Dr Madelaine de Valle

I am a Research Fellow in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, working within the Blackbird Initiative. Currently, my position is funded under the Right Care Right Place program grant, headed by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC), which aims to facilitate access to evidence-based eating disorder treatment within a stepped-care model by positioning eating disorder care coordinators in diverse primary health networks around Australia. Under the guidance and mentorship of Prof Tracey Wade, my role is to assist with the evaluation of this program.

My research interests extend beyond eating disorders and disordered eating to include body image concerns, perfectionism, social media, and clinical interventions. On a previous postdoctoral research contract, I helped to adapt an evidence-based treatment for perfectionism to be delivered by parents to children with perfectionism. My PhD research investigated factors contributing to the development of disordered eating, focussing on how social media use impacts body image in young people, the roles of self-criticism and perfectionism, and strategies for intervening in this relationship. My Honours research evaluated a brief, online cognitive behavour therapy intervention for perfectionism.

I am also a practising clinical psychologist, having worked in both public and private settings with a range of age groups and presenting concerns.