As a member service, the APS includes on this website details of research being conducted by members who are seeking participants in research.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the individual cited in the 'Contact details' section under each project listing. Please do not contact the APS directly.

Please note: The APS in no way endorses, has no involvement in, and is not responsible for the research projects listed. Your participation in any of the projects listed is entirely voluntary.

Current research projects

 

Investigating the need for a specialised treatment program for arsonists (or those with a history of fire lighting) who have intellectual disability.

If you work or have worked with offenders with intellectual disability you are invited to participate in this research.

The aim of the project is to discover what services are currently being offered to offenders with intellectual disability, and in particular those convicted of arson or with a history of fire lighting, and to identify areas for future service development.

The research involves completing an online survey which will take approximately 25-35 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via the following link: http://www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/arson_treatment_programs/.

 

The research is being conducted by PhD student Ashlee Curtis under the supervision of Associate Professor Keith McVilly and Professor Andrew Day of Deakin University.

For further information about this research, please contact Ashlee Curtis (ajcur@deakin.edu.au; Ph. 03 52278618).

[posted 14 June 2013; closes 1 November 2013]

The effects of emotional labour on the well-being of practicing psychologists

We are interested in how psychologists manage their own emotions when working with individuals or groups, and which aspects of their work, training or support mechanisms are most effective for well-being. Specifically we are interested in how you express and manage emotion when interacting with clients, how you deal with the emotions of clients, and the effects these aspects of your role have on your well-being, including how well supported you feel from your organisation, supervisors, peers or others.

If you are a psychologist registered in Australia and currently working directly with individuals or groups, you can assist in this research by completing an anonymous on line survey, which consists of questions relating to how you manage emotion during your interactions with clients. The survey will take between 10-15 minutes to complete.

If you are happy to participate in this study, please click on the link below to access the survey. Please note, by doing this, you are consenting to participate. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/emotional_labour

 

The data will be collated and analysed to determine the types and extent of emotional engagement that is used by practicing psychologists as well as the sort of support mechanisms that are reported as most useful.

This study has been approved by the Murdoch University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval 2013/001). If you would like to discuss any aspect of this study please feel free to contact Associate Professor Pia Broderick on (08) 93602860 or P.Broderick@Murdoch.edu.au

[posted 14 June 2013; closes 31 May 2014]

Core schemas and vulnerability to burnout amongst psychologists

University of South Australia (UNISA) is undertaking a study on the relationship between core beliefs, stress and burnout in clinical and counselling psychologists. We are particularly interested in the extent to which work schemas and resilience mediate the relationship between work demands experienced by clinical and counselling psychologists and their physical and emotional health.

We believe that the study is potentially of great value to psychologists. Once we have identified the schemas operating in psychologists we plan to offer resilience workshops to enable psychologists to strengthen coping skills.

We are asking you to participate in the study by completing an online questionnaire which can be accessed via this link: http://tinyurl.com/kkbfnfo.  

 

The questionnaire will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and can be completed in several sessions over a 2 week period.

We hope that you will consider your participation in the study as an investment into your personal and professional development. 

Should you choose to participate your name will go in the draw to win one of several copies of the book Schema Therapy: A practitioner Guide by Young, Klosko and Weishaar.

This study has been approved by the University of South Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee. If you would like any additional information about the study, please contact Dr. Susan Simpson (Susan.Simpson @unisa.edu.au).

[posted 14 June 2013; closes 30 July 2014]

Trait emotional self-efficacy, perceived control, and anxiety levels among a female community sample

Anxiety is a major concern in the Australian population, even more so amongst females. In 2007 anxiety disorders were the most common mental health conditions reported, affecting 14% of all people aged 16 to 85 years (ABS, 2012). Despite these figures, empirical research on anxiety risk factors, protective factors and outcomes are largely lacking.

The current study is being conducted by Rhianydd Shakeshaft and Gillian Cassar, under the supervision of Brooke Andrews, as part of a fourth year psychology program at the University of Ballarat. It aims to investigate the associations between emotional self-perceptions, anxiety, and perceived control.

We are looking for females aged 18 and over to complete the online questionnaire package. If you have approximately 25 minutes to spare, please follow the link below to participate. All responses are anonymous and you are free to withdraw from the study at any stage before submitting the questionnaire.

The link to participate is: http://limesurvey.ballarat.edu.au/index.php/83846/lang-en

 

The information that is being collected will be of value to health professionals seeking to assist adults with anxiety symptomology. The online questionnaire package will be open from 31 May to 30 July 2013. If you have any questions regarding this research please contact Brooke Andrews at: b.andrews@ballarat.edu.au.

Thank you for your time and participation.

This research is being conducted by Dr Christina Samios and Stacey Thomas from the Department of Psychology at Bond University. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Stacey Thomas at stacey.thomas@student.bond.edu.au.

[posted 14 June 2013; closes 30 July 2013]

Mental health workers perspectives on rural practice

Mental health work can potentially have positive and/or negative effects on professionals. Positive effects include the mental health worker feeling positive about being able to help, an experience referred to as compassion satisfaction (Stamm, 2010). They are also at risk of experiencing emotional exhaustion or burnout, symptoms of compassion fatigue (Stamm, 2010). In addition, rural mental health workers may face stressors of professional isolation, work overload and ethical dilemmas unique to their setting (Devine, 2006).

