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

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

 

 

 

Have you worked with adolescent victims of cyberbullying?

Rebecca Dredge, a PhD student from the School of Psychology at Australian Catholic University is conducting a thesis on cyberbullying on social networking sites in adolescents. Rebecca is conducting this thesis under the supervision of Professor John Gleeson and Dr Xochitl de la Piedad Garcia.

This study requires expert knowledge from practitioners who have either worked with adolescent victims of cyberbullying or who have research experience in this area.

If you meet this criterion and want to take part in the study, please contact Rebecca Dredge on ta009551@myacu.edu.au. An information letter, consent form and short questionnaire will then be sent to you. The questionnaire will only take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.


End Date: April, 2012

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

Have you had difficulty working with a transgendered client?

Are you a psychologist who has worked with a client who is 'sex and/or gender diverse' (this is a broad heterogeneous group of clients who may identify as trans, transgender, transsexual, gender queer, and/or diagnosed with GID* amongst other terms)? There is evidence suggesting these clients are increasingly accessing generalist psychological services while psychologists who have not received specialist training may not feel adequately prepared to work with them. The present research is looking at therapeutic relationships between psychologists and sex and/or gender diverse clients, and asks: Are there obstacles to therapy which are specific to this client group? How might formal training better support generalist psychologists to work with these clients?
* Sex and gender diverse clients may or may not seek medical interventions such as hormones and surgery, and may or may not qualify for diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder.

Please email Natalie Lysenko at: <natalie.lysenko@education.monash.edu.au> if you wish to participate in this study.


Closing Date: 18th March 2012

Survey of Health Professionals’ Views of Cannabis Use Treatment Guidelines

Are you a health professional who counsels individuals who use cannabis? If so, the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre would like to invite you to participate in an online survey to find out your views on cannabis use treatment guidelines. The survey takes less than 30 minutes to complete and participation is confidential. You will not be asked to identify your place of employment. Participants who complete the survey will be asked to provide an email address to enter a draw to win one of ten $100 AUD vouchers via PayPal.

To complete the survey, please go to https://www.surveys.unsw.edu.au/survey/156130/586a/  


For further information please contact Dr Melissa Norberg (m.norberg@unsw.edu.au). This research has been approved by UNSW Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel (HREA: 2011-7-47).

Closing Date: 18th March 2012

 

Why did you become a psychologist?

This research will explore The Relationship Between Motivation for Becoming a Psychotherapist and Empathy. Increase your self-awareness by becoming aware of your personal motivation for wanting to enter this helping profession, and ways in which this may affect how you relate to clients. It is hoped that results will address the overlooked need for systematic empirical research into the effect of therapist motivations: beneficial for improving the quality of psychotherapy, as well as practitioner training and supervision.

We are seeking registered Counselling or Clinical psychologists. Participation involves completion of an anonymous 25 minute online survey. Questions address relationship, personality, family of origin, and motivational factors.

For more information, please contact Kim Gillbee on (03) 9902 4878 or Kim.Gillbee@monash.edu , or click the link to take the survey: 

 

End date: 4 January 2013

Are you parent of at least one child aged between 5 and 18?

Judith Locke, a PhD student at QUT, is currently conducting a survey on modern parenting. The first stage of the research is concerned with establishing new measures of modern parenting. Eventually we will be determining the relationship between certain parenting approaches and child resilience.

In this survey, conducted through online research, participants are asked to complete a questionnaire about their beliefs about parenting, their beliefs about certain parenting actions, their experience of parenting, and brief background information. This survey typically has taken participants 20 - 25 minutes and can be completed at a time of convenience.

If you would like to participate, the survey questionnaire and more information are available at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/modernparenting

 

Alternatively you can contact Judith Locke at judith.locke@qut.edu.au or 0421 165 255.
Rather offer prizes given to only one or two participants who would have to identify themselves along with their responses, we are donating money to Kids Help-line per response and hope to raise over $1000.

Also, if you know any parents who might be interested in participating in this research, please send them this information.

Thank you for your assistance.
(QUT Ethics Approval Number: 1100001398)

End date: 30 April 2012

Putting wellbeing and psychosocial support in place: Tracing young people’s voices and worker’s perspectives on young people’s wellbeing following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires

This is an invitation for psychologists currently or previously providing psychological support to 18 – 25 year olds impacted by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

The study seeks to develop a greater understanding of the various ways young people (re) establish wellbeing following the bushfires—from both young people and worker’s perspectives. Specifically, the research explores the psychosocial resources and processes that have been (or might have been) helpful and supportive to this particular cohort of young people. It also investigates how people’s places influence these processes and supports.

