Dr Kelly Dann
Award for Excellent PhD Thesis in Psychology

Award type: Science

Kelly completed her PhD in the School of Psychology at The University of Sydney. Her doctoral thesis comprised six studies which reconsider the evidence related to cognitive flexibility and everyday function in anorexia nervosa, and ask – What could be learned about flexibility and function by using different measures?

Participants with anorexia nervosa at all stages of recovery generously contributed their time to the research, but the broad approach of the thesis was to evaluate research practices. The studies applied new methods to investigate old questions in anorexia nervosa, utilizing best practice measures and analytical procedures from the general population and wider psychiatric literature to challenge old assumptions. The research has been published in six scientific reports, is referenced in the updated Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) manual and was included in Updates in the treatment of eating disorders in 2023: A year in review.

Kelly continues her work as a researcher at the InsideOut Institute of Eating Disorders, a joint venture between The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District. Her interests include exploring cognitive and behavioral strengths in individuals with eating disorders and advocating for strengths-based approaches to treatment and recovery in anorexia nervosa.