This research aims to examine the experiences of mental health care workers in rural and regional practice in Australia in order to understand their degree of compassion satisfaction and fatigue and to identify factors that may promote greater meaning and satisfaction from the challenges they face.

If you are interested in participating, please access the survey by copying the following link into your browser: http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?DBFF938ADE908A89DC. The questionnaire will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. This study is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time. Confidentiality is assured.

This research is being conducted by Dr Christina Samios and Stacey Thomas from the Department of Psychology at Bond University. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Stacey Thomas at stacey.thomas@student.bond.edu.au.

[posted 14 June 2013; closes 30 December 2014]

Characterising dynamical complexity in brain electromagnetic activity in generalised anxiety

Investigators at the Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC) at Swinburne University are seeking both people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and healthy volunteers without GAD, to participate in a brain imaging study that will investigate the brain activity associated with anxiety.

Participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria will be asked to complete a psychological assessment and participate in four short brain imaging recordings in a magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine (totalling 40 minutes) and a 5 to 10 minute structural MRI scan. MEG is a non-invasive method that records the weak magnetic fields produced by the brain using a large set of sensors suspended over the participants head in a specially shielded room. MRI is also a non-invasive method that can be used to image the structure of the brain.

To participate in this research, or to seek further information, please contact Mr Kaelasha Tyler (ktyler@swin.edu.au).

[posted 14 June 2013; closes 13 December 2014]

Calling for psychologists working in health settings with cancer patients

Are you a psychologist working in a health setting working with cancer patients? Are you interested in delivering a new intervention for the treatment of fear of cancer recurrence as part of a research project?

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant concern for many cancer survivors yet there are no proven treatments. We are looking for psychologists working in oncology to help deliver a novel manualised-intervention for the treatment of FCR. If you agree to deliver this intervention as part of this research study, your workplace will be reimbursed for the time you spend delivering the intervention. You will be required to deliver the intervention and the comparison treatment to approximately 13 patients in 5 x 45-90 minute sessions delivered weekly/fortnightly over an 18-month data collection.

To be eligible to participate you must:

  • Have at least 5 years clinical experience with at least 2 years experience in an oncology setting (negotiable)
  • Have a current clinical case load including a minimum of 10 hours per week with cancer patients
  • Attend a free one-day training workshop on how to deliver the intervention (eligible for CPD points)
  • Attend or phone-in for monthly 1-hour peer-supervision sessions throughout the study (eligible for CPD points)

You will be supported throughout the study by the research team led by Prof Phyllis Butow, together with the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG). The team consists of experts in psycho-oncology: Jemma Gilchrist, Louise Sharpe, Belinda Thewes, Jane Turner, Afaf Girgis, Melanie Bell, Cathy Mihalopoulos and Jane Beith.
This study would not be possible without skilled psychologists.

If you are interested in being part of this exciting new study and would like more information please contact the study co-ordinators Ben Smith and Joanna Fardell at conquer.fear@psych.usyd.edu.au or on 02 9351 4518

[posted 6 June 2013; closes 31 March 2014]

OCD family accommodation support group

The Family Accommodation Support program is a new, free program to provide psychoeducation and support to family members of people who experience OCD.  There is a considerable body of evidence which acknowledges the difficulty that family members of those who experience OCD have in managing the disease and the impact on quality of life.

The program is run in the evenings over 5 sessions covering the following information;

  • Introduction to OCD
  • Development and treatment of OCD
  • What is Family Accommodation?
  • Living with OCD and managing family accommodation
  • Self care

Each 2 hour session provides psychoeducation and a chance to ask questions about the key topic followed by an opportunity for participants to discuss their experiences of living with OCD.

To participate in the program participants must be over 18 years of age and the person with OCD must also be over 18 years of age.  There is no requirement for a formal diagnosis of OCD to have been made for the person experiencing OCD symptoms.

This project has been approved by Swinburne’s Human Research Ethics Committee.

For further details please contact Samantha Beeken at Swinburne on 0457 116 037 or at sbeeken@swin.edu.au

[posted 5 June 2013; closes 1 July 2014]

Work characteristics, wellbeing and health behaviours: The mediating role of psychological capital

This project investigates the relationship between work characteristics, wellbeing and health-behaviours, and the mediating role of Psychological Capital. If you are currently employed full-time and are over the age of 18, you are eligible to participate in the study. The survey will take approximately 5 - 10 minutes to complete.

Please participate in this important project at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/whwb

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study, please contact the Student Researcher, Shermonika Walker on 0408 779 668 or at shermonika.walker@griffithuni.edu.au, or the Chief Investigator/Principal Supervisor, Ian Glendon on (07) 555 28964 or at i.glendon@griffith.edu.au.

Ethics Approval number: PSY/84/13/HREC

[posted 3 June 2013; closes 31 July 2013]

Australian health professionals' attitudes towards and frequency of use of internet supported psychological interventions

Health professionals are invited to take part in an anonymous online survey about your use of online mental health resources with clients. Participation in this survey is optional and more information can be obtained from: http://opinio.online.swin.edu.au/s?s=13957.  This survey is being conducted by Dr Jo Abbott (National eTherapy Centre Content Coordinator) and Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology student Robert Bruno. This survey will help inform knowledge about health professionals’ experiences with using (or not using) online mental health resources with their clients.

To take part in this survey please visit: http://opinio.online.swin.edu.au/s?s=13957

 

For further information you can contact Dr Jo Abbott on (03) 9214 5866 or jmabbott@swin.edu.au.