  • Participation involves a 1-hour semi-structured interview inviting psychologists to share their experiences and perspectives on supporting young people after this event
  • Assistance is also requested with accessing potential young people willing to contribute

This research is being conducted by Samantha Mordech as part of her Masters of Applied Psychology (Community) at Victoria University under the supervision of Dr. Liz Short, School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Victoria University.

For further information or to register your interest please contact
Samantha -  0412 210 333 / Samantha.mordech@live.vu.edu.au
or Dr Liz Short - Liz.Short@vu.edu.au

 

This research has Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee approval (HRETH 10/224)

End date: 29 February 2012

An investigation of sense of belonging and mental health among gay men and lesbians

We would like to extend an invitation to participate in a study investigating the relationships between sense of belonging, body image, self-esteem, depression and suicide among gay men and lesbians aged over 18 years.

The questionnaire takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete and includes questions about the way you feel and think about your body, how you feel about your role in gay/lesbian communities, your mood, your self-esteem, thoughts and behaviours in relation to ending your life and some basic demographic information including your age, and relationship status.

The researchers understand that the nature of some of the questions may be sensitive, and therefore, participation is completely voluntary. Your responses are completely anonymous. The information you supply can in no way be linked back to you after you return your survey.

Thank you for your time and for considering participating in this research. Please forward the email addresses to anyone else you feel may be interested in participating.

If you would like more information, or would like to participate you can contact Sarah Hanley at sarah_h@hotmail.com, Clare Burton clare.burton4@gmail.com or Samantha Tait samanthatait@students.ballarat.edu.au.

 

 The supervisor of this project is Associate Professor Suzanne McLaren at The University of Ballarat.

Closing date: 29 Feb 2012

What constitutes a fit and proper psychologist?

WANTED: psychologists, researchers, and teachers of psychology who work only or mainly in Australia.

Practitioners of psychology were interviewed to explore their understanding and perceptions of what constitutes a fit and proper psychologist.  The valuable information gathered has been distilled into a questionnaire in order to assess the generalisability and validity of the findings to psychologists across the country.  Please follow the link below and give us your opinion.

The survey link is:

http://ecupsych.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_aW8rpaI461T3Er2  

 

This research is being conducted by Francesca Bell, Prof. Alfred Allan and Dr Ricks Allan. If you have any questions or for further information about this study, please contact Francesca Bell, fbell@our.ecu.edu.au

Closing date: 20 January 2012

A Cross-Cultural Study on Retirement Planning and the Well-Being of Pre Retirees in Australia and Malaysia

We would like to warmly invite pre retirees who are 45 years of age and over, to take part in this study, which aims to generate an understanding of retirement planning and the well-being of pre retirees in Australia and Malaysia.

This anonymous online survey involves completing a questionnaire that should take approximately 25 minutes to complete. Please provide your email address at the end of the survey if you are interested in possibly winning Gift Vouchers (AUD50.00).

Gift Vouchers will be given to two participants whose names shall be drawn from the database on December 15th 2011. The winners will be notified on December 16th 2011.     

The survey link is:

http://www.surveys.unsw.edu.au/survey/156018/7daa/



This study is being conducted by Dr. Abdul Wahat and Dr. Joanne K. Earl, in the School of Psychology at University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
This research has been approved by UNSW Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel (Psychology) (HREAP:113-101).

For any further enquiries, Dr. Abdul Wahat would be very happy to help you. She may be contacted at n.abdulwahat@unsw.edu.au

End date: 14 December, 2011

 

Raising girls in a modern world

Dr Amy Slater and Professor Marika Tiggemann from the School of Psychology at Flinders University are currently conducting a research study on the topic of “Raising Girls in a Modern World”. 

We are looking for parents who have a daughter aged between 4 and 10 years old to be involved in this research.   

 Participation involves completing a brief (approximately 10 minutes) online questionnaire.
The questionnaire can be found at: www.flinders.edu.au/raisinggirls

 

The research project has been approved by the Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee (Project No: 5239). 

For further questions and information about this study, please contact Dr Amy Slater, amy.slater@flinders.edu.au

End date: 31 November 2011

 

The body as a voice: A biopsychosocial understanding of deliberate self-harm

We are inviting any practitioners (e.g. Psychologists, Social Workers, Counsellors, Psychiatrists, Youth Workers) working with individuals who deliberately self-harm to take part in this study, which aims to generate an understanding of deliberate self-harm within a subclinical population.  Specifically, this study aims to explore what personal, psychological, social and relationship factors influence the commencement of deliberate self-harming behaviours. This survey also explores the beliefs, practices and training of practitioners who work with individuals who deliberately self-harm. However, as we seek to understand how members of the mental health profession approach this issue, we are interested in your opinions even if you have never worked with clients who deliberately self-harm.

