Dr Sophie Li

Dr Sophie Li

Postdoctoral Fellow

BPsychol (Hons) - UNSW, 2004

MPsychol(Clinical) - UNSW, 2009

PhD - UNSW, 2008

Medicine & Health
The Black Dog Institute

I'm a Clinical Psychologist and Black Dog Institute Research Fellow. I have a PhD in behavioural neuroscience (April 2008; supervisor Prof Westbrook), and Masters in Clinical Psychology (April 2009). From 2008-2016, I worked as a Clinical Psychologist in public and private health settings, before embarking on a research career. I have extensive experience as a clinical psychologist, educator, and clinical psychology supervisor.

My reserach expertise is in youth mental health, with a particular focus on using experimental and clinical trial methodology to understand the cognitive and behavioural mechansism underlying psychopathology. My research has generated new knowledge about youth mental health, which I have used to develop new interventions for youth depression, anxiety and insomnia. I was awarded an Outstanding ECR Postdoctoral Fellowship (July 2022-current), focusing on mechanistic links between youth depression and sleep difficulties and to investigate the use of digital technology as an emotion regulation strategy (digital emotion regulation).

My current research areas include:

1) Child and adolescent insomnia and sleep disturbances

2) Digital emotion regulation and its impact on sleep and other mental health outcomes

3) Digital health

 

