Profiles

Cynthia Honan

UTAS Home Dr Cynthia Honan

Cynthia Honan

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Room 105 , O

+61 3 6324 3266 (phone)

+61 3 6324 3168 (fax)

Cynthia.Honan@utas.edu.au

Dr Cynthia Honan is a clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer within the School of Medicine. Cynthia’s research focuses on the neuropsychology of various clinical disorders including multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, and alcohol intoxication. She has a specific interest in social cognition, cognitive fatigue and cognitive biomarkers, meta-social-cognitive functioning, and functional outcomes (e.g., employment and meaningful occupation).

Biography

Before joining the University of Tasmania, Cynthia was a postdoctoral research fellow and lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) from 2012 to 2015. Her postdoc position examined social cognition disorders in traumatic brain injury. She has also previously been employed in various research and teaching positions with the University of New England, as a researcher for the Centre for Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD), a joint facility of UNSW and St Vincents Hospital in Sydney, and as a statistician and research consultant for Chandler Macleod Research and Development division where she specialised in organisational psychology test development. Cynthia is also a clinical neuropsychologist who has spent time in private practice (e.g., conducting capacity assessments, return-to-work assessments, and assessment to assist with the diagnosis of neuropsychological disorders).

Career summary

Qualifications

Degree

Thesis title

University

Country

Date

PhD

Examination of cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis, perceived functionality in the workplace, and early departure from work.

University of New England

Australia

2013

MClinNeuro

 

Macquarie University

Australia

2012

BPsych(Hons) Class I

Strengthening our adaptive capacity: Memory usage promotes the survival of neurogenic cells in the adult hippocampus

University of New England

Australia

2005

BBus(HRM)

 

Southern Cross University

Australia

1999

Memberships

Professional practice

  • Registered Psychologist, Psychology Board of Australia, Endorsed area of practice: Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Member, Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment
  • Member, International Neuropsychological Society
  • Member of the Australian Society for Social and Affective Neuroscience

Administrative expertise

Cynthia has had experience in managing large projects. Most recently she has managed a large project to develop a set of recommendations for the use of psychosocial outcome measures in traumatic brain injury research with the Moving Ahead NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Traumatic Brain Injury. She has also managed educational projects for NSW TAFE.

Teaching

Psychology, neuropsychology

Teaching expertise

Cynthia has experience in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate clinical psychology. She has primarily taught subjects relating to clinical neuropsychological, neuropsychological assessment, biopsychology and neuroscience, and statistics and research methods.

Teaching responsibility

  • Assessment, Professional Roles and Ethics (KHA453)
  • Research Design & Ethics (KHA451)
  • Theoretical Controversies (KHA452)
  • Behavioural Neuroscience/Neuropsychology (KHA258)
  • Psychology in Action (KHA107)

Research Appointments

  • Associate Researcher, Moving Ahead Centre for Research Excellence in Brain Recovery
  • Member, Discipline of Psychology Research Committee, University of Tasmania
  • Member, Australian MS Longitudinal Study Steering Committee

View more on Dr Cynthia Honan in WARP

Expertise

  • Test development and psychometrics
  • Social cognition
  • Cognitive difficulties and functioning
  • Functional outcomes following disease

Research Themes

Cynthia’s research aligns to the University’s research theme of Better Health. Her interests are in the study of neuropsychology in neurodegenerative disorders and brain injury. Dr Honan is currently researching (1) the relationship between cognitive functioning, social cognitive functioning and psychosocial outcomes in multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury, (2) biomarkers of cognition and cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, and (3) underlying mechanisms of negative social behaviours in alcohol intoxication. Dr Honan has a strong interest in advanced statistical analysis, psychometrics and test development. Her specific areas of teaching interest are in psychological assessment, psychology practice, neurobiology and neuroscience, and statistics and research methods.

Awards

  • Vice-Chancellor's Commendation for Academic Excellence, Macquarie University, 2012
  • Voted best Research Project - MS Angels Canberra: Commitment to support Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia funded project
  • Edgar H Booth Memorial Prize and Medal, University of New England, 2006
  • University Medal, University of New England, 2006
  • Australian Psychological Society Prize for 1st place in Honours, University of New England, 2006
  • Australian Postgraduate Award, 2006
  • Frederick G White Bursary for Rural Women ($5,000), University of New England, 2005

