Toni's PhD extended earlier work on the use of computer-mediated role-play (e.g. Rajendran & Mitchell, 2000; Rajendran, Mitchell & Rickards, 2005). She's investigated indiscriminate friendless (seen clinically in disinhibited social engagement disorder) using computer role play, to tap into children's working, as opposed to their reflective understanding. Here, children simulate the actions of the character they are playing, rather than trying to work out things out like problem.

Since 2020, Toni has been a Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Margaret University.