[posted 3 June 2013; closes 31 Dec 2013]

Stories of suicide: Stigma and perceptions of community dwelling adults

Suicide is a sensitive topical issue and we are interested in finding out more about what the broader community thinks about it, following years of public awareness campaigns and other initiatives to reduce suicide rates. Many public health campaigns regarding mental illness and suicide prevention discuss the importance of reducing the stigma of suicide by increasing community understanding, education and awareness. Despite this, there appears to be little understanding of suicide in the community. As a result, it might be assumed that current public health campaigns that address suicide are missing important aspects of community attitudes and perception of risk. Therefore, increased knowledge and understanding of community attitudes is likely to assist in focusing public health campaigns and interventions more effectively in order to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.

Contact Details:
Principal Investigator: Ashleigh Stodden
School of Education: James Cook University
Phone: 07 4781 4706
Email: ashleigh.stodden@my.jcu.edu.au   

Supervisor: Dr. Beryl Buckby
School: James Cook University
Phone: 07 4781 4706:
Email: beryl.buckby@jcu.edu.au

Survey Link: www.surveymonkey.co m/s/stories_of_suicide

 

[posted 30 May 2013; closes 1 Aug 2013]

The role of emotion regulation, anger and family dynamics on binge eating behaviour in both genders

Can you control your emotions but not your eating, or is it the other way around?
A study of the relationship between eating behaviours, ability to manage emotions, anger and childhood family environment is being conducted by Suzana Koprivica, under the supervision of Stephanie Quinton, as part of a Masters in Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University.

This study will measure the association between people’s ability to control their eating and emotional management, experience of anger and early family environment. The research will help future research develop treatment techniques which will help people who are disturbed by their eating behaviours.

If you decide to participate in this online study, you will be asked to answer demographic as well as questions about your eating behaviours, anger, how you manage emotions and how you remember your family environment. If you have a current mental health diagnosis you will not be able to participate in this study. This study is anonymous and confidential to ensure participants give us their honest opinion.

Please follow the link to read a further information statement and indicate your consent to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DVPHLNN.

 

For further information or to answer queries about the survey, please email Suzana at suz_the_guz@hotmail.com.

[posted 24 May 2013; closes 31 Oct 2013]

Group versus individual intervention using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) or cognitive behaviour therapy for depression in university students

There is a high prevalence of distress and depression in adult students and relatively low levels of professional help. Depression has a significant impact on the capacity of students to study and is associated with lower academic performance. This study is investigating levels of depression in adults over 18 years who are currently enrolled in formal study (e.g. TAFE, university, distance, online).

This survey is asking for general adult community members who are currently studying to complete a brief online questionnaire.  The survey can be accessed via this link: https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=154915.

 

This study is being conducted by Assistant Professor Peta Stapleton from Bond University and will run until 30 December 2013. For further information about this study, please email pstaplet@bond.edu.au.

[posted 24 May 2013; closes 30 Dec 2013]

Psychoeducational assessments employed by Australian educational psychologists & guidance counsellors

Educational and developmental psychologists play an important role in the identification of students with learning disabilities; however a 2009 scoping study commissioned by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to examine current assessment approaches for children with problems in literacy and numeracy suggested that “the diagnostic tools” in use in Australian schools vary widely (Forster, 2009). In addition, educational and developmental psychologists are divided in relation to the approaches they use for identifying and providing assistance to students with learning disabilities.

Psychologists who undertake assessment of Australian children and young people with literacy and numeracy problems are invited to participate in a study conducted by Dr Linda Gilmore and John Meteyard from Queensland University of Technology, which aims to: 1) ascertain which approaches are most commonly used by educational psychologists as a basis for identifying students with learning disabilities and 2) determine precisely what diagnostic tools this group currently uses to assess literacy and numeracy related learning problems.

Participation will involve completing an online or paper survey comprising multichoice and Likert scale questions, which should take approximately 10 -15 minutes of your time. To access the survey online, please follow this link: http://www.eSurveysPro.com/Survey.aspx?id=149d1deb-9810-4c70-8b5e-3fce60d5d2de.

 

To learn more about the study or receive a paper version of the survey, please contact John Meteyard (John.meteyard@connect.qut.edu.au) or Dr Linda Gilmore (l.gilmore@qut.edu.au).

[posted 23 May 2013; closes 31 Dec 2013]

Eating patterns, health and wellbeing among Australian women

Australian women aged 18 years and older are invited to take part in a study investigating the relationship between eating attitudes and behaviours, weight management and wellbeing. Some research suggests that dieting or restrained eating patterns are associated with decreased health and wellbeing, while eating patterns which are based on biological feelings of hunger and fullness are associated with increased health and wellbeing.

The study is being conducted by Lauren Bruce as part of the Doctor of Psychology (Health) degree, under the supervision of Associate Professor Lina Ricciardelli, School of Psychology, Deakin University.

Participation involves completing a 30-minute anonymous survey online. Survey items include information about your background (e.g., age, education), height and weight, eating attitudes and behaviours, mood, body satisfaction and social support. Women who complete the survey will have the chance to win one of six $30 Coles-Myer gift vouchers.

The online survey can be accessed at: www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/laurenbruce.

 

For further information about the project, or to obtain a hardcopy version of the survey, please contact student researcher Lauren Bruce at ljbru@deakin.edu.au or (03) 9244 3042.

[posted 21 May 2013; closes 31 Jan 2014]

Investigating the influence of gender on the relationship between pay communication and organisational justice perceptions

The purpose of the research is to investigate the relationship between the openness of an organisation’s pay communication practices and employee perceptions of the fairness in the consequential pay decisions. Participants will self report via an online survey on the pay communication practices that exist within their organisation and the ensuing perceptions of organisational justice procedures for how pay is determined and allocated within their workplace. The practical implications of this research will assist organisations with understanding the importance of transparency in pay determination and allocation.

The research is being undertaken by Justine McAllister, an Australian psychologist who is undertaking a Masters Science in Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London. Justine’s supervisor is Dr Julie Dickinson, also of Birkbeck.

The survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete; the link to participate in the survey is: https://www.survey.bbk.ac.uk/1payjustice/.

 

The survey will be open from the 14 May to 30 June 2013. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The first page of the survey provides contact information for respondents. Alternatively, you can email Justine directly at jmcall03@mail.bbk.ac.uk.

[posted 16 May 2013; closes 30 June 2013]

A study into mindfulness and people’s responses to the unfair actions of others

Have you been hurt or offended by someone, let down or treated unfairly? Yes? Then you are invited to take part in a study which will investigate people’s responses to situations like these.   

The study is looking at mindfulness (being conscious of what you are aware of at any moment in time) and overcoming hurtful or offensive actions of others. Specifically, we are investigating what sorts of things make a shift in how people feel about someone who has hurt them in the past.

The project involves two online surveys, including an audio recording (approx. 1 hour total). Your answers to questions will be anonymous and you can complete both components on-line at home, at a time that suits you.  By participating in both sessions you can go in the draw to win 1 of 2 $100, and 1 of 8 $50 Coles Myer Shopping Vouchers.

To participate in this study, or for further information, please contact Kara Chambers (email: kl3chambers@students.latrobe.edu.au; phone: 9479 1691) or Alissa Badcock (arbadcock@students.latrobe.edu.au; 9479 1691).

This research is being conducted under the supervision of Professor Eleanor Wertheim, La Trobe University, and has been approved by the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering Human Ethics Committee, Reference FSTE HEC 12/R32.

[posted 9 May 2013; closes 30 June 2013]

Mindfulness parenting group program for mothers with symptoms of borderline personality disorder

A mindfulness-based parenting group program has been developed for mothers who have symptoms of BPD, and would like to improve their experience of being a mother and have a better relationship with their child. 

We are looking for women who:

  • Are over the age of 18.
  • Have a child (or children) aged between 1 and 10 years.
  • Display some symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder or have a diagnosis of BPD.
  • Are not identified as at high risk or in crisis.

The program involves developing mindfulness skills to help mothers to reduce stress and develop more satisfying relationships and ways of parenting.  The program includes parenting and attachment education. 

Potential benefits:

  • Stress reduction
  • Decreased reactivity
  • Increased acceptance of self and others
  • Enhanced parenting skills
  • An improved relationship with their child
  • Strategies for dealing with difficult thoughts and emotions
  • Developing relationships with other mothers

12 free weekly sessions from June 2013
Fridays 10:30am – 12:30pm
Swinburne University Psychology Clinic, Hawthorn

The evaluation component will involve individual assessment interviews and questionnaires before the program, after the program, and at 3 months follow-up.  Doctoral student Natasha Rogers and Dr Roslyn Galligan, a child and family clinical psychologist at Swinburne University, developed and facilitate this program.  

Please contact:
Ms Natasha Rogers
0439 960 965
nrogers@swin.edu.au

[posted 9 May 2013; closes 31 January 2014]

Use of cognitive theory and methods by psychologists in assessment: What is the current state of practice?

This study aims to determine what theories, instruments and approaches are currently being used by registered Australian psychologists when conducting cognitive assessments. Additionally, whether external pressures (such as financial cost or workplace policies) and individual difference factors (such as personality and occupational interests) account for variations between practitioners in the types of assessment practices employed will be explored. It is expected that the results of this research may be used to improve the practice of cognitive assessments by identifying the professional development needs of the profession going forward.

Participants will be given the opportunity to enter into a draw upon completion of the survey to win 1 of 9 available $100 Coles-Myer gift cards. Identifying information needed to contact winners will not be linked to survey responses.

If you are interested in participating please click on this link: http://monasheducation.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3dVcJ8rMOmNDg0Z

 

If you would like further information please contact Kate Jacobs at Kate.Jacobs@monash.edu.

[posted 9 May 2013; closes 31 July 2013]

Psychological flexibility and decisional drives: Impact on adult decision making behaviour.

My name is James Lucas and I am conducting a research project as part of my Doctor of Philosophy degree, under the supervision of Professor Kate Moore. My thesis concerns people’s motivations, ways of thinking and consideration of decision consequences and how these might affect people’s decision making.

I invite you to participate in this study by completing an online survey about a decision you have made, or are still making, related to your work/job or study. The questionnaire will only take about 20-25 minutes of your time.

For further information about the study or to complete the questionnaire please go to:
https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6R3J2Ea4hKCB68Q

 

You are not required to provide any identifying information and only group data will be analysed and reported.

If you have any further questions about this project please contact the primary researcher, James Lucas, on email:  james.lucas@students.cdu.edu.au 

Thank you for your consideration.

[posted 18 April 2013; closes 22 November 2013]

Psychological contributions to eating in overweight and obese adults: The role of love attitudes and attachment

The central question of the current study is what makes some individuals prone to emotional eating, in relation to their body mass index (BMI), attachment style and any psychopathology, while others are clearly less vulnerable in this regard. A person’s attachment style reflects the quality of bonding in early life, and is believed to remain stable throughout adulthood, therefore comprehensive assessment of this in obese and normal weight adults may highlight whether attachment style influences the tendency to engage in emotional eating when BMI is also assessed.

Thus measures of attachment style, love attitudes, psychopathology and restrained eating as well as emotional eating will be explored across obese and normal weight adults currently in a relationship. Because the majority of research has occurred in female populations, this study will attempt to also explore these concepts in an equal male to female sample.

To participate in this study, please complete the survey found here:

https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=153131.

 

This research is being conducted by Assistant Professor Peta Stapleton & Louise Pennant. For further information on this research, please email Dr Stapleton at pstaplet@bond.edu.au.

[posted 27 March 2013; closes: 30 December, 2013]

Treatment of food cravings: A comparison of emotional freedom techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy and a control group

In order to determine whether certain behaviours and symptoms relating to food cravings are unique to those who are overweight and obese (Body Mass Index >25), we wish to compare to a non clinical and non-obese community sample. To participate: you need to be over 18 years, have a Body Mass Index between 18 and 25 (you can work it out here (http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmi-m.htm) and complete some online questionnaires as a once off.

You can access these questionnaires via the survey found here:

https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=149882.

 

This research is being conducted by Assistant Professor Peta Stapleton & Terri Sheldon. For further information on this research, please email Dr Stapleton at pstaplet@bond.edu.au.

[posted 27 March 2013; closes: 30 December, 2014]

How risk emerges in the institutional environment

The assessment of risk and treatment of problematic behaviours in an offender population is a complex and important area. The aim of this study is to gain a greater understanding of the ways in which professionals view the behaviours engaged in by incarcerated sexual offenders. This will inform research into the way offenders in a sexual offender treatment program behave, particularly behaviours indicating change as a result of treatment, but also how dynamic risk factors manifest in prison settings. This has important implications for risk assessment and release decision making.

The study involves clinicians completing an anonymous, online survey relating to:

  • your experience working in the field
  • your understanding of the concepts related to behaviours exhibited by sexual offenders in custody
  • specific dynamic risk factors
  • how these risk factors manifest in custody.

It is estimated that the survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. Commencing the survey will imply your consent to participate and you will not be asked to sign a consent form. You can withdraw from the study at any point during your completion of the online survey; however, once your responses have been submitted, you cannot withdraw your answers.

To participate in this study, please click on the following link:

http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?E2C6AAB3E0A2BEB3E4.

 

If you have any questions about the study, please contact Tamara Sweller, psychologist and PhD candidate (tswe1@student.monash.edu). Supervisor: A/Professor Michael Daffern (Monash University); Secondary Supervisor: A/Professor Richard Kemp (University of NSW).

[posted 26 March 2013; closes: 14 June, 2013]

Study examining psychological factors relating to side effects experienced by women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer

My name is Kirsty Watson and I am from the School of Psychology and Counselling at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). I am an Honours student undertaking research into psychological factors relating to side effects experienced during and after chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. If you have completed, or are currently in treatment for breast cancer and would like to assist in this research, please follow the link below to complete a questionnaire. This should take no more than 15 minutes of your time. Alternatively, please forward the link to anyone you know who fulfils these criteria and may be interested in participating. Your involvement and responses are completely anonymous.

The questionnaire can be accessed via this link: http://survey.qut.edu.au/f/175973/2abf/.

For further information, or to have the questionnaire sent to you, please contact me via 0412 785 705 (phone) or chemostudy@gmail.com (email).

 

This study has been approved by the QUT Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 1300000036).

[posted 26 March 2013; closes: 1 July, 2013]

Patient expectations, attachment style and therapy outcomes

A recent review of the literature on what works in therapy, conducted by a special taskforce of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), revealed that there are a number of important factors influencing the quality of the therapy relationship and therapy outcomes, including patient expectations and attachment style.

This projects seeks to better understand how patient expectations about therapy and attachment style impact on therapeutic alliance and therapy outcomes.
The project is comprised of two studies: The first study surveys general practitioners (GPs) about their referral practices. The second study aims to survey both psychologists and patients about their experiences in therapy.

You are invited to participate in the second study by completing a short online survey at the start of treatment and again at the review session. Psychologists who participate will receive access to a free CPD activity. Patients who participate receive a $20 Coles/Myer or iTunes voucher.

Participation in this project is open to psychologists who work with patients under the Better Access program and patients who are accessing treatment for depression and / or anxiety under Better Access.

The study is not open to patients with a severe mental illness or those in psychological treatment through other programs.

For further information and details about how to become involved in the study, please visit www.latrobe.edu.au/psy/research/projects/patient-expectations, or contact Elke Kellis (ph: 03 9028 7242, email: ekellis@students.latrobe.edu.au).

 

This project is under the supervision of Dr. Nikolaos Kazantzis, La Trobe University.

[posted 13 March 2013; closes 1 February 2014]

An investigation into the factors which predict adaptive outcomes in families where a parent has a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

Parents aged 18 years and over, who have had a past or present diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and have at least one child aged between 4 and 17 years of age, are invited to participate in the following research project. The purpose of this study is to explore whether symptoms of borderline personality disorder impact on parenting attitudes and behaviours, and to identify protective factors that determine healthy family functioning.