Current projects

  1. Development of recommendations for the use of outcome measures in psychosocial research in traumatic brain injury
  2. Cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS): An examination of the construct, its relationship with everyday functioning and serum nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and other biomarkers
  3. The relationship between social cognition and functional outcomes in MS
  4. Development of a test of social disinhibition for use in clinical practice
  5. Examination of social cognitive functioning during alcohol intoxication
  6. Clinical utility of disorders of consciousness scales: A review
  7. A randomised controlled trial of MS WorkSmart (managed by A/Prof Ingrid van der Mei, Menzies Institute for Medical Research)

Fields of Research

  • Behavioural neuroscience (520202)
  • Health psychology (520304)
  • Social and affective neuroscience (520207)
  • Clinical neuropsychology (520301)
  • Central nervous system (320903)
  • Neurology and neuromuscular diseases (320905)
  • Rehabilitation (420109)
  • Medical biochemistry - amino acids and metabolites (320501)
  • Specialist studies in education (390499)
  • Health promotion (420603)
  • Autonomic nervous system (320901)
  • Biological psychology (520299)
  • Behavioural epidemiology (420201)
  • Psycholinguistics (incl. speech production and comprehension) (520405)
  • Mental health services (420313)
  • Digital health (420302)
  • Epidemiology (420299)
  • Other psychology (529999)
  • Health management (420309)
  • Psychology of ageing (520106)

Research Objectives

  • Clinical health (200199)
  • Treatment of human diseases and conditions (200105)
  • Diagnosis of human diseases and conditions (200101)
  • Expanding knowledge in the biomedical and clinical sciences (280103)
  • Evaluation of health outcomes (200202)
  • Expanding knowledge in psychology (280121)
  • Public health (excl. specific population health) (200499)
  • Prevention of human diseases and conditions (200104)
  • Behaviour and health (200401)
  • Health education and promotion (200203)
  • Mental health (200409)
  • Health status (incl. wellbeing) (200407)
  • Mental health services (200305)
  • Evaluation of health and support services (200299)
  • Management of water consumption by animal production (100104)
  • Expanding knowledge in language, communication and culture (280116)
  • Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services) (200301)
  • Women's and maternal health (200509)
  • Human pharmaceutical treatments (240803)
  • Health policy evaluation (200205)

Publications

Cynthia regularly conducts peer reviews for established journals. She has reviewed for the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society (JINS), Brain Mapping, Disability and Rehabilitation, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Brain Impairment, Clinical Rehabilitation, and Neuropsychology.

Total publications

71

Journal Article

(42 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2023Ezegbe C, Zarghami A, van der Mei IAF, Alty JE, Honan C, 'Instruments measuring change in cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review', Brain and Behavior Article 3009. ISSN 2162-3279 (2023) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3009 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Ezegbe C; Zarghami A; van der Mei IAF; Alty JE

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2023Gardner B, Mainsbridge CP, Rebar AL, Cooley PD, Honan C, et al., 'Breaking the habit? Identifying discrete dimensions of sitting automaticity and their responsiveness to a sitting‑reduction intervention', International Journal of Behavioral Medicine pp. 1-9. ISSN 1532-7558 (2023) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10155-4 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Mainsbridge CP; Cooley PD; O'Brien JA; Pedersen SJ

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2022Bessing B, Claflin SB, Taylor BV, Blizzard L, Honan CA, et al., 'Estimating the impact of work difficulties, work self-efficacy and work psychological safety on MS-related work productivity loss', Multiple Sclerosis pp. 1-14. ISSN 1352-4585 (2022) [Contribution to Refereed Journal]

DOI: 10.1177/13524585221097573 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1

Co-authors: Bessing B; Claflin SB; Taylor BV; Blizzard L; van der Mei I

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2022Bessing B, Honan C, van der Mei I, Taylor BV, Claflin SB, 'Measurement properties of the Health Literacy Questionnaire in the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Massive Open Online Course Cohort: A Rasch analysis', Health Literacy Research and Practice, 6, (3) pp. e200-e212. ISSN 2474-8307 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20220720-01 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1

Co-authors: Bessing B; van der Mei I; Taylor BV; Claflin SB

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2022Bessing B, van der Mei I, Taylor BVM, Honan CA, Blizzard L, et al., 'Evaluating the impact of the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis online course on participant MS knowledge, health literacy, resilience, self-efficacy, quality of life, and MS symptom severity', Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 60 Article 103717. ISSN 2211-0356 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103717 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1

Co-authors: Bessing B; van der Mei I; Taylor BVM; Blizzard L; Claflin SB

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2022Emery H, Padgett C, Ownsworth T, Honan CA, 'A systematic review of self-concept change in multiple sclerosis', Neuropsychological Rehabilitation pp. 1-41. ISSN 0960-2011 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2030367 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1

