neville, C (2015). Psychosocial interventions for older people experiencing depression in aged care facilities: a systematic review. 3rd NUS-NUH International Nursing Conference & 20th Joint Singapore-Malaysian Nursing Conference, Singapore, Singapore, 18-20 November 2015.
Elias, Sharifah Munifah Syed, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa (2015). Reminiscence Therapy for older people suffering from loneliness, anxiety and depression: a review of the literature. The Fifth Asian Conference on Psychology and The Behavioral Sciences, Osaka Japan, 26-29 March, 2015. Nagoya, Aichi, Japan: The International Academic Forum.
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa (2015). A multidimensional integrated framework to improve inpatient mental health care of people with intellectual disability. 41st International Mental Health Nursing Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 7-9 October, 2015. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL. doi: 10.1111/inm.12172/abstract
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa (2014). Capacity, information and voluntariness: the realities of gaining consent. ASID NZ 2014 Conference: Research to Practice, Hamilton, NZ, 9-10 April, 2014.
Neville, C., Scott, T., Beattie, E., Parker, D. and Mittelman, M. (2014). Evaluation of an internet-based self-directed educational program to facilitate learning and competence in delivery of the NYU Caregiver Intervention to Australian carers: learner perspectives. DCRC2014: 8th National Dementia Research Forum 2014, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 18 September, 2014. Battersea, London, United Kingdom: Hawker Publications.
Neville, C., Mittelman, M. S., Beattie, E., Scott, T., Hobday, J. and Parker, D. (2013). Supporting carers of people with dementia: An innovative learning platform for health workers. 66th Annual Scientific Meeting “Optimal Aging Through Research”, New Orleans, LA United States, 20-24 November 2013. Cary, NC United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnt151
Neville, Christine, Mittelman, Mary, Scott, Theresa, Beattie, Elizabeth and Parker, Deborah (2013). NYUCI(Aus): supporting carers of people with dementia. Translating the New York University Caregiver Intervention for an Australian workforce and consumers. 4th Annual West Moreton Hospital and Health Service Research Day, Ipswich, QLD, Australia, 18 October 2013. Ipswich, QLD, Australia: West Moreton Hospital and Health Service.
Scott, Theresa, Neville, Christine, Mittelman, Mary, Beattie, E. and Parker, D. (2013). Enhancing quality of life of carers of people with dementia: knowledge transfer and training of healthcare professionals. DCRC-CC: 7th National Dementia Research Forum 2013, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 21-22 September, 2013.
Pachana, N. A., Cody, A., Bakharia, A. and Scott, T. (2012). Raising awareness at the undergraduate level: facilitating engagement and reflection on nursing homes. 65th Annual Scientific Meeting “Charting New Frontiers in Aging”, San Diego, CA, United States, 14-18 November 2012. Cary, NC, United States: Oxford University Press.
Pachana, Nancy, Scott, T., Sofronoff, K. and Helmes, E. (2011). Facilitators and barriers to achieving an ageing literate clinical psychology workforce. International Psychogeriatric Association Reinventing Aging through Innovation 15th International Congress, The Hague, Netherlands, 6-9 September 2011. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S104161021100127X
Scott, T. (2009). “One who plants a garden, plants happiness”: the therapeutic benefit of gardening activities for older community dwelling adults. 19th World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Paris, France, 5-9 July 2009. Paris, France: Editions SERDI. doi: 10.1007/s12603-009-0095-9
Scott, T. and Pachana, N. (2007). Therapeutic gardens in residential care facilities. 2nd APS Psychology and Ageing Interest Group Conference, Geelong, Vic., Australia, 13 November 2007. Basingstoke, U.K.: Taylor and Francis.
Data Collection
Scott, Theresa, Kugelman, Melissa and Tulloch, Kristen (2019). How medical professional students view older people with dementia - Dataset. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.14264/uql.2019.781
Thesis
Scott, Theresa Lorraine (2012). Examining the therapeutic effect of gardens and gardening activities for older adults residing in the community and in aged-care facilities. PhD Thesis, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland.