Pioneer of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and 2007 Queenslander of the Year, Professor Matt Sanders, has received a prestigious award from the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Professor Sanders was presented with the President’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology in Australia on September 26, as part of the National APS Conference.
“It is a great honour to be recognised at the national level and by such a prominent society,” Professor Sanders said.
“Receiving an award of this calibre encourages one to continue striving for excellence.”
The award was presented by APS President Amanda Gordon at the Brisbane Convention Centre and recognises Professor Sanders’ development of Triple P over the past 30 years.
Triple P is a program which came into existence in 1992, following decades of in-depth research.
It was developed by Professor Sanders and his colleagues at UQ’s Famiily Support Centre, and provides parents with simple strategies for solving children's behaviour problems.
Triple P is used in 15 countries and has been translated into 14 different languages.
The program’s ability to provide practical and useful parenting advice accounts for its international and local success.
The President’s Award is given to a psychologist at a later career stage who has made a difference to psychology and the Australian community as a whole.
Recipients of the award also receive $3000, a pleasant surprise for Professor Sanders.
“I had no idea there was a cash prize as well,” he said.
“I really don’t know what I’ll do with it – more than likely it will go towards something Triple P-related.”
Professor Sanders was named Queenslander of the Year by Peter Beattie on June 3.
He is currently Director of UQ’s Parenting and Family Support Centre.
More information on Triple P is available at www.triplep.net
Media: Further information, Professor Sanders (matts@psy.uq.edu.au, 3365 7290) or Penny Robinson (penny.robinson@uq.edu.au, 3365 9723).