Participants will be asked to complete a voluntary and anonymous online questionnaire which will ask questions relating to the participant’s:

  • current symptoms
  • parenting attitudes and behaviours
  • observations for each of their children aged between 4 and 17 years of age.

 

Participants will not be asked to include any specific identifying information about themselves or their children.  Those that complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of five $50 Amazon.com vouchers. The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/56RRH5G.

 

This study is being conducted by Dianna Bartsch, M. Psych (Clinical) to meet the requirements for Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Adelaide. If you work with consumers who fit the aforementioned criteria please contact the researcher via email dianna.bartsch@adelaide.edu.au to obtain copies of the patient information sheet, waiting room flyer, and/or hard copies of the questionnaire.

Dr Rachel Roberts is supervising this project and can be contacted for further information (ph: 08 8313 5338; email: rachel.roberts@adelaide.sa.gov.au). This study has the approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide (Project No. H-2012-153).

[posted 28 February 2013; closes 1 August 2013]

Concerned about the future of psychology in Australia? Here is your chance to have your say! Survey on barriers and facilitators to practicing as a psychologist in Australia

Over the past few years, the profession of psychology in Australia has undergone tremendous change as a result of National registration and changing economic conditions. Here is an opportunity for you to share your views on the professional practice of psychology across Australia. We are undertaking a study that examines a range of issues, including but not limited to access to continuing professional development (CPD), peer consultation, job satisfaction, and the relationship of these to geographical location of practice. We would be very grateful if you would consider assisting us by completing an online survey and giving us your views on these and other issues. The data obtained will assist with the development of better support programs for psychologists, and help shape initiatives to attract psychologists to work in various locations. 

The survey is anonymous and should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The research is funded by Charles Sturt University and is independent of APRHA, the Psychology Board of Australia and all professional organisations.

The survey can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/s/AustralianPsychologists


If you have any questions or concerns about the study, please do not hesitate to contact one of the research team listed below:

[posted 12 February 2013; closes 30 April 2013]

Beliefs about causes and solutions to obesity in an Australian sample

Overweight and obesity is widely recognised as a leading health concern associated with many chronic diseases and poorer social outcomes. In response these issues the NHMRC released the Draft Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children Clinical Practice Guidelines. These guidelines acknowledge a complex range of biological, social environmental factors as causes of obesity; however the treatment recommendations are based on medical intervention.

These recommendations are consistent with research showing that people seek weight loss advice from general practitioners (GPs) more frequently than from other health professionals (Wake & McCallum, 2004). However, research in the UK has demonstrated that GPs largely believe obesity does not belong within the medical domain, with most participants identifying psychological and behavioural factors as the underlying cause of obesity (Ogden & Flanagan, 2008).

The above research highlights discord between clinical practitioners and clinical policy. As such it is important to continue research in this area to understand how obesity can be effectively treated in health care settings. This study aims to investigate beliefs about the causes of obesity and treatments for obesity in GPs, psychologists, and lay people and to investigate current referral pathways for treatment of obesity.

To participate in this research, please complete the survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HRPCQ9G.

 

This research is being conducted by Kate Leitch and supervised by Assistant Professor Peta Stapleton. Please email kate.leitch@student.bond.edu.au if you have any questions about this research.

[posted 12 February 2013; closes 30 September 2013]

Children’s adaptation to family litigation and interparental conflict: discerning the risks, resources, and coping processes underlying resilience and vulnerability

This research is seeking participation from separated families, particularly those that have engaged in mediation or litigation in the Federal Magistrates or Family Court of Australia. To participate, children age 9-14 years and one of their parents are asked to complete a 30 minute online questionnaire. Children will also be asked to complete a brief (5 minute) diary for 5 days.
The aim of the study is to determine the factors that assist children to cope with the stress of interparental conflict. In particular, the research seeks to better understand factors that help children cope following family involvement in the Federal Magistrates Court or Family Court of Australia. The study is examining variables associated with children’s competence, coping, and resilience in order to determine the elements that assist or hinder children’s outcomes following stressful events. This research project is specifically designed to assess risk and resilience in children whose parents are engaged in the Australian Courts.
The research is being promoted in psychology services and community organisation that provide services to separated children and their family. If you can assist by displaying posters and flyers about the research in your service, or for further information, please contact susan.rowe@griffithuni.edu.au or (07) 5552 9121.

The research is being conducted by PhD student Susan Rowe under the supervision of Professor Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck (m.zimmer-gembeck@griffith.edu.au) and Doctor Michelle Hood (m.hood@griffith.edu.au), School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast.

To participate, please go to www.copingsurvey.wix.com/online.

 

The research has approval from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee Ethics Protocol Number PSY/B9/11/HREC, until 2015.

[posted 12 February 2013; closes 31 December 2015]

The Yummy Mummy Syndrome: Investigating the predictors of body satisfaction and eating habits in a group of non-clinical women who are either first time or experienced mothers.

Despite decades of research into the dangers that eating disorders pose for women’s physical and psychological health, the effects of these conditions on the postpartum period have not been thoroughly studied.  The vast majority of eating disorders literature to date focuses on adolescent and young women. However, research suggests that eating disorders and struggles with body image occur in women of all ages. One group of women that might be particularly at risk for decreases in body image are mothers, as their bodies go through immense changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The current study aims to measure body satisfaction and eating habits in a group of non-clinical women who are either first time or experienced mothers. Significant findings from this research will help illuminate the importance of understanding the unique pressures postpartum women may face and provide an argument for educating women about the physical, emotional and psychological changes that can occur during the postpartum period.

