Personal profile
Biography
I am an academic and clinical psychologist with a primary focus on eating and weight disorders in my research, teaching, and clinical work.
I completed my PhD on motivation to change in anorexia nervosa at the University of Sydney, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre for Eating and Weight Disorders (University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University) where I was trained in interpersonal psychotherapy. I have had academic roles in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney and the Research School of Psychology at the Australian National University (ANU). I am currently a Professor in the ANU's School of Medicine and Psychology.
My research focuses on the cognitive, motivational, and interpersonal factors implicated in health behaviours, especially in the area of eating and weight disorders. This work spans both basic and translational science and, in the latter capacity, I have led or co-led many clinical trials on eating and weight disorders. I also have a research interest in wellbeing, particularly in the university setting.
I have been a practicing Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years. My main clinical experience has included treating adults with eating and weight disorders, and medical patients with accompanying psychological problems, working in public and private hospitals, university clinics, and private practice. I also provide clinical training and supervision to diverse health professionals.
I am a co-lead of the National Network stream of the Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Centre, and a member of the Eating Disorders Research Society, the Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, the College of Clinical Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society, and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association.
Qualifications
BA(Hons); MClinPsych; PhD
Research Interests
My main areas of research are in eating and weight disorders, focusing on psychosocial factors implicated in the aetiology, maintenance, and treatment outcome of these conditions. These psychosocial variables include motivation to change, cognitive processes, and interpersonal problems. I also have an interest in psychological wellbeing, conducting projects on investigating strategies for enhancing the wellbeing of university students and seeking an integrative understanding of the psychological, biological, societal, and environmental dimensions of wellbeing.
Research student supervision
- Registered to supervise
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Tackling Loneliness, Ineffective Social Support, and Mental Ill-Health Among People With Higher Weight
Rathbone, J. A., Cruwys, T., Western, K. A. B., Donaldson, J. L., Haslam, C., Rieger, E., Wheatland, F. T. & Dugdale, P., 2025, In: Health Expectations. 28, 2, p. 1-10 10 p., e70192.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus) -
Contextual Behavioral Approaches to Understanding Body Image Threats and Coping in Youth: A Qualitative Study
Brichacek, A. L., Murray, K., Neill, J. T. & Rieger, E., Mar 2024, In: Journal of Adolescent Research. 39, 2, p. 328-360 33 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2 Citations (Scopus) -
Evaluating the Digital Health Experience for Patients in Primary Care: Mixed Methods Study
Choy, M. A., O'Brien, K., Barnes, K., Sturgiss, E. A., Rieger, E., Douglas, K. & He, G. C., 2024, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 26, 1, e50410.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access12 Citations (Scopus) -
The distinct affect regulation functions of body image flexibility and inflexibility: A prospective study in adolescents and emerging adults
Brichacek, A. L., Neill, J. T., Murray, K., Rieger, E. & Watsford, C., Sept 2024, In: Body Image. 50, 101726.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
4 Citations (Scopus) -
The effect of appearance and functionality concerns, and weight status, on negative body image mental health literacy in women
Murray, K., Davey, J., Dennis, M., Harris, D., Hayman, E. & Rieger, E., Jun 2024, In: Body Image. 49, 101703.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access6 Citations (Scopus)
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Australian Eating Disorder Research & Translation Strategy 2021-2031 (AEDR&TS)
Maguire, S. (PI), Maguire, S. (PI) & Rieger, E. (PI)
1/04/22 → 30/09/27
Project: Research
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Weight loss maintenance in young women affected by obesity
Baur, L. A. (PI), Baur, L. A. (PI) & Rieger, E. (PI)
30/06/15 → 31/12/15
Project: Research
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The effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy for obese patients and support partners in weight maintenance: A randomised control trial
Rieger, E. (PI), Caterson, I. (CoI), Caterson, I. (CoI) & Treasure, J. (CoI)
1/01/10 → 30/06/13
Project: Research