This study will recruit three groups, those who deliberately self-harm, those who do not self-harm, and those who treat individuals who self-harm.

This anonymous online survey involves completing a questionnaire that should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Participation in this research is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any time. Your survey responses will be completely anonymous and you will not be asked to provide your name, or any identifying information at any point in the survey.

The survey link for this project is:
http://vuaehd.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8HBp6r3BLXHaBZW

This study is being conducted by Madeline Wishart for her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Victoria University. The study is supervised by Associate Professor Adrian Fisher and Dr. Karen Hallam in the School of Psychology at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.
This research has been approved by Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number:  HRETH 11/141).

If you have any questions or you require further information about this study, please don't hesitate to contact the principal investigators, Dr. Karen Hallam (Karen.Hallam@vu.edu.au ) or Associate Professor Adrian Fisher (Adrian.Fisher@vu.edu.au ).

End date: 24th of August 2012

Practicum experiences of Australian post-graduate psychology students

The practical aspects of post-graduate psychology training are an essential part of a students’ growth as a psychologist, and so the practica that make up the post-graduate psychology degree are paramount to this process. Given this vital aspect of training, relatively little is known in the literature about student’s perspectives of their practicum experiences and whether these training opportunities are meeting student expectations and training needs.  There are few published articles that examine this issue in the Australian context. As such this research intends to survey current and previous post-graduate psychology students with regards to their practicum experiences and (1) whether the practicum met their expectations, (2) if they had any difficulties during their practicum and how it was handled, and (3) whether they were candid in the feedback provided to the university placement coordinator.

Inclusion criteria:

  • Currently or previously enrolled in an Australian university based post-graduate psychology program
  • Completed at least one practicum between 2006-2011
  • The practicum was also based in Australia
 If you are interested in completing this survey please click on the following link

End date: 30 November 2011

An investigation of the attitudes of health professionals to mindfulness as an intervention for depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chronic pain.

APS members are warmly invited to participate in a Fourth Year psychology research project that aims to discover the knowledge of and attitudes to mindfulness as a clinical intervention  of a range of health professionals and students of health professions.

There is growing empirical evidence that supports the efficacy of mindfulness in treating a diverse range of clinical conditions including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and chronic pain. Mindfulness has important potential clinical benefits including its being wellness based, non-invasive, non-stigma producing, and relatively inexpensive to administer, but is still not a widely used technique.  It is possible that attitudes of health professionals towards mindfulness including perceptions of inadequate supporting evidence, and/or a lack of knowledge about it may be limiting its clinical use. This research project will therefore investigate the attitudes towards mindfulness, and extent of knowledge of  it, of members a range of health professions, consisting of GP’s, psychologists, and counsellors, and also of students of health professions. This will allow an informed discussion of to what extent clinical attitudes towards mindfulness and knowledge of it are affecting the extent of its clinical application.

If you would like to participate in this project by filling out a brief anonymous questionnaire please fill out the online questionnaire:
http://www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/mindfulness

Alternatively, please email Ari Adar: ari.adar@iinet.edu.au

This research has received approval from the Deakin University Human Research Advisory Group (HEAG-H89_2010).

Closing date: September 30, 2011

Relationship Conflict and Attachment: What gets in the way of the Development and Use of Emotional Abilities during Conflict?

We are looking at how Attachment orientations affect the processing of emotional information and the development of emotional abilities in the context of relationship conflict. 

Participants complete a 20-minute online survey then attend, as a couple, an assessment session at the City or Bundoora La Trobe Campus, which takes 1.5-2 hrs. We hope that our results will facilitate the development of attachment specific interventions in relationship counselling. 

Participants obtain a written report outlining their results in return for participation, which is great for supplementing couple’s counselling or simply learning something new about one’s self!

If you are a Couple’s Therapist and think the results may benefit your therapeutic work with your clients, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

If you are interested in finding out more, please follow the link to the Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/researchlatrobe

If you would like more information about the project, please read the participant information statement on the website or contact:
Lauren Axelsen
Masters of Counselling Psychology
Phone: 0400 322 839
Email: lraxelsen@students.latrobe.edu.au
Supervisor: Dr Melissa Monfries

End date: 19 December 2011

Do you have a child who has been assessed by a psychologist or school counsellor as being 'gifted'? Is this child aged between 7-16 years?

If you answered yes to both of these questions you are invited to participate in research about giftedness. The aim of this study is to examine the thinking skills (part 1) and socio-emotional functioning (part 2) of gifted children.

You can choose to participate in Part 1, Part 2 or both parts of the study. Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

You will get written feedback on the outcomes of the assessment which will help you learn more about your gifted child. You will also go into the draw to win a $100 gift voucher!

