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Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne

Dr Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne

Research Fellow

Research interests

  • Mental Health
  • Psychology

Biography

Kasia joined King’s College London in November 2017 after completing a PhD in developmental psychology at the University of Essex. She is working as a researcher in the Experimental Psychopathology and Neuro-Development (ExPAND) Group and is the Trial Manager on the OPTIMA programme of research. Kasia has substantial experience of managing complex research projects, which includes working with children, adolescents, and parents, as well as liaising with schools and mental health services and other stakeholders. 

Research 

I have two main research interests. First, I am interested in developing evidence-based digital interventions that use mobile phone technology to provide low-cost and scalable support for parents of young children both in the community and within child and adolescent mental health services, as well as for other user groups (e.g., teachers). I am also keen on developing a better understanding of the mechanisms that underpin the associations between childhood and adolescent psychopathology and digital engagement. Second, my research concerns developing a better understanding of the processes that underpin decision-making and goal-directed behaviour in adolescence. Specifically, what is the role of future-oriented thinking and its variations related to adolescent mental health? 

Research Interests

  • Digital parenting interventions.
  • Adolescent mental health in the digital world
  • The development of future-oriented thinking in adolescence and its links to mental health
  • Children’s early temperament and psychological adjustment. 

    Research

    iStock-1014950206-Hands-support-brain-sun-background
    Experimental Psychopathology and Neuro-Development Group

    ExPAND focuses on understanding neuro-developmental disorders and mental health conditions across the lifespan.

    examining-individual-differences-in-the-ability-to-multitask-in-adolescence-cropped-780x440
    Examining individual differences in the ability to multitask in adolescence: behavioural and cognitive correlates

    In this project, conducted with young adolescents, we are examining the motivational and cognitive factors that underpin multitasking performance.

    Project status: Ongoing

    future-oriented-thinking-in-adolescence-cropped-780x440
    Future-oriented thinking in adolescence and the link between adolescent mental health

    Examining the potential effects of poor mental health on adolescents’ future-oriented thought and the willingness to wait and work for goal-directed outcomes.

    Project status: Ongoing

    optima-logo.xeb57b25a
    Online Parent Training for the Initial Management of ADHD referral (OPTIMA)

    We have created a mobile phone app that provides advice and access to a set of parenting tools that can be easily provided at the point that families seek help.

    Project status: Ongoing

    the-development-of-childrens-ability-to-switch-from-recreation-to-task-cropped-780x440
    The development of children’s ability to switch from recreation to task

    Studying how young children develop the ability to transition between periods of recreation and completing a task that requires focused attention.

    Project status: Ongoing

    sparkle logo
    Supporting Parents And Kids Through Lockdown Experiences (SPARKLE) Trial

    A randomised control trial evaluating whether a digital public health parenting intervention can help parents to manage their children’s behaviour problems.

    Project status: Ongoing

    pexels-photo-6948092
    Positioning Parent Positive (PPP) Study

    A study of stakeholder views about the best way to optimise the clinical value of the Parent Positive digital parenting app.

    Project status: Ongoing

    News

    New project to develop an app that addresses the negative effect of COVID-19 on children's behaviour

    The app Parent Positive aims to provide additional support to parents through light-hearted animations, practical resources and expert advice about managing...

    Woman looking stressed looking after two children at a laptop

      Research

      iStock-1014950206-Hands-support-brain-sun-background
      Experimental Psychopathology and Neuro-Development Group

      ExPAND focuses on understanding neuro-developmental disorders and mental health conditions across the lifespan.

      examining-individual-differences-in-the-ability-to-multitask-in-adolescence-cropped-780x440
      Examining individual differences in the ability to multitask in adolescence: behavioural and cognitive correlates

      In this project, conducted with young adolescents, we are examining the motivational and cognitive factors that underpin multitasking performance.

      Project status: Ongoing

      future-oriented-thinking-in-adolescence-cropped-780x440
      Future-oriented thinking in adolescence and the link between adolescent mental health

      Examining the potential effects of poor mental health on adolescents’ future-oriented thought and the willingness to wait and work for goal-directed outcomes.

      Project status: Ongoing

      optima-logo.xeb57b25a
      Online Parent Training for the Initial Management of ADHD referral (OPTIMA)

      We have created a mobile phone app that provides advice and access to a set of parenting tools that can be easily provided at the point that families seek help.

      Project status: Ongoing

      the-development-of-childrens-ability-to-switch-from-recreation-to-task-cropped-780x440
      The development of children’s ability to switch from recreation to task

      Studying how young children develop the ability to transition between periods of recreation and completing a task that requires focused attention.

      Project status: Ongoing

      sparkle logo
      Supporting Parents And Kids Through Lockdown Experiences (SPARKLE) Trial

      A randomised control trial evaluating whether a digital public health parenting intervention can help parents to manage their children’s behaviour problems.

      Project status: Ongoing

      pexels-photo-6948092
      Positioning Parent Positive (PPP) Study

      A study of stakeholder views about the best way to optimise the clinical value of the Parent Positive digital parenting app.

      Project status: Ongoing

      News

      New project to develop an app that addresses the negative effect of COVID-19 on children's behaviour

      The app Parent Positive aims to provide additional support to parents through light-hearted animations, practical resources and expert advice about managing...

      Woman looking stressed looking after two children at a laptop