Co-authors: Emery H; Padgett C

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2022Emery H, Padgett C, Ownsworth T, Honan CA, ''Oh it's changed, it's changed 10-fold': understanding the experience of self-concept change from the perspectives of people with multiple sclerosis', Disability and rehabilitation pp. 1-10. ISSN 1464-5165 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2121865 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Emery H; Padgett C

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2022Laslett LL, Honan C, Turner JA, Dagnew B, Campbell JA, et al., 'Poor sleep and multiple sclerosis: associations with symptoms of multiple sclerosis and quality of life', Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 93 pp. 1162-1165. ISSN 0022-3050 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329227 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2

Co-authors: Laslett LL; Turner JA; Campbell JA; Blizzard L; Taylor BV; van der Mei I

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2022Longley WA, Honan C, 'Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: The role of the general practitioner in cognitive screening and care coordination', Australian Journal of General Practice, 51, (4) pp. 225-231. ISSN 2208-794X (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-08-21-6145 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 2

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2022Skromanis S, Padgett C, Mathewson M, Honan CA, 'Social disinhibition in acquired brain injury and neurological disease: a concept analysis', Brain Impairment pp. 1-19. ISSN 1839-5252 (2022) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2022.23 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Skromanis S; Padgett C; Mathewson M

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2021Bakirtzis C, Artemiadis A, Nteli A, Boziki MK, Karakasi M-V, et al., 'A Greek validation study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23', Healthcare, 9, (7) pp. 1-10. ISSN 2227-9032 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070897 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2

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2021Hsu C-MK, Ney LJ, Honan C, Felmingham KL, 'Gonadal steroid hormones and emotional memory consolidation: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 130 pp. 529-542. ISSN 0149-7634 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.010 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6

Co-authors: Ney LJ

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2021Purton T, Staskova L, Lane MM, Dawson SL, West M, et al., 'Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway: a systematic review and meta analysis', Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 123 pp. 1-13. ISSN 0149-7634 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.026 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 26Web of Science - 25

Co-authors: Purton T

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2021Turner JA, Padgett C, McDonald S, Ahuja KDK, Francis HM, et al., 'Innate immunity impacts social-cognitive functioning in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals: Implications for IL-1ra and urinary immune markers', Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health, 14 Article 100254. ISSN 2666-3546 (2021) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100254 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1

Co-authors: Turner JA; Padgett C; Ahuja KDK

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2020Bessing B, Honan CA, van der Mei I, Taylor BV, Claflin SB, 'Development and psychometric properties of the Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge Assessment Scale: Rasch analysis of a novel tool for evaluating MS knowledge', Multiple Sclerosis Journal pp. 1-11. ISSN 1352-4585 (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1177/1352458520929626 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 6

Co-authors: Bessing B; van der Mei I; Taylor BV; Claflin SB

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2020Maurino J, Martinez-Gines ML, Garcia-Dominguez JM, Solar MD, Carcelen-Gadea M, et al., 'Workplace difficulties, health-related quality of life, and perception of stigma from the perspective of patients with Multiple Sclerosis', Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 41 Article 102046. ISSN 2211-0348 (2020) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102046 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 19Web of Science - 16

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2019Elbourn E, Kenny B, Power E, Honan C, McDonald S, et al., 'Discourse recovery after severe traumatic brain injury: exploring the first year', Brain Injury, 33, (2) pp. 143-159. ISSN 0269-9052 (2019) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2018.1539246 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 27Web of Science - 24

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2019Monds LA, Kloft L, Sauer JD, Honan CA, Palmer MA, 'No evidence that alcohol intoxication impairs judgments of learning in face recognition', Applied Cognitive Psychology pp. 1-9. ISSN 0888-4080 (2019) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1002/acp.3534 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6

Co-authors: Sauer JD; Palmer MA

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2019Slavkovic S, Lazic M, Honan C, Nad C, Brkic-Jovanovic N, et al., 'Differentiation of cognitive deficit profiles in Multiple Sclerosis patients: latent profile analysis', Medical Principles and Practice, 28, (4) pp. 373-379. ISSN 1011-7571 (2019) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1159/000499312 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2

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2019Southi N, Honan CA, Hodges JR, Piguet O, Kumfor F, 'Reduced capacity for empathy in corticobasal syndrome and its impact on carer burden', International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 34, (3) pp. 497-503. ISSN 0885-6230 (2019) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1002/gps.5045 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8