The researchers will come to your house (or you can bring the child to Macquarie University) at a time convenient to you. This study is being run by the Psychology Department at Macquarie University, forms part of the requirements for Clinical Masters degrees and has been approved by the Macquarie University Human Ethics Committee.

If you would like more information, or would like to participate you can contact Marika Donkin at mhdonkin@yahoo.com.au or Kirsty Jackman at kirsty.jackman@students.mq.edu.au .  The supervisors of this project are Dr Melanie Porter and Dr Carolyn Schniering.
 
Closing date: 23 December 2011

The role of rumination as an emotional regulatory strategy in cancer and diabetes: An exploration of affective and behavioural outcomes

This study aims to examine the extent to which the style and content of a person’s thinking can influence their emotional and behavioural reactions to illness, with a specific focus on cancer and diabetes. Identifying thinking styles that may increase psychological distress or affect adherence to treatment and recommended health protective behaviours will allow the earlier identification of individuals at risk and the provision of early intervention.

For this project, I am seeking English-speaking people, resident in Australia, aged over 18, who have either been diagnosed with cancer (breast, gynaecological, colorectal, prostate, or skin cancer (melanoma)) and who are not in palliative care or have been diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes.

If you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires about personal characteristics, cancer or diabetes and feelings and thoughts about illness. It is estimated that the initial questionnaire will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will be contacted at three monthly intervals for a period of one year to complete further questionnaires. These questionnaires will be considerably shorter and will require only 15 minutes to complete. You may elect to receive either email or SMS reminders for subsequent questionnaires or to elect to have a paper version of the questionnaires mailed out to you for completion.

You may choose to enter a draw to win one of seven iPod Shuffles (one per disease group) on completion of the study, with one chance in the draw allocated for each questionnaire completed.
This study has been approved by the Macquarie University Ethics Review Committee (Human Subjects).

If this project is of interest to you, please go to the following website to start the questionnaire:
http://www.mris.com.au/

If you would like more information about the project, please read the explanatory statement on the website or contact:

Heather Soo, Department of Psychology
Email: Heather.Soo@students.mq.edu.au
Phone: 0412 155208

Closing date: December 2012

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: 30 June 2012

Does public speaking make you feel anxious? Would you like to be more confident when speaking in front of others?

Researchers at the Centre for Emotional Health (CEH) at Macquarie University are currently carrying out a scientific study to test some of the best ways of overcoming public speaking fears.


The treatment will be conducted with a qualified registered psychologist over 6 sessions and you will be required to take a single, very low dose antibiotic tablet. You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires about your emotions, imagination abilities and attitudes, before treatment, during treatment and once treatment has been completed. Treatment is free of charge. In fact you will be paid $25 when you complete all of the questionnaires.

The treatment will be conducted at Randwick Psychology Centre in Randwick. You will first be required to complete some preliminary questionnaires in order to determine whether you eligible to participate. 

This research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Macquarie Univeristy (approval number 5201000760), and is being conducted by Natasha Galovic (natasha.galovic@students .mq.edu.au) to meet the requirements of a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) degree under the supervision of Professor Ron Rapee (ron.rapee@mq.edu.au).

If you would like to participate in the study, or would like more information please call Natasha on:  0401 965 440  or email natasha.galovic@students.mq.edu.au


Start Date: 1 August 2011

Closing Date: November 2012

Congruence of clinical training and workplace requirements for Australian psychologists.

We invited you to participate in this study which explores the congruence between the training psychologists complete and the demands of their workplaces.

This web-based and anonymous survey involves completing a questionnaire of 19 questions which should not take any longer than 30 minutes to complete.

The survey link for this project.


If you have any further queries or concerns please contact Associate Professor Tim Carey at the Centre for Remote Health on 08 8951 4700 or email Tim.Carey@flinders.edu.au .

This research has been approved by the Central Australian Human Research Ethics Committee (CAHREC; approval number:  2011.06.01). If you have a concern or complaint about this project, please contact the CAHREC, Secretariat Support, C/- Centre for Remote Health on 08 8951 4746 or email cahrec@flinders.edu.au.


End date:  31 December 2011

The Effects of Perfectionism on the Relationship between Self-Concept, Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies and Eating Difficulties

We are seeking participants for a study exploring perfectionistic beliefs and behaviours associated with obsessionality and eating issues, and whether these are motivated by concerns about, and need to resolve certain problems with self-concept. This study is being conducted as part of a Swinburne University Doctor of Clinical Psychology program.

We are looking for participants who are:

  • Female
  • aged between 18 and 65 years old, and
  • do not currently have a psychiatric disorder or substance abuse problem (or have never suffered from a psychiatric disorder or substance abuse problem in the past)

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and participation is anonymous.