Location
Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick
  • Book Chapters | 2019
    Walker P; Li S, 2019, 'Clinical Psychologists in Australian Inpatient Mental Health Units: Enhancing Effectiveness and Relevance with a Human Rights Focus', in Clinical Psychology in the Mental Health Inpatient Setting: International Perspectives, pp. 50 - 68, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780429464584-5
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Li SH; Corkish B; Richardson C; Christensen H; Werner-Seidler A, 2024, 'The role of rumination in the relationship between symptoms of insomnia and depression in adolescents', Journal of Sleep Research, 33, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13932
    Journal articles | 2024
    Li SH; Werner-Seidler A, 2024, 'Achievement goals and adolescent depression: implications for school-based interventions', The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 8, pp. 387 - 388, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00100-7
    Journal articles | 2024
    Tadros M; Li S; Corkish B; Upton E; Newby J; Werner-Seidler A, 2024, 'Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia in university students delivered via videoconferencing groups: A pilot study', Behavioral Sleep Medicine, 22, pp. 843 - 856, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2024.2374258
    Journal articles | 2024
    Windsor N; Li S; Joubert A; Upton E; Moulds M; Newby J, 2024, 'Intrusive Thoughts and Images in Health Anxiety: Rates, Characteristics, and Responses', Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 31, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70017
    Journal articles | 2023
    Beames JR; Spanos S; Roberts A; McGillivray L; Li S; Newby JM; O’Dea B; Werner-Seidler A, 2023, 'Intervention Programs Targeting the Mental Health, Professional Burnout, and/or Wellbeing of School Teachers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses', Educational Psychology Review, 35, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09720-w
    Journal articles | 2023
    Braund TA; O'Dea B; Li SH; Subotic-Kerry M; Achilles MR; Newby JM; Batterham PJ; Christensen H; Mackinnon AJ; Werner-Seidler A, 2023, '4.44 A Randomized Controlled Trial of a New CBT Smartphone Application for Adolescent Depression', Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 62, pp. S247 - S247, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2023.09.288
    Journal articles | 2023
    Jones MD; Casson SM; Barry BK; Li SH; Valenzuela T; Cassar J; Lamanna C; Lloyd AR; Sandler CX, 2023, 'eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial', Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 173, pp. 111462, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111462
    Journal articles | 2023
    Subotic-Kerry M; Braund TA; Gallen D; Li SH; Parker BL; Achilles MR; Chakouch C; Baker S; Werner-Seidler A; O’Dea B, 2023, 'Examining the impact of a universal positive psychology program on mental health outcomes among Australian secondary students during the COVID-19 pandemic', Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13034-023-00623-w
    Journal articles | 2023
    Subotic-Kerry M; Werner-Seidler A; Corkish B; Batterham PJ; Sicouri G; Hudson J; Christensen H; O’Dea B; Li SH, 2023, 'Protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of a CBT-I smartphone application (Sleep Ninja®) on insomnia symptoms in children', BMC Psychiatry, 23, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05185-x
    Journal articles | 2023
    Tadros M; Li S; Upton E; Newby J; Werner-Seidler A, 2023, 'Preferences of University Students for a Psychological Intervention Designed to Improve Sleep: Focus Group Study', JMIR Human Factors, 10, http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44145
    Journal articles | 2023
    Werner-Seidler A; Li SH; Spanos S; Johnston L; O'Dea B; Torok M; Ritterband L; Newby JM; Mackinnon AJ; Christensen H, 2023, 'The effects of a sleep-focused smartphone application on insomnia and depressive symptoms: a randomised controlled trial and mediation analysis', Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 64, pp. 1324 - 1335, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13795
    Journal articles | 2022
    Leung P; Li SH; Graham BM, 2022, 'The relationship between repetitive negative thinking, sleep disturbance, and subjective fatigue in women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder', British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61, pp. 666 - 679, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12356
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li SH; Achilles MR; Spanos S; Habak S; Werner-Seidler A; O'dea B, 2022, 'A cognitive behavioural therapy smartphone app for adolescent depression and anxiety: co-design of ClearlyMe', Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X22000095
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li SH; Achilles MR; Subotic-Kerry M; Werner-Seidler A; Newby JM; Batterham PJ; Christensen H; Mackinnon AJ; O’Dea B, 2022, 'Protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a CBT-based smartphone application for improving mental health outcomes in adolescents: the MobiliseMe study', BMC Psychiatry, 22, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04383-3
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li SH; Achilles MR; Werner-Seidler A; Beames JR; Subotic-Kerry M; O'Dea B, 2022, 'Appropriate Use and Operationalization of Adherence to Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Youth: Systematic Review', JMIR Mental Health, 9, http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/37640
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li SH; Beames JR; Newby JM; Maston K; Christensen H; Werner-Seidler A, 2022, 'The impact of COVID-19 on the lives and mental health of Australian adolescents', European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 31, pp. 1465 - 1477, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00787-021-01790-x
    Journal articles | 2022
    Odgers K; Kershaw KA; Li SH; Graham BM, 2022, 'The relative efficacy and efficiency of single- and multi-session exposure therapies for specific phobia: A meta-analysis', Behaviour Research and Therapy, 159, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2022.104203
    Journal articles | 2021
    Beames JR; Li SH; Newby JM; Maston K; Christensen H; Werner-Seidler A, 2021, 'The upside: coping and psychological resilience in Australian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic', Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13034-021-00432-z
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li SH; Graham BM; Werner-Seidler A, 2021, 'Gender differences in adolescent sleep disturbance and treatment response to smartphone app–delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: Exploratory study', JMIR Formative Research, 5, pp. e22498, http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/22498
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li SH; Graham BM, 2021, 'Mind's eye: The impact of spider presence and cognitive therapy on size estimation biases in spider phobia', Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 83, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102456
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li SH; Lloyd AR; Graham BM, 2021, 'Subjective sleep quality and characteristics across the menstrual cycle in women with and without Generalized Anxiety Disorder', Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 148, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110570
    Journal articles | 2020
    Achilles MR; Anderson M; Li SH; Subotic-Kerry M; Parker B; O’Dea B, 2020, 'Adherence to e-mental health among youth: Considerations for intervention development and research design', Digital Health, 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2055207620926064
    Journal articles | 2020
    Graham BM; Weiner S; Li SH, 2020, 'Gender differences in avoidance and repetitive negative thinking following symptom provocation in men and women with spider phobia', British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59, pp. 565 - 577, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12267
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li SH; Denson TF; Graham BM, 2020, 'Women With Generalized Anxiety Disorder Show Increased Repetitive Negative Thinking During the Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle', Clinical Psychological Science, 8, pp. 1037 - 1045, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2167702620929635
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li SH; Graham BM; Werner-Seidler A, 2020, 'Gender Differences in Adolescent Sleep Disturbance and Treatment Response to Smartphone App–Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Exploratory Study (Preprint)', , http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/preprints.22498
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li SH; Graham BM, 2020, 'Progesterone levels predict reductions in behavioral avoidance following cognitive restructuring in women with spider phobia', Journal of Affective Disorders, 270, pp. 1 - 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.039
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li SH; Lloyd AR; Graham BM, 2020, 'Physical and mental fatigue across the menstrual cycle in women with and without generalised anxiety disorder', Hormones and Behavior, 118, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104667
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li SH; Newby J; Graham BM, 2020, 'Day at the museum. A benchmarking and feasibility study for large group, one-session exposure treatment for spider phobia', Australian Psychologist, 55, pp. 121 - 131, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ap.12425
    Journal articles | 2018
    Graham BM; Li SH; Black MJ; Öst LG, 2018, 'The association between estradiol levels, hormonal contraceptive use, and responsiveness to one-session-treatment for spider phobia in women', Psychoneuroendocrinology, 90, pp. 134 - 140, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.02.019
    Journal articles | 2017
    Li SH; Graham BM, 2017, 'Why are women so vulnerable to anxiety, trauma-related and stress-related disorders? The potential role of sex hormones', The Lancet Psychiatry, 4, pp. 73 - 82, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30358-3
    Journal articles | 2017
    Li SH; Sandler CX; Casson SM; Cassar J; Bogg T; Lloyd AR; Barry BK, 2017, 'Randomised controlled trial of online continuing education for health professionals to improve the management of chronic fatigue syndrome: A study protocol', BMJ Open, 7, pp. e014133, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014133
    Journal articles | 2011
    De sousa A; McDonald S; Rushby J; Li S; Dimoska A; James C, 2011, 'Understanding deficits in empathy after traumatic brain injury: The role of affective responsivity', Cortex, 47, pp. 526 - 535, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2010.02.004
    Journal articles | 2011
    McDonald S; Rushby J; Li S; De sousa A; Dimoska A; James CM; Tate RL; Togher L, 2011, 'The influence of attention and arousal on emotion perception in people with severe Traumatic Brain Injury', International Journal of Psychophysiology, 82, pp. 124 - 131, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2011.01.014
  • Preprints | 2024
    O’Dea B; Li SH; Subotic-Kerry M; Achilles MR; Mackinnon AJ; Batterham PJ; Christensen H; Roberts A; Nagendraprasad K; Dudley Z; Gillham B; Werner-Seidler A, 2024, The MobiliseMe study: A randomised controlled efficacy trial of a cognitive behavioural therapy smartphone application (ClearlyMe®) for reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.17.24317363
    Preprints | 2023
    Subotic-Kerry M; Borchard T; Parker B; Li S; Choi J; Long E; Batterham P; Whitton A; Gokiert A; Spencer L; O’Dea B, 2023, While they wait: A cross-sectional survey on wait times for mental health treatment for anxiety and depression for Australian adolescents, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.21.23294348
    Preprints | 2022
    Beames J; Spanos S; Roberts A; McGillivray L; Li S; Newby J; O'Dea B; Werner-Seidler A, 2022, Intervention programs targeting the mental health, professional burnout, or wellbeing of school teachers: A systematic review and meta-analyses, http://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1386793/v1
    Preprints | 2022
    Li SH; Achilles MR; Werner-Seidler A; Beames JR; Subotic-Kerry M; O'Dea B, 2022, Appropriate use and operationalisation of adherence to digital cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety in youth: A systematic review. (Preprint), http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/preprints.37640
    Preprints | 2022
    Tadros M; Li S; Upton E; Newby J; Werner-Seidler A, 2022, Preferences of University Students for a Psychological Intervention Designed to Improve Sleep: Focus Group Study (Preprint), , http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/preprints.44145
    Preprints | 2021
    Beames J; Li S; Newby J; Maston K; Christensen H; Werner-Seidler A, 2021, The Upside: Coping and Psychological Resilience in Australian Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic, http://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-820688/v1
    Preprints | 2020
    Li S; Beames J; Newby J; Maston K; Christensen H; Werner-Seidler A, 2020, The impact of COVID-19 on the lives and mental health of Australian adolescents, http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.07.20190124
    Preprints |
    Werner-Seidler A; Li SH; Spanos S; Johnston L; O' Dea B; Michelle T; Ribberband L; Newby JM; Mackinnon AJ; Christensen H, The Effects of a Sleep-Focused Smartphone Application on Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Trial and Mediation Analysis, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4200346