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2019van Egmond E, van Gorp D, Honan C, Heerings M, Jongen P, et al., 'A Dutch validation study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis', Disability and Rehabilitation, November Article Epub ahead of print. ISSN 0963-8288 (2019) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1686072 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4

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2018Johnson EG, Skromanis S, Bruno R, Mond J, Honan CA, 'Inhibiting automatic negative social responses in alcohol intoxication: interactions with theory of mind ability and level of task guidance', Psychopharmacology, 235, (4) pp. 1221-1232. ISSN 0033-3158 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4838-3 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3

Co-authors: Johnson EG; Skromanis S; Bruno R; Mond J

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2018Kahraman T, Ozdogar AT, Honan CA, Ertekin O, Ozakbas S, 'The multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire: translation and cross-cultural adaptation to Turkish and assessment of validity and reliability', Disability and Rehabilitation pp. 1-7. ISSN 0963-8288 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1470262 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5

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2018Martinez-Gines ML, Garcia-Dominguez JM, Forero L, Canal N, Rebollo P, et al., 'Spanish validation of a specific measure to assess work-related problems in people with multiple sclerosis: the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire (MSWDQ-23)', Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 22 pp. 115-119. ISSN 2211-0356 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.04.003 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 13Web of Science - 12

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2018McDonald S, Honan C, Allen SK, El-Helou R, Kelly M, et al., 'Normal adult and adolescent performance on TASIT-S, a short version of The Assessment of Social Inference Test', Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. Section D: The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32, (4) pp. 700-719. ISSN 1385-4046 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2017.1400106 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 12Web of Science - 11

Co-authors: Padgett C

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2018Wearne T, Anderson V, Catroppa C, Morgan A, Ponsford J, et al., 'Psychosocial functioning following moderate-to-severe pediatric traumatic brain injury: recommended outcome instruments for research and remediation studies', Neuropsychological Rehabilitation ISSN 0960-2011 (2018) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2018.1531768 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5

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2017Honan C, Skromanis S, Johnson EG, Palmer MA, 'Alcohol intoxication impairs recognition of fear and sadness in others and metacognitive awareness of emotion recognition ability', Emotion pp. 1-13. ISSN 1528-3542 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1037/emo0000404 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5

Co-authors: Skromanis S; Palmer MA

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2017Honan CA, Allen SK, Fisher A, Osborne-Crowley K, McDonald S, 'Social disinhibition: piloting a new clinical measure in Individuals with traumatic brain injury', Brain Impairment, 18, (1) pp. 74-87. ISSN 1443-9646 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2016.27 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 10

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2017Honan CA, McDonald S, Tate R, Ownsworth T, Togher L, et al., 'Outcome instruments in moderate-to-severe adult traumatic brain injury: recommendations for use in psychosocial research', Neuropsychological Rehabilitation pp. 1-21. ISSN 0960-2011 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1339616 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 35Web of Science - 36

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2017Kumfor F, Honan C, McDonald S, Hazelton JL, Hodges JR, et al., 'Assessing the 'social brain' in dementia: Applying TASIT-S', Cortex, 93 pp. 166-177. ISSN 0010-9452 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.05.022 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 42Web of Science - 37

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2017McDonald S, Fisher A, Flanagan S, Honan CA, 'Impaired perception of sincerity after severe traumatic brain injury', Journal of Neuropsychology, 11, (2) pp. 291-304. ISSN 1748-6645 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12086 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 15

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2017Slavkovic S, Golubovic S, Nad C, Odovic G, Honan C, et al., 'Work status and factors affecting work engagement of people with multiple sclerosis', Medicinski Pregled, LXX, (7-8) pp. 216-222. ISSN 0025-8105 (2017) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.2298/MPNS1708216S [eCite] [Details]

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2016Honan CA, McDonald S, Sufani C, Hine DW, Kumfor F, 'The awareness of social inference test: development of a shortened version for use in adults with acquired brain injury', Clinical Neuropsychologist, 30, (2) pp. 243-64. ISSN 1385-4046 (2016) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2015.1136691 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 32Web of Science - 25

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2016Pagan E, Ownsworth T, McDonald S, Fleming J, Honan C, et al., 'A survey of multidisciplinary clinicians working in rehabilitation for people with traumatic brain injury', Brain Impairment, 16, (3) pp. 173-195. ISSN 1443-9646 (2016) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2015.34 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 19Web of Science - 19