Please go to the following website to access further information about the background to the project, and to access the survey:

http://opinio.online.swin.edu.au/s?s=9311

 
Enquiries about this research may be directed to:

Narisa Vormwald (student investigator)at nvormwald@groupwise.swin.edu.au or
Professor Mike Kyrios (supervisor) at MKyrios@groupwise.swin.edu.au

This research has received approval from the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (2010/103).

End date: 30 June 2012

ATTENTION: Psychologists of clients experiencing Complex Trauma

We are seeking adults who identify as surviving a history of childhood abuse and who access/ have accessed a support service (e.g. psychologist) in relation or partly related to this history.

We respectfully ask you to consider inviting any of your clients who may identify in this way to take part in an Intergenerational PhD study into Relationships and Functioning. This is the first research of its kind, looking at potential intergenerational effects of child abuse on adult functioning.

This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Australian Catholic University.

The online or pen-on-paper questionnaire takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Participants may access the survey by going to the following link:

https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=136939

For paper copies, please contact the Student Researcher

We will be seeking participants until 01/06/2012. Please extend this invitation to any of your clients or other persons whom you think might be interested in participating.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Student Researcher: Joanna Menger Leeman, PhD Candidate
Email: joleem001@myacu.edu.au
Australian Catholic University Supervisors:
A/Professor Cecelia Winkelman, Email: Cecelia.Winkelman@acu.edu.au
Dr. Helen Aucote, Email: Helen.Aucote@acu.edu.au

End date: 1 June 2012

How are mood, stress, and our sex lives related?

This is a study of the relationships between low mood, stress, and sexual problems, over time. While it's commonly known that the three go hand-in-hand, there is little research on how they relate to each other over time. We can apply what we learn about the relationships between these everyday difficulties to new treatment programs for depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunctions.

If you decide to participate in this online study, you will be asked to answer some questions about negative emotions and some aspects of sexual function at six separate time points – either once a week for six weeks, or once a month for six months. This repeated measurement is necessary to fully understand the direction of the relationships.

The first time you complete the survey will take twenty minutes, on average, and subsequent time points will take about ten minutes to complete.

Every time you complete the survey you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a $100 MasterCard Cash Card!

Come get involved, and help us understand this under-researched problem.

Go to the study website: www.moodstressandsex.com for more information.


End date: November 30 2011

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Characterising the symptom presentation of perimenopausal depression & associated risk and protective factors

Research has shown that there is a relationship between reproductive status and mood. There is known to be an increased risk of becoming depressed when going through the menopausal transition and this project is looking to explore whether depression during this time might be different to that experienced during other stages of the lifecycle.

This research is seeking women who are:

  • of childbearing years and depressed
  • are currently perimenopausal (going through menopause) and not depressed
  • are currently perimenopausal and depressed

Participation involves completing a series of questionnaires to try and determine the difference between depression during childbearing years and during perimenopause. It will also look at what factors increase risk of developing depression during perimenopause, and what factors might protect against it.

Questionnaires will be sent to participants with reply paid envelopes. All participants who return completed questionnaires will receive a $20 Coles Myer gift voucher.

For further information about the project, please email Zoe at zoe.gibbs@monash.edu or call her on 0439 033 705.

 
End date: January 2012

  

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Are you an Australian aged 50 or older?

Would you be interested in participating in our research?  

Researchers in the School of Psychology, Deakin University are currently conducting a survey to examine the different aspects of drinking patterns in Australian adults, and how these are affected by other aspects of human behavior and lifestyle.

This research is conducted through a simple survey and participants are asked to complete a questionnaire with several questions about their drinking habits, lifestyle, social network and background information. This can take approximately 25-30 minutes and can be completed at a time of convenience.

If you would like to participate, the survey questionnaire and more information are available at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/deakinu

Hard copies and digital versions of the survey are also available.  For further information, please contact:

Jose Molina Toledo in the School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125. Mob: 0401967833 or email: jmmol@deakin.edu.au

Participants are eligible to enter a draw for four $50 Myers gift cards! 

Also, if you know somebody who might be interested in participating in this research please send them this information.
Thank you very much!

End date: July 2012

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Resilience in relation to stress, personality, coping and depressive and anxiety symptoms in Australian adults

We are looking for male and female participants aged between 18 and 65 years to take part in this study, which will examine the relationship between resilience, stressors, personality traits, coping styles and depressive and anxiety symptoms.

This study is comprised of a series of online questionnaires and as such it can be completed in the privacy of your own home and at a time that is convenient for you.
It will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

 If you are interested in taking part in this study or would like more information
please email:

Melissa Pardi m.pardi@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au

End date:   31 December 2011

Attitudes towards male and female sexual offenders  

Psychologists are invited to take part in research that is attempting to explore, and understand, the current attitudes held by Australian psychologists towards male and female sexual offenders. Specifically this study will attempt to seek whether there is a difference in attitude towards male and female sexual offenders dependent upon the gender of the practitioner, years of study and/or practice, or whether or not, as a practitioner there is experience in working with sexual offenders, and lastly, the typology of the offender.