Participants need to be over 18, be a first-time or experienced mother and reside in Australia. Participation involves anonymous completion of an online survey that will take approximately 15-20 minutes. If you think you or others you know would be interested to participate in this research, please click on the link below to access the questionnaire. 

Link to the survey:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YummyMummySyndrome

 

This research is being conducted by Jacintha Edwin-Butler (jedwin@y7mail.com), a Master of Psychology (Clinical) student at Charles Sturt University, NSW and supervised by Dr Stephanie Quinton (02 63386118; squinton@csu.edu.au)  and Dr Rachel Dryer (02 6338 4574; rdryer@csu.edu.au). This research has been approved by the Charles Sturt University Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol No. 2013/008).

[posted 27 January 2013; closes 1 July 2013]

Factors influencing capacity assessment

This study is exploring the issue of client capacity to make legal decisions (in terms of civil law matters) and looking at the factors that legal practitioners (solicitors, barristers, magistrates, judges, etc.) and psychologists take into account when assessing client capacity.

Psychologists (including provisionally registered) and legal practitioners are invited to complete the on-line survey.  The survey consists of a number of demographic and work related experience questions, as well as having each participant respond to four vignettes.
The vignettes are of four different client presentations to a lawyer, and ask the participant to indicate which aspects of the client presentation they would take into account to determine whether the client has capacity or not to make the legal decision at hand.  The survey should take between 20 to 40 minutes to complete.  This research has ethical approval from JCU Ethics committee (ID number: H4810).

Link to the survey:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L8C663X

 

This research is being conducted by Natalie Walker (natalie.walker@my.jcu.edu.au; Ph: 0417 232 628) and forms part of the requirement for the Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (through James Cook University, Townsville).  Prof. Ed Helmes is the primary supervisor and Dr. Garry Kidd is the secondary supervisor.

[posted 19 December 2012; closes 30 June 2013]

Study for family members of people with depression

Westmead, Sydney (July 2010-June2013)

The Brain Dynamics Centre invites any brother, sister, parent, or child of a person who has experienced Major Depression to participate. These relatives must be aged between 12 and 65 and not have experienced depression themselves.

The research is aimed at gaining a greater understanding of the factors that predispose and protect individuals against the symptoms of depression, which will work towards early intervention and prevention.

Participation involves one visit to our centre to complete the following; an MRI scan, EEG recording (both non-invasive), computer-based tasks, questionnaires and a blood test. Each component is voluntary and participants are reimbursed $110 for their contribution.
For more information, contact Anna on (02)98458178 / anna.watters@sydney.edu.au or visit www.familydepressionstudy.com. 

Chief Investigator and supervisor: Prof Lea Williams, PhD Student: Anna Watters
This research has been approved by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (approval code: HREC2007/2/4.29 [2555]).

[posted 21 August 2012; closes 31 October 2013]

Sense of community and personality

Most people know when they have a Sense of Community and when they don’t.
There are many factors that contribute to the development of a Sense of Community.
Some factors are Environmental (i.e., size of town); others are Individual factors (i.e.
extroversion or optimism). Little research has been done on whether individual personality
type factors have any bearing on how someone develops a Sense of Community

I’d like to invite you to take part in a study which will provide information to help us understand how people connect to their community as well as how we might support and even improve these connections.

Surveys will be collected online, with an opportunity to win a $50 iTunes voucher (and you can choose to remain anonymous).

If you think this might be of interest to you, or to others you know, please go to http://psych.curtin.edu.au/research/phd/psocinfo.cfm for further information. 
See also www.facebook.com/SOCPersonality


Or you can contact Kath Boekamp on 0414 266 151 or Kath.Boekamp@postgrad.curtin.edu.au

[posted 19 October 2012; closes 31 July 2013]

Fathers’ relationships with their children

If you are a father you are invited to participate in this research. Participation involves answering an online questionnaire, which will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. As well as asking you about your relationship with one of your children, there are questions on how you handle emotions, your general health, general relationships with people, and your attitudes in given social situations.

Your responses will help to provide baseline data for the intervention phase of the study planned for 2013, in which a group of fathers will participate in a parenting program which will aim to improve both their relationships with their children and their (fathers’) general levels of mental health. The sample will be taken from a group of fathers in the late stages of recovery from addictions, whose children are aged between 2 and 12 years. However, for the purposes of your involvement in the questionnaire, it is neither necessary that you have an addiction nor that your children be any particular age.

This project is being supervised by Dr Brenda Dobia and Dr Roberto Parada from the University of Western Sydney. The closing date for this part of the study is 31st January 2013.

To find out more information and to enter the survey here.

 

If you have any questions about the study please feel free to contact me at dkhlentzos@jni.edu.au.

[posted 24 September 2012; closes 31 December 2013]

Study examining how we view physical appearance

This study is interested in how physical appearance is viewed in contemporary society. If you are aged 18 years or older, and are interested in participating in this study, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/moodphysical

The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Thank you very much for considering participation in this study.

f you have any questions about this study, please contact the researcher, Chris Siva on christopher.siva@cqumail.com or the Research Supervisor, Dr Leeana Kent on 0407 130 772.