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2015Honan CA, Brown RF, Batchelor J, 'Perceived Cognitive Difficulties and Cognitive Test Performance as Predictors of Employment Outcomes in People with Multiple Sclerosis', International Neuropsychological Society. Journal, 21, (2) pp. 156-68. ISSN 1355-6177 (2015) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1017/S1355617715000053 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 56Web of Science - 56

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Fisher A, 'Visuospatial Learning in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Examination of Impairments using the Computerised Austin Maze Task', Brain Impairment, 16, (1) pp. 19-27. ISSN 1443-9646 (2015) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2015.3 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Gowland A, Fisher A, Randall RK, 'Deficits in comprehension of speech acts after TBI: The role of theory of mind and executive function', Brain and Language, 150 pp. 69-79. ISSN 0093-934X (2015) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2015.08.007 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 37Web of Science - 34

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2014Honan CA, Brown RF, Hine DW, 'The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire (MSWDQ): development of a shortened scale', Disability and rehabilitation, 36, (8) pp. 635-41. ISSN 0963-8288 (2014) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.805258 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 31Web of Science - 29

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2014McDonald S, Gowland A, Randall R, Fisher A, Osborne-Crowley K, et al., 'Cognitive Factors Underpinning Poor Expressive Communication Skills After Traumatic Brain Injury: Theory of Mind or Executive Function?', Neuropsychology, 28, (5) pp. 801-811. ISSN 0894-4105 (2014) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1037/neu0000089 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 52Web of Science - 47

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2012Gardner A, Shores A, Batchelor J, Honan CA, 'Diagnostic Efficiency of ImPACT and CogSport in Concussed Rugby Union Players Who Have Not Undergone Baseline Neurocognitive Testing', Applied Neuropsychology. Adult, 19 pp. 90-97. ISSN 2327-9095 (2012) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1080/09084282.2011.643945 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 25

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2012Honan CA, Brown RF, Hine DW, Vowels L, Wollin JA, et al., 'The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire', Multiple Sclerosis, 18, (6) pp. 871-80. ISSN 1352-4585 (2012) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1177/1352458511431724 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 48Web of Science - 42

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2007Hine DW, Honan CA, Marks ADG, Brettschneider K, 'Development and Validation of the Smoking Expectancy Scale for Adolescents', Psychological Assessment, 19, (3) pp. 347-355. ISSN 1040-3590 (2007) [Refereed Article]

DOI: 10.1037/1040-3590.19.3.347 [eCite] [Details]

Citations: Scopus - 31Web of Science - 31

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Book

(1 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2017Mcdonald S, Flanagan S, Honan C, 'The Awareness of Social Inference TEST - Short (TASIT-S) Manual', ASSBI Resources, Sydney, Australia ISBN 978-0-6481461-1-7 (2017) [Authored Other Book]

[eCite] [Details]

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Chapter in Book

(3 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2022Osborne-Crowley K, Honan C, Genova HM, 'Social cognition in neurodegenerative diseases: Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis', Clinical Disorders of Social Cognition, Routledge, S McDonald (ed), London, pp. 239-266. ISBN 9780367461201 (2022) [Other Book Chapter]

DOI: 10.4324/9781003027034 [eCite] [Details]

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2021Osborne Crowley K, Honan C, Genova H, 'Social cognition in neurodegenerative diseases: Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis', Clinical Disorders of Social Cognition, Routledge, S McDonald (ed), United Kingdom ISBN 9780367461195 (2021) [Other Book Chapter]

[eCite] [Details]

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2013McDonald S, Honan CA, Kelly M, Byom L, Rushby J, 'Disorders of social cognition and social behaviour in adults with TBI', Social and communication disorders following traumatic brain injury (2nd Edition), Psychology Press, S. McDonald, L. Togher & C. Code (ed), United Kingdom, pp. 119-159. ISBN 9781848721296 (2013) [Revised Book Chapter]

[eCite] [Details]

Conference Publication

(25 outputs)
YearCitationAltmetrics
2021Bessing B, Honan CA, van der Mei I, Taylor BV, Claflin SB, 'Rasch analysis of the Health Literacy Questionnaire in the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis online course cohort', International Journal of Epidemiology, pp. i30. ISSN 0300-5771 (2021) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Bessing B; van der Mei I; Taylor BV; Claflin SB

2018Togher L, Tate R, McDonald S, Power E, Kenny B, et al., 'Longitudinal communication recovery after severe TBI: What predicts outcomes at 2 years post injury?', 48th Clinical Aphasiology Conference 2018, 22-26 May 2018, Austin, Texas (2018) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