This survey will take less than 10-15 minutes to complete. It requires respondents to read an information sheet about the project, confirm consent to participate, complete a demographic questionnaire, read a vignette and answer a survey. Participation within this research is completely voluntary and anonymous.

The survey link for this project is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D7MB7VC 

Also, if there is anyone you may know of that may be interested in participating in this research please direct them to make contact with Katrina Czerkies via email at katrina.czerkies@hotmail.com or direct them to the APS website.

This project is being undertaken by Katrina Czerkies who is currently completing her Master of Psychology (Forensic) degree through the University of Western Sydney. This research is being supervised by Mr David Mutton, Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Sydney.

This research has been approved by the University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: H9040).

End date: 28 October 2011

Adequacy of APAC accredited postgraduate psychology programs in providing training for working with clients’ spiritual and/or religious worldviews

The study is an anonymous web-based survey aimed to assess the perceived significance of incorporating religious and/or spiritual domains in clinical practice. It will also examine the adequacy of postgraduate psychology programs in imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the provision of culturally sensitive clinical practice that integrates clients' religious and/or spiritual worldviews. The study has been approval by the Human Ethics Committee, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide.

Participants:

  • Program Coordinators/Directors of APAC accredited postgraduate programs in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology and health psychology programs for years 2011.
  • Students currently enrolled in APAC accredited postgraduate programs in clinical psychology, neuropsychology and health psychology for year 2011.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes. Participation is voluntary and you may choose to withdraw at anytime without any consequences.  On completing the survey you may choose to enter a lucky draw. The First prize is 32 GB Apple iPad , second prize is Sony voice recorder , and two third prizes of $ 50 Dymocks vouchers.

Please click the following link to participate:

Course coordinators/directors: www.surveymonkey.com/s/psychtrainers

Students: www.surveymonkey.com/s/psychtrainees  

 

The study is being conducted by Dr Neha N. Mahajan (neha.mahajan@student.adelaide.edu.au) toward MPsych (Clinical) at University of Adelaide and supervised by Dr Rachel Roberts (rachel.roberts@adelaide.edu.au).

End date: 31 December 2011 

Factors associated with suicide intervention skills

Registered psychologists and psychology students are invited  to take part in a research study that explores factors related to skills at intervening with someone who is at risk of suicide.

The factors being explored include years of experience as a registered psychologist, level of experience working with clients who are expressing suicidal thoughts, knowledge about suicide prevention, attitudes towards suicide and willingness and confidence to intervene.

The research is being conducted by Sarah Cavanagh who is doing her Doctorate in clinical psychology at the Australian National University (ANU) and is being supervised by Associate Professor Richard O'Kearney (richard.okearney@anu.edu.au).

The research study has ethics approval from the Australian National University Human Research Ethics Committee (2007/0206).

Participation in the research is voluntary. No identifying information will be collected and the information you provide will be kept confidential so far as the law allows.

Further information and the survey questionnaire for you to complete if you agree to participate are available at the following link:

 

The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete.

Also, if you know somebody who might be interested in participating in this research and you have talked to them about this study please send them this information.

Thank you very much for your time.

Sarah Cavanagh
DPsych (Clinical) Student
Australian National University
sarah.cavanagh@anu.edu.au

End date: 30 June 2012

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Violence risk assessment practices of Australian psychologists  

We are inviting Australian registered psychologists and provisionally registered psychologists to participate in an online survey about recognising and assessing risks of client violence toward others.  This survey explores the beliefs, practices and training of Australian psychologists in making assessments of clients' violence risk. As we seek to understand how members of the psychological profession approach this issue, we are interested in your opinions even if you have never conducted a formal assessment of violence risk or worked with a client with a high level of violence risk.

This survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete. Participation in this project is completely anonymous and you will not be asked to provide your name, or identify your specific place of employment.

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If you wish to view additional participant information, or participate in this research, please visit:

 

Enquiries about this research may be directed to:

This research has received approval from the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (2010/278).

End date: 1 January 2012

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Understanding emotion abnormalities in bipolar disorder  

Healthy adults and those living with bipolar disorder (BD) are invited to participate in a research study examining the relationship between cognition, mood and genes in BD. If you fall into either of these two groups then please contact us.

The study involves participation in two four-hour sessions that include an interview, questionnaire battery, cognitive and emotion related computerised, verbal and written tasks, and an optional donation of blood. There is also an option for a 3rd session in which an EEG will be conducted.