Project start date 15/05/2012
Survey Close date: 15/08/2012
Project finish date 30/11/2012
Ethics Approval number: H12/05-092

[posted 27 July 2012; closes 15 August 2012]

Autism research: Diagnostic practices and instrument utility

Samantha Ward, is conducting a PhD research project through Queensland University of Technology that aims to investigate current diagnostic practices amongst health care professionals who are involved in the early assessment and diagnosis of young children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Your participation in this research project would involve completing an online anonymous practitioner questionnaire, which can be accessed via http://survey.qut.edu.au/survey/174464/10ce/

The current research is also aiming to build on previous research to establish the utility of an Autism Specific instrument (Autistic Behavioural Indicators Instrument – ABII; Ward & Gilmore, 2010) in detecting young children with Autism.

It is hoped that this research will help to facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of ASD, and in doing so, allow for earlier entry into intervention programs and improve developmental outcomes for children with ASD.  It would also be greatly appreciated if you could help to distribute information about the research project to prospective families.  If you would be happy to do this, please feel free to contact Samantha on samantha@steppingstonesqld.com or 3902 1572.

The research has received ethical clearance, Approval Number: 0900001353
[posted 19 July 2012; closes 14 December 2013]

Taking a LEAP Forward in the treatment of anorexia nervosa & strong without anorexia nervosa: Two randomised control studies in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth

We are inviting practitioners working with eating disorders to refer eligible clients (adult males and females) to two studies investigating new treatments for anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is a leading cause of early death among women and has high relapse rates. These studies will introduce new psychological treatments, focused on normalising eating behaviours and addressing the factors that maintain eating disorders, including the knowledge and skills to regain control of exercise behaviour.

An estimated 300 participants will be recruited for these double-blind studies, and randomly allocated to treatment groups. Treatment consists of 25 to 40 outpatient sessions with a psychologist over a 10-month period, and is available in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth in 2012. Before, during and after treatment, participants will complete questionnaires and their body mass index will be recorded.

For further information, or to make a referral, please contact the study research officer, Andreea Heriseanu (02 4620 3726 / treatmenttrials@uws.edu.au) or the Sydney Chief Investigators, Professor Phillipa Hay (02 4620 3838 / p.hay@uws.edu.au) and Professor Stephen Touyz (02 9351 5428 / stephen.touyz@sydney.edu.au).


This research has been approved by Universities of Sydney and Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committees (LEAP approval numbers: 12660 and H7732; SWAN approval numbers: 12645 and H7711), and is funded by NHMRC grants.

End date: 31 December 2013

OCD STOP! - Online treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder

The Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre and the National e-Therapy Centre are conducting an NHMRC-funded clinical trial of OCD STOP!, our online cognitive-behavioural treatment program for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

To be eligible, participants must:

  • be aged 18 years or older
  • reside in Australia, and
  • experience symptoms of OCD

Participants will receive at no cost:

  • A comprehensive telephone assessment
  • Access to OCD STOP! with weekly email contact from clinical psychologist OR access to PRT Online with weekly email contact from a clinical psychologist
  • Follow-up reviews for 6 months following the completion of treatment.
For further information, please contact the trial coordinator Sam Mancuso on 9214 4628 or semancuso@swin.edu.au .


This study has received ethics approval from the Swinburne University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC) (Project Number 2010/104).

End date: 31 December 2014

Are you a signposts for building better behaviour program facilitator?  

Fiona May, a PhD student from the Faculty of Education, Monash University is conducting a further evaluation of the Signposts for Building Better Behaviour program. Fiona is conducting this research under the supervision of Dr Angelika Anderson and Dr Louise McLean from Monash University, and in partnership with the Parenting Research Centre. This research has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

The aim of the research is to learn more about the factors that might affect father involvement in the Signposts program, and also to further investigate the possible outcomes associated with father participation in the program with mothers. It is hoped that this research will provide information that will help us to better understand how the Signposts program meets the needs of families, and to help make the program more available to fathers of children with a disability.

Signposts practitioners who will be delivering the program to families at any time from February to September 2011 are invited to participate in this research project, which consists of two stages - Phase One and Phase Two. Participation in Phase One of the study involves the completion of a brief practitioner survey and the dissemination of research information packs to parents participating in Signposts. Participants in the first phase of the research will also be invited to take part in the second phase, which will involve a semi-structured interview or focus group. Your participation in this research will be extremely valuable by helping to build our knowledge about the involvement of fathers of children with a disability in parenting programs such as Signposts.

If you are interested in participating, or would like any further information, please contact Fiona May at fiona.may@monash.edu.au.

End date: 31 July 2013

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How to add a research project

If you are an APS member* conducting research, or supervising a research student, and would like to invite other APS members to be involved in the project, please email the following details for consideration by the APS:

  • A copy of the research proposal;
  • A brief (no longer than 200 words) explanation of the project, for the website;
  • For students, the name of the supervisor;
  • A phone number or email address so that members can contact you to take part in the research;
  • A start date and a closing date for the project; and

  • A hard copy of your final ethics approval documentation. (If your ethics committee only provides electronic confirmation of permission, you will need to contact us for more information.)

Please note that copies of the survey and consent form will not be added to the APS website. Members who are interested in taking part will contact you using the details provided.

The above details should be emailed to science@psychology.org.au. The APS reserves the right to not list research projects that are deemed not to be in keeping with its scientific and professional aims.

When new research projects are added, members will be alerted via the fortnightly APS Matters email, which is sent to more than 18,000 psychologists.

*Member, Associate Member, Honorary Fellow or Fellow

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