2017Honan C, Skromanis S, Johnson EG, Palmer MA, 'An examination of emotion perception ability and metacognitive functioning in high-dose alcohol intoxication', 4th annual Australasian Society for Social and Affective Neuroscience (AS4SAN), June 2017, Melbourne (2017) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Skromanis S; Johnson EG; Palmer MA

2017Honan CA, Turner CE, van der Mei I, Edwin L, 'Cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Do self-reports of fatigue correspond with actual reductions in cognitive performance over a single testing session?', 40th Annual Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI) Brain Impairment Conference, June 2017, Melbourne (2017) [Conference Extract]

[eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Turner CE; van der Mei I

2017Johnson EG, Honan CA, 'Inhibiting automatic negative social responses in alcohol intoxication: Interactions with theory of mind ability and level of task guidance', 4th annual Australasian Society for Social and Affective Neuroscience (AS4SAN), June 2017, Melbourne (2017) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Johnson EG

2017McDonald S, Allen S, Honan C, Padgett C, Kumfor F, et al., 'TASIT-S: an abbreviated version of The Awareness of Social Inference Test. New normative data for Australian and US speakers', 40th Annual Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI) Brain Impairment Conference, June 2017, Melbourne (2017) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Padgett C

2017McDonald S, Allen SK, Honan C, Padgett C, Kumfor F, et al., 'TASIT-S: an abbreviated version of The Awareness of Social Inference Test. New normative data for Australian and US speakers', 40th ASSBI Annual Brain Impairment Conference2017, 1-3 June 2017, Melbourne (2017) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Padgett C

2017McDonald S, Hazelton J, Padgett C, Allen S, Honan CA, et al., 'The awareness of social inference test-S: A screening test for social cognition: Comparing Australian and US speakers', International Neuropsychological Society Mid-year Congress, July 2017, Cape Town, South Africa (2017) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Padgett C

2016Honan CA, McDonald S, Sufani C, Hine D, Kumfor F, 'Assessing social cognition: A validation study of the The Awareness of Social Inference Test - Short Version (TASIT-S)', AS4SAN Conference, 23-24 June, 2016, Sydney, Australia (2016) [Conference Extract]

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2016Honan CA, Skormanis S, Johnson EG, Palmer MA, 'An examination of emotion perception ability and metacognitive functioning in high-dose alcohol intoxication', AS4SAN Conference, 23-24 June, 2016, Sydney, Australia (2016) [Conference Extract]

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Co-authors: Johnson EG; Palmer MA

2016Padgett C, Summers MJ, Honan CA, McCormack GH, Vickers JC, et al., 'Does Apolipoprotein ɛ4 interact with age or sex in cognitive function after traumatic brain injury?', 6-8 July, 2016, London (2016) [Conference Edited]

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Co-authors: Padgett C; Summers MJ; McCormack GH; Vickers JC; Skilbeck CE

2016Togher L, Tate R, McDonald S, Turkstra L, Holland A, et al., 'Factors that predict two year post-trauma communication outcomes for adults with severe traumatic brain injury', 11th World Congress On Brain Injury 2016, 2-5 March, 2016, The Hague, Netherlands (2016) [Conference Extract]

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2015Honan CA, Brown RF, 'Cognitive test performance and perceptions of cognitive difficulties as predictors of employment outcomes in MS', MS Research Australia Progress in MS Research 2015 Conference, 29-30 October, 2015, Melbourne, Australia (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Fisher A, 'Validating the computerised Austin Maze task in a Traumatic Brian Injury sample', INS/ASSBI 5th Pacific Rim Conference, July 2015, Sydney, Australia (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Fisher A, Osborne-Crowley K, 'Piloting a new measure of social disinhibition: A failure to inhibit or produce favourable responses?', 12th NR-SIG-WFNR Conference, July 2015, Daydream Island, Queensland, Australia, pp. 1. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper]

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Gowland A, Fisher A, Randall RK, 'The contribution of executive function to theory of mind and speech comprehension deficits following TBI', 36th Annual Brain Impairment Conference, May 2013, Hobart, Tasmania (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Gowland A, Fisher A, Randall RK, 'Deficits in comprehension of speech acts after TBI: The role of Theory of Mind and Executive Function', 41st Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, February 2013, Hawaii (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2015Honan CA, McDonald S, Sufani C, Hine D, 'The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT) - A shortened version', INS/ASSBI 5th Pacific Rim Conference,, July 2015, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1-1. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper]