Main inclusion criteria (patients)

  • Aged between 18-65 years
  • Current DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of bipolar disorder
  • Ability to provide informed consent
  • No hearing or visual impairments
  • Not pregant or substance dependent
  • No history of neurological disorder

Main inclusion criteria (controls)

  • Aged between 18-65 years
  • No personal or immediate family history of affective psychiatric illness
  • No current diagnosis of mental disorder
  • Not taking mood or psychotropic medications
  • Ability to provide informed consent
  • No hearing or visual impairments
  • Not pregant or substance dependent
  • No history of neurological disorder

You will be reimbursed at $50 per session.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Tamsyn Van Rheenen on 9076 6593 (T.Rheenen@alfred.org.au) or David Elliot on 9076 6581 (D.Elliot@alfred.org.au).

This study has been approved by the Alfred Human Research Ethics committee (project 304/10) and the Swinburne Human Research Ethics committee (project 2010/310)

Supervisors: Professor Susan Rossell and Associate Professor Greg Murray

End date: December 2012

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Can the herbal medicine KAVA reduce your stress and anxiety?

Are you suffering from high levels of stress or anxiety? Are you experiencing generalised anxiety disorder or feel frequently anxious with regard to many areas of your life?

We are seeking participants for a study investigating the effects of the natural medicine KAVA, which may be effective in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety in people.

To participate in the Kava Anxiety-Lowering Medication (KALM) Project you must be:

  • Aged 18-65 years
  • Experiencing chronic moderate or high levels of anxiety
  • Not currently taking medications such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines (e.g. valium)
  • Not having regular high alcohol/substance use
  • Have fluent written and spoken English
  • Willing to come in for six testing sessions at the Swinburne University Hawthorn campus, over a two-month period.

You will be reimbursed $100 at the end of the trial.

This study is being conducted by The Brain & Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC) at Swinburne University of Technology.

To find out more, please contact:

End date: 30 November 2011

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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: July 2012

 

Psychological treatment for social phobia and problem drinking

The Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University is conducting a NH&MRC funded clinical trial to investigate whether outcomes for co-morbid social phobia and alcohol use disorders can be improved with an integrated treatment that targets both these conditions.

Participants are eligible for the study provided they:

  • are age 18 years and older
  • are able to attend treatment and assessment sessions at either our North Ryde or Camperdown site (Sydney) 
  • consume alcohol at NH&MRC harmful levels (men consuming 29 standard drinks of alcohol per week or more and women 14 standard drinks per week or more)
  • have a current (DSM-IV) diagnosis of social phobia, and
  • have a basic literacy and ability to communicate in English.

This program is not likely to be appropriate for individuals experiencing psychosis, current active suicidal intent or dependence on other substances (other than tobacco)

Participants will receive (at no cost):

  • A comprehensive assessment with a psychologist; 
  • Ten individual sessions of CBT with a qualified psychologist to target both social phobia and alcohol use problems OR alcohol use problems only
  • A  treatment workbook
  • Follow-up reviews for 6 months following the completion of treatment.

More information can be found on our website:

To make a referral, please contact Lexine Stapinski:
Phone: 02 9850 8670
Email: casp@mq.edu.au

End date: 23 December 2011  

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The role of beliefs and psychological flexibility in adjustment to sports injury

This is a study of how athletes and regular exercisers cope with sports injury and cope with pain.

To be eligible for the study, you need to:

  •  have regularly participated in sporting activities at least three times per week (prior to injury)
  • currently have an injury (or have had an injury in the last six months) which has prevented you from participating in your sport for at least two weeks.

Athletes and exercisers at all levels are welcome to participate

This study is part of a series of studies that seeks to extend the literature on what predicts difficulty coping with sports injury. In the majority of cases, athletes cope well with injury. However, some athletes have a very different experience of the injury recovery process. Low confidence, fear of re-injury, emotional distress and poor adherence to rehabilitation are some of the negative outcomes experienced by some athletes. This study aims to explore predictors of outcomes.

The study can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sportsinjury2  

 

Alternatively, email John Baranoff sportinjurypsychology@gmail.com or contact 0421428953.

This study has received approval from the University of Queensland School of Psychology Ethics Committee (08-PSYCH-PHD-34-JM).

End date: 2 October 2011

Adolescent anorexia nervosa treatment study

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne is conducting a randomised controlled trial of two types of family treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. Adolescents aged 12-18 years with anorexia nervosa can take part. Participation involves an intake assessment interview and random allocation to one of two outpatient treatments, either family-based treatment or parent-focused treatment. Both treatments are provided free of charge and involve parents and adolescents attending 18 treatments sessions over six months. Treatment progress is monitored via interviews and written questionnaires.

This project has received approval from the Royal Children’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 30035).

