Pamela Meredith

Biography

 Pam is co-ordinator of the Graduate Entry Masters Occupational Therapy Program, and co-ordinates the psychosocial curriculum within the Division of Occupational Therapy. Dr Pamela Meredith has extensive clinical experience as an occupational therapist, and has worked in Child Guidance and CYMHS with children at risk, as well as their families, schools, and communities. She has also worked in the disability sector and in education. Pam is registered as both an occupational therapist and a psychologist, and has a PhD in occupational therapy focusing on chronic pain outcomes for adults with childhood experiences predisposing them to insecure attachment patterns. Pam has a special interest in the factors that influence adaptive functioning across the lifespan. She first joined the staff of the Division of Occupational Therapy at The University of Queensland in 1997.

Research Interest

  Implications of adult attachment pattern for dental health  While attachment theory has been theoretically and empirically linked with individual health behaviours, it has not yet been investigated in relation to dental health. This project investigates these associations. Associations between sensory processing, attachment theory and mental health  There is some evidence that early childhood experiences, expecially trauma, contributes to both attachment insecurity and sensory processing differences, and can also lead to mental health concerns. Similarly, childhood conditions can result in sensory issues that impact on attachment security and potentially contribute to later mental health concerns. I have commenced a program of research designed to investigate the interactions among these variables in several populations including child, youth and adult mental health, and typical adults.