Selection of current grants:

1) Outstanding ECR Postdoctoral Fellowship. Sole CI (2022-2024)

2) Australian Rotary Health project grant. CIA. (2023-2026)

3) nib (2022-2024)

4) CommBack Foundation. Sole CI. (2023)

I have prioritised my engagement with the community in the youth mental health space. Community engagement allows me to stay connected with those who will benefit from my research and fuels my aspiration to improve the mental health of young people. My community engagement includes four publications in The Conversation (approx. 9.4 million unique users monthly), Mamamia (accessed by over 5 million Australian women each year),  a Facebook live event with ABC News (>30,000 live viewers), ‘Night Talks’ at the Australian Museum Night (> 100 people) and numerous media interviews (ABC Lateline, ABC News, ABC Radio, SBS). I am driven to publicise the extraordinary potential of science to transform our lives through presentations at the L’Oreal Women in Science and Nura Gilli for Indigenous Youth workshops, and to infants’ school children (5 year olds). I regularly train clinicians across various health disciplines (medical doctors, nurses and allied health), and in both hospital (St Vincent’s Hospital) and community settings (online clinician training programs). After a competitive selection process, I am the mental health expert for ABC’s Old People’s Home for Teenagers (2023).

 

 

 

My Research Supervision

1) Joint supervisor, Atia Fatimah. 2023-current.

2) Joint supervisor, Natalie Windsor, 2021-current.

3) Co-supervisor, Michelle Tadros, 2021-current.