For more information, please contact Dr Libby Hughes on (03) 9345 4738 or email edp.research@rch.org.au.

Website: www.rch.org.au/cah/services.cfm?doc_id=13464

End date: 5 July 2013  

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A novel treatment for depression following head injury: Investigating transcranial magnetic stimulation  

Depression is commonly experienced by people who have sustained a head injury, but there are few established treatments. The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) at the Alfred Hospital is accepting volunteers into a clinical trial of an investigational, non-medication treatment for depression following head injury.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 70, have a diagnosis of major depression, be currently depressed, and be at least six weeks post-head-injury.

Participants will receive daily outpatient treatment with a non-invasive magnetic device, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, (TMS) over a number of weeks. Participation is completely confidential.

If you would like more information or are interested in participating please contact Susan McQueen, Sally Herring or Amy Peachey on (03) 9076 6595, s.herring@alfred.org.au, or visit www.maprc.org.au.

This study has received approval from the Alfred and Monash University Human Research Ethics Committees.

End date: 30 December 2011

 Prevention-based intervention for children at risk of anxiety disorders: Is the gestational period the key?

This project is specifically targeted at women who experience anxiety in the perinatal period and who are at risk for post-natal difficulties, including post-natal depression. It is anticipated that this intervention, designed to reduce the effects of anxiety during the perinatal period by way of a two-phase program, will, as its ultimate target, mediate the intergenerational transfer effects of anxiety and thus reduce the current incidence and prevalence rates of childhood anxiety. Accordingly it is anticipated that this program will have positive implications for parent / child attachment and, relatedly, for healthy child development. The design of this program is based on the current literature, it follows evidence-based practice, and is orientated in early intervention treatment modalities.

The project is seeking pregnant women in early pregnancy, aged 25 years and over, with anxiety. The two-phase treatment model is delivered antenatally and postnatally, both phases are 8-weekly small group treatments. Participants will be asked to return for follow-up when infants are 12 months of age.

This research is being conducted by Ms Anita Nepean-Hutchison, PhD candidate at CQ University, under the supervision of Professor Kevin Ronan (CQU) and Dr Vanessa Cobham (UQ).

This project has been approved by the QLD Health Ethics Committee (Gold Coast Hospital) and CQ University Human Research Ethics Committee.

If you know of people who are pregnant, and may be interested in participating in the project, or if you would like more information on this project, please contact the study coordinator:

End date: January 2012  

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Are you and your partner expecting a child?

 

Is your partner between 12-17 weeks pregnant?

Would you like to contribute to a world-first study on health and well-being in men pre- and post-birth?

Men and their pregnant partners who are between 12 to 17 weeks gestation are invited to take part in a study that examines the psychological well-being of men and their partners throughout pregnancy and the first 12 months post-birth.

This is a confidential study, being conducted by Mr Kim Yiong Wee, Dr Helen Skouteris, Dr Ciaran Pier and Dr Ben Richardson from the School of Psychology, Deakin University. The findings of this study will contribute invaluable information to the literature about paternal psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year post-birth.

Participation will entail completing a set of questionnaires at 18, 25, 33 weeks gestation and 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum (you can choose to do the questionnaires online or we can send you hardcopies). While this may sound like a lot, the questionnaires will take less than 20 minutes to complete each time.

If you are interested in participating in this vital research or would like more information about our study, please contact Mr Kim Yiong Wee at kywe@deakin.edu.au.

End date: 31 December 2011  

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Effects of fish oil supplementation on healthy volunteers and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Healthy adult participants and adults with ADHD are required for a PhD study assessing the effects of fish oil supplementation on cognitive performance and ADHD symptoms. Please contact us if you have been previously diagnosed with ADHD or suspect you may have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. If you are currently on ADHD medication, your participation is still welcome. 

To be eligible you must be:

  • Aged over 18
  • Not currently taking a fish oil supplement
  • No history of neurological disease, diabetes or food intolerance/allergies
  • No psychiatric history (only for healthy participants)

The study will use a selection of cognitive and cardiovascular tests to assess your cognition and brain function with and without fish oil supplementation. You will be required to attend two, 2-hour testing sessions at the Brain Sciences Institute in Hawthorn (Swinburne University) and have two blood tests. Some of the participants will be invited to complete two brain imaging tests (fMRI) at the Brain Research Institute, Austin Hospital. 

You will receive $100 for your participation in this study. 

If you have queries regarding this study and/or are interested in participating please contact us on 03 9214 8291, 03 9214 4542 or by email.

This study has received ethics approval from the Swinburne University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC) (Project Number 2009/186).

Supervisors: Prof Sheila Crewther, Prof David Crewther, Dr Andrew Pipingas

Student names and email addresses:

End date: 20  November 2011

 

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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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