Dr Kristen Murray

BA/BSc (Psychology) (1st Class Honours) / PhD (Clinical Psychology), ANU
Senior Lecturer; Master of Professional Psychology Program Convenor
ANU College of Health and Medicine
T: 61252147

Areas of expertise

  • Mental Health 111714
  • Psychology 1701
  • Health, Clinical And Counselling Psychology 170106

Research interests

I am interested in the areas of clinical and health psychology.  My clinical practice and research focuses on psychological factors in health and well-being, particularly how these relate to obesity, eating disorders, chronic disease and health behaviour change.  I am broadly interested in research that aims to understand, assess, prevent and treat these factors to improve health and well-being in the community. My current projects focus on body image, specifically our relationship with both the functioning and appearance of the body, as well as community knowledge and beliefs about body image and implications for help-seeking. I am interested in understanding multiple aspects of the body image construct, exploring differences in body image across factors such as gender, health status and development, and innovative approaches to prevention and intervention programs fostering a positive connection with the body to promote mental health, enhance health promoting behaviours such as intuitive eating and physical activity, and decrease health depleting behaviours such as disordered eating and sedentary behaviours. I also have interests in psychological stress, interprofessional practice, and innovations in clinical care.

Biography

Dr Murray is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about promoting health and well-being in the community.  She completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) at the Australian National University (ANU) in 2013, where she was awarded the Steven Klimidis Memorial Prize for Excellence in Clinical Psychology and Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists Student Prize.  She has worked as a clinical psychologist in private practice and public health settings where she specialises in weight management, health behaviour change and eating disorders.  Her primary therapeutic approach employs cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing.


Her research in clinical and health psychology focuses on the assessment and intervention of psychological factors in obesity, eating disorders, chronic health conditions and health behaviour change.  She has a particular interest in body image, specifically how individuals relate to functional experiences of the body and its implications for health behaviours and well-being.  Furthermore, her work aims to investigate novel and innovative approaches to research and practice in body image, such as by investigating community knowledge and beliefs about body image, help-seeking for body image concerns, and training programs to improve literacy in this area. She also has an interest in psychological stress, youth mental health, innovation in education and practice, and interprofessional collaboration.  Her research has been presented at national and international conferences, and published in peer-reviewed publications.


Kristen is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Research School of Psychology at the ANU, where she also convenes the Master of Professional Psychology program. She teaches and supervises students undertaking research and clinical training in professional and clinical psychology. She was previously Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at the University of Canberra where she taught clinical and health psychology, and convened the Master of Clinical Psychology program and External Placements.  She received an ANU College of Health and Medicine Excellence Award as a member of the Research School of Psychology Professional Programs Team in 2020, as well as the Australian Psychological Society Early Career Teaching Award and University of Canberra Faculty of Health Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018.

Researcher's projects

Building Positive Body Image Project

Partnership between ANU Research School of Psychology and ANU Psychology Clinic

Supported by ACT Government under ACT Health Promotion Grants Program (2021-2023)

Building Positive Body Image | ANU Research School of Psychology

Publications

Projects and Grants

Grants information is drawn from ARIES. To add or update Projects or Grants information please contact your College Research Office.

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Updated:  29 March 2024 / Responsible Officer:  Director (Research Services Division) / Page Contact:  Researchers