Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons)
Clinical Geropsychology and Clinical Psychology Intern (Qld Reg No: 1070828)
Doctoral Candidate

I completed my Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Queensland in 2006, graduating with Honours. My thesis was written under the supervision of Dr Barbara Masser http://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=22 and investigated the applicability of the Stereotype Content Model for predicting ageist behaviour against older Australians. My thesis was awarded a first class as well as the inaugural UQ Elsie Harwood Prize for the best honours thesis in the topic of ageing. I am currently undertaking my Doctor of Clinical and Geropsychology under the supervision of Associate Professor Nancy A. Pachana http://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=272. My doctoral research is investigating the effectiveness of a psychological intervention designed to improve mood and well being in carers of older people with dementia - delivered via post. This treatment aims to improve the accessibility of evidence based psychological services to carers who have limited time and resources to seek the assistance of psychologists in person
http://www.uq.edu.au/news/index.html?article=16733

Guest Lecturer in the School of Psychology (Clinical Psychology, Evidence Based Psychotherapies, Geropsychology)

Student Member Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Member Psychology and Ageing Interest Group (PAIG)

Member Psychology and Buddhism Interest Group

As a psychologist [in training] I find the absence of data pertaining to ageing issues alarming, considering projections from the Australian Bureau of Statistics state that the number of people aged 65 years or more is anticipated to increase from 2.3 million in 1998 to about 4.0 million by 2021. As a ‘young’ researcher, and future caregiver to this ever increasing ageing population, I am passionate about the promotion of good health using an holistic (whole person) approach to minimise the current trend of disease and deficit focussed aged care.

My research focus is on understanding the physical, social, psychological, interpersonal and sexual needs of older people. I believe evidence based research in this domain will play an integral role in ensuring optimal care for our ageing population and assist in reducing ageist attitudes. Research in this field should assist in informing a more person centred approach to the delivery of services to older people in aged care. Foremost, I hope to raise awareness of ageing issues and highlight the vital importance of research in this domain for the social sciences.

Barnett, Z.L. (2006). Doddering but Dear? Investigating the applicability of the stereotype content model (SCM) for aged exemplars in Australia. (thesis). St Lucia, Qld: University of Qld.

Barnett, Z. L., & Pachana, N. A (in press). Viagra: The Little Blue Pill with Big Repercussions. Unpublished manuscript.