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2015Honan CA, Skye M, Fisher A, Osborne-Crowley K, 'Social disinhibition: Piloting a new clinical measure in traumatic brain injury (TBI) individuals', INS/ASSBI 5th Pacific Rim Conference, July, 2015, Sydney, Australia (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2015McDonald S, Fisher A, Flanagan S, Honan CA, 'Impaired emotion and sincerity perception after severe traumatic brain injury', INS/ASSBI 5th Pacific Rim Conference, July 2015, Sydney, Australia (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2015McDonald S, Gowland A, Randall R, Fisher A, Osborne-Crowley K, et al., 'The role of Theory of Mind versus Executive function in producing communication output impairments following traumatic brain injury', 37th Annual Brain Impairment Conference, May 2014, Fremantle, Western Australia (2015) [Conference Extract]

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2012Honan CA, Brown RF, 'The contribution of perceived and actual neuropsychological difficulties to employment outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis and the intervening role of depression', 18th Annual Conference of the College of Clinical Neuropsychologists, November 2012, Launceston, Tasmania (2012) [Conference Extract]

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2010Honan CA, Brown RF, Hine DW, 'The importance of perceived workplace difficulties in those with Multiple Sclerosis in determining work outcomes', 27th International Congress of Applied Psychology, July 2010, Melbourne, Australia (2010) [Conference Extract]

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2009Honan CA, Brown RF, Hine DW, 'Development and validation of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire - Preliminary Results', MSRA Progress in MS Research Scientific Conference, October 2009, Sydney, Australia (2009) [Conference Extract]

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2006Mallet PE, Honan CA, 'Performance of a trial-dependent memory task prolongs adult neurogenic dentate gyrus cell survival', Neuroscience (SFN) conference, 2006, October 2006, Atlanta, Georgia (2006) [Conference Extract]

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Grants & Funding

Cynthia has received several small to medium sized grants to complete her work. Most recently, Cynthia was awarded a highly competitive Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia incubator grant ($22,000) to examine cognitive fatigue and its biomarkers in MS. She has also previously been awarded a Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia project grant ($72,000) to examine cognition and employment outcomes in MS. She has also received various smaller internal grants with the University of New South Wales and University of New England to assist with her research.

