Australasian Society for Psychological
Research in Diabetes 
ABN 9009 324 6176

is Australia's leading organisation specialising in
psychological research in diabetes.

Contact Details:  enquiries AT asprid. org. au 

Origins of ASPRID

ASPRID was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1997 by John & Gloria Kilmartin.  The genesis for ASPRID arose from Professor Clare Bradley's (UK) invitation for John & Gloria to attend the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes (PSAD)* Study Group meeting in Windsor, UK in 1999.  This meeting, chaired by Frank Snoek, was the inspiration to form a similar society in Australia.  At that time, no Australian society/association was specifically addressing the psychological and sociological needs of people with diabetes, or generating research ideas in the area.

The name "ASPRID" was registered as an association with an emphasis on including our colleagues from the Asia Pacific region (Australasian). In 2001, ASPRID became an incorporated body.

The very first meeting of ASPRID took place at The Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1999 with Clare Bradley as invited international speaker. Since then ASPRID has held six annual scientific conferences. Invited speakers have included; Professors Clare Bradley (UK);Frank Snoek(NL); Dan Cox (USA); Dr Bob Montgomery (AUS); Dr Dale Atrens (AUS); Dr Chas Skinner (UK); Dr Monica O'Kelly (AUS); Sue Craddock (UK); Dr Mary Austin (USA).

Topics have included, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Attachment Theory & Health diabetes health professional styles; depression & diabetes; positivism in diabetes management and confidence and conviction scaling. The actual presentations have been very varied and covered a wide range of sociological and psychological problem encountered in diabetes management.

Following the 2005 ASPRID Conference in Western Australia, John and Gloria invited members of ASPRID to apply for Executive Committee positions, including those of Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee Advisor, and thus began the expansion of ASPRID. 

ASPRID has continued to grow from a membership of four in 1999 to a membership in excess of one hundred in 2005. 

 * PSAD is an official Study Group of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).

The aims of ASPRID are: 

1. To stimulate communication and collaboration between researchers/social scientists and diabetes clinicians in the field of psychological and sociological aspects of diabetes in Australasia

2. To improve the quality and quantity of psychological and sociological research in diabetes in Australasia

3. To stimulate dissemination of effective psychosocial interventions in order to improve the care of the individual with diabetes in Australasia.