Dr James Neill

Biography

James is a lecturer in the Centre for Applied Psychology. His expertise and interest is broadly in the area of positive psychology, and more specifically in how intervention programs can be used to enhance self-constructs and life effectiveness. James' research specifically examines processes and outcomes of outdoor, experiential, and nature-based programs. James also has an interest in applying IT tools in learning and development.

Teaching areas

  • Research methods and statistics
  • Motivation and Emotion

Research Interests

  • Self-concept
  • Resilience
  • Coping
  • Intervention programs
  • Outdoor education

Selected Publications

Mackay, G. J. S., & Neill, J. T. (2010). The effect of “green exercise” on state anxiety and the role of exercise duration, intensity, and greenness: A quasi-experimental study. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11(3), 238-245.

Neill, J. T. (2008). Enhancing personal effectiveness: Impacts of outdoor education programs. PhD thesis. Sydney: University of Western Sydney.

Wang, J. C., Neill, J. T., Liu, W., Tan, O., Koh, C., & Ee, J. (2008). Project work and life skills: Psychometric properties of the Life Effectiveness Questionnaire for project work. Educational Research Journal, 23(1), 21-43.

Fabrizio, S., & Neill, J. T. (2005). Cultural adaptation in outdoor programming. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 9(2), 44-56.

Neill, J. T. (2003). Reviewing and benchmarking adventure therapy outcomes: Applications of meta-analysis. Journal of Experiential Education, 25(3), 316-321.

Purdie, N., Neill, J. T., & Richards, G. E. (2002). Australian identity and the effect of an outdoor education program. Australian Journal of Psychology, 54(1), 32-39.

Neill, J. T., & Dias, K. L. (2001). Adventure education and resilience: The double-edged sword. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 1(2), 35-42.

Neill, J. T., & Gray, T. (2001). The Australian Journal of Outdoor Education: A review of the first five years. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 6(1), 57-62.

Purdie, N., & Neill, J. T. (1999). Japanese students down-under: Is Australian outdoor education relevant to other cultures? Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 4(1), 48-57.

Neill, J. T. & Richards, G. E. (1998). Does outdoor education really work? A summary of recent meta-analyses. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 3(1), 2-9.

Hattie, J. A., Marsh, H. W., Neill, J. T., & Richards, G. E. (1997). Adventure education and Outward Bound: Out-of-class experiences that make a lasting difference. Review of Educational Research, 67, 43-87.

Neill, J. T., & Heubeck, B. (1997). Adolescent coping styles and outdoor education: Searching for the mechanisms of change. In Proceedings: First International Adventure Therapy Conference: Exploring the Boundaries, 1-5 July, Perth, Western Australia (pp. 227-243). Camping and Outdoor Education Association of Western Australia.

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Selected Other Activities and Achievements

  • 2009, Unit Convener Award, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra
  • 2005, Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award by the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council (NSW)
  • 2005, $67k consultancy grant from the Outdoor Education Group to revise curriculum framework, review outcome literature, develop measurement instrumentation, and to create an online data-entry and feedback reporting system.
  • 2001-2, Editor of the Australian Journal of Outdoor Education
  • 1997-present, Research advisor to Outward Bound Australia