Funding Summary

Number of grants

10

Total funding

$993,734

Projects

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Psychosocial Disorders following adult traumatic brain injury (2022)$448,051
Funding
Medical Research Future Fund ($448,051)
Scheme
Grant - Traumatic Brain Injury Mission
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Honan CA; McDonald S; Douglas J; Ownsworth T; Simpson G; Wong D; Wearne T; Morgan A
Year
2022
Cognition in multiple sclerosis: Associations with gut-brain biomarkers and exploration of cognitive symptom change in response to a nutrition intervention (2022 - 2023)$70,000
Description
Cognitive dysfunction is common in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and can cause significant disruption to everyday functioning and quality of life. Peculiarities in gut microbial composition and function have also been found in people with MS and there is now a recognised link between the gut microbiome and kynurenine pathway (KP) regulation, as well as KP dysregulation, increased inflammation and neuronal death. This research aims to conduct a pilot study investigating whether and to what extent a nutrition intervention (e.g., probiotics) may influence cognitive impairment in MS, by modulating KP function via the gut microbiome.
Funding
Multiple Sclerosis Australia ($70,000)
Scheme
Scholarship-Postgraduate
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Honan CA; Eri RD; Purton T
Period
2022 - 2023
Cognition in multiple sclerosis: Associations with gut-brain biomarkers and exploration of cognitive symptom change in response to a nutrition intervention (2021 - 2022)$57,683
Description
Cognitive dysfunction is common in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and can cause significant disruption to everyday functioning and quality of life. Peculiarities in gut microbial composition and function have also been found in people with MS and there is now a recognised link between the gut microbiome and kynurenine pathway (KP) regulation, as well as KP dysregulation, increased inflammation and neuronal death. This research aims to examine whether cognitive dysfunction and cognitive changes over time (approximately a 4-year period, time 1 data was collected in 2016/2017) are associated with increased pro-inflammatory KP biomarkers and an aberrant gut microbiota among individuals with MS. We will also conduct a pilot study investigating whether and to what extent a nutrition intervention (e.g., probiotics) may influence cognitive impairment in MS, by modulating KP function via the gut microbiome.
Funding
Clifford Craig Foundation ($57,683)
Scheme
Grant
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Honan CA; Eri RD; Giles L; Johnson OL; Marx W; Lim E; Ahuja KDK
Period
2021 - 2022
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) WorkSmart program: A novel online program to assist people living with MS in the workforce (2018 - 2020)$300,000
Description
Nearly half ($494M) of the total cost of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) ($1.04 billion a year) in Australia is due to sickness absence and early retirement. A large societal cost saving can be made by assisting people with MS to maintain their employment and reduce difficulties associated with their employment. Further, this will have financial benefits for people with MS, as well as improve their overall quality of life. Despite a clear need, there are currently no self-management interventions specifically for people with MS in the workforce. In this project we propose to complete the development and undertake a feasibility study of the MS WorkSmart Program. MS WorkSmart is an online cognitive behaviour therapy self-management program with telephone support accessible on different devices. MS WorkSmart guides a person with MS through six modules over 13-15 weeks, using quizzes, videos and homework activities to assist the learning of strategies that can be applied to their working and daily lives for optimal MS management. The program is being developed together with people with MS and other stakeholders using focus groups and iterative feedback. It is underpinned by cognitive behavioural theory, is embedded in the literature and specifically designed for people with MS who are in the workforce. People will be assisted with telephone-delivered psychological support.
Funding
IOOF Foundation ($300,000)
Scheme
Donation - Individual
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
van der Mei IAF; Scott JL; de Salas KL; Honan CA; Taylor BVM; Sanderson K; Thomas S; Thomas P
Period
2018 - 2020
An investigation of the brains kynurenine pathway and inflammatory cytokines as biomarkers of cognitive fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (2017)$5,000
Funding
University of Tasmania ($5,000)
Scheme
Grant- Research Enhancement Program
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Honan CA
Year
2017
Cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis: An examination of the construct, its relationship with everyday functioning and serum dinucleotide levels (2016)$22,000
Description
This pilot study will examine the relationship between self-reported cognitive fatigue and objectively assessed cognitive fatigue, and the relationship that these aspects of fatigue have with functional outcomes and a potential new biomarker of fatigue (NAD+)
Funding
Multiple Sclerosis Australia ($22,000)
Scheme
Grant-Incubator
Administered By
University of Tasmania
Research Team
Honan CA; Lim E; McDonald S
Year
2016
General Award (2014)$10,000
Funding
University of New South Wales ($10,000)
Scheme
UNSW Career Advancement Fund
Administered By
University of New South Wales
Research Team
Honan CA
Year
2014
Development of the Social Disinhibition Task (2013)$5,000
Funding
University of New South Wales, Faculty of Science ($5,000)
Scheme
Early Career Research Grant
Administered By
University of New South Wales
Research Team
Honan CA
Year
2013
An examination of Prospective Memory Impairments in Multiple Sclerosis, Perceived Functionality in the Workplace, and Early Departure from Work (2008 - 2009)$72,000
Funding
Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia ($72,000)
Scheme
Project Grant
Administered By
University of New England
Research Team
Honan CA; Brown R F; Hine DW
Period
2008 - 2009
An examination of prospective memory impairments in multiple sclerosis (2008)$4,000
Funding
University of New England ($4,000)
Scheme
UNE research support for high-cost teams involving higher degree research
Administered By
University of New England
Research Team
Honan CA; Brown RF; Hine DW
Year
2008

Research Supervision

Cynthia is currently looking for PhD students who may be interested in examining cognitive functioning in MS or social cognition in alcohol intoxication. Potential students are encouraged to discuss projects directly with Cynthia before preparing a formal application for candidature and scholarship to the University of Tasmania. Further information can be found at: http://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees

Current

6

Completed

4

Current

DegreeTitleCommenced
PhDGonadal Steroids, Stress Hormones and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Modulate Emotional Memory Consolidation2017
PhDSocial Cognition in Context: An examination of deficits in acquired brain injury2019
PhDLifestyle and Symptom Management in Multiple Sclerosis2021
PhDThe Effects of Natural Environments and Physical Activity on Cognition and Brain Activity: Implications for Productivity, Health and Wellbeing2022
PhDSleep in Multiple Sclerosis2023
PhDIntervention Program for Adult Alienated2023

Completed

DegreeTitleCompleted
PhDThe Relationship between the Gut Microbiome, the Kynurenine Pathway and Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis
Candidate: Terry Frances Purton
2023
PhDMindfulness Meditation for High Anxiety Individuals: Psychological and attentional mechanisms and their role in therapeutic engagement and outcome
Candidate: Monique Estelle Williams
2023
PhDExploring the Complexities of Social Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis: Interplay between bio-psycho-social factors
Candidate: Jason Alan Turner
2023
PhDAdjustment to Multiple Sclerosis: Investigating the role of self-concept change
Candidate: Holly Emery
2023