Impact Of Cognitive Training On Improving Emotional And Cognitive Function: Testing Predictors And Moderators Of Treatment Response In Twins.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,419.00
Summary
This project evaluates the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive training tool, MyBrainSolutions, in improving emotional and cognitive function over acute (30 days) and long-term periods (1-year). The impact of the cognitive training on both trained and untrained real-world functions will be investigated, as well as the minimum time commitment required to see improvement. By comparing identical to non-identical twins, a comparison of the relative impact of genetics versus environment in improvi ....This project evaluates the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive training tool, MyBrainSolutions, in improving emotional and cognitive function over acute (30 days) and long-term periods (1-year). The impact of the cognitive training on both trained and untrained real-world functions will be investigated, as well as the minimum time commitment required to see improvement. By comparing identical to non-identical twins, a comparison of the relative impact of genetics versus environment in improving scores can be evaluated.Read moreRead less
Individual Differences In Coping With A Diagnosis Of ALS: Psychosocial Adjustment And Implications For Psychological Treatment Planning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,523.00
Summary
A high proportion of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis develop subtle personality and behavioural changes similar to those with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. Apathetic symptoms are the most commonly observed personality change. This project aims to establish the contribution of premorbid personality traits on the development and expression of apathy, and in turn, it’s implications for ALS patients’ psychological wellbeing and response to psychological intervention.
The Impact Of Living Kidney Donation On Donor-recipient Relationships
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,684.00
Summary
The purpose of this study is to explore the expectations and experiences of the impact of living kidney donation on donor-recipient relationships. There is very little research on this topic. This study will use qualitative methodology (face-to-face interviews and diary entries) to inform the design of written-booklet support resources which will subsequently be evaluated. This can help to improve and protect donor and recipient outcomes in living kidney donation.
Developing A Psychological Model Of Care For Adolescents And Young Adults With Complex Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Adolescents and young adults with complex congenital heart disease face many challenges including the need for lifelong cardiac surveillance, medication, and navigating normal transitions such as developing independence; factors which place the individual at risk of psychological morbidity. Determining risk factors contributing to loss to follow-up and psychological morbidity is needed to develop evidence-based psychological interventions, which are strongly recommended but currently lacking.
Health Coaching Intervention To Prevent Excessive Gestational Weight Gain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$98,507.00
Summary
Excessive weight gain in pregnancy places women at a greater risk for the development of overweight and obesity. This study responds to the urgent need to design effective interventions to prevent excessive weight gain in pregnancy. A health coaching intervention has been designed to address this need, and its effectiveness will be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial with first time pregnant women.
The Impact Of Early Experiences Of Stress And Depression On Cardiovascular Health: The Australian Lifestyle Of Our Kids (LOOK) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,183.00
Summary
This study forms part of the LOOK study examining the link between lifestyle factors and children’s health. This research will investigate the impact of early experiences of stress and depression on cardiovascular health, whilst accounting for a set of potentially confounding variables (physical activity, fatness). The uniqueness of this study lies in the multidisciplinary approach and the breadth of measures collected. Poorer mental health is expected to predict poorer cardiovascular outcomes.
Evaluation Of A Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Young People Living In Out-of-home Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,099.00
Summary
Recent National findings reveal that on average, 45% of Australian children aged 5-14 years watch TV for at least 2 hours/day. Given the risk for adverse cognitive, behavioral and physical health outcomes related to excessive TV viewing, including childhood obesity, there is an urgent need to design effective interventions to reduce unhealthy TV habits in the early years. My project responds to this need.
Development Of A Transdiagnostic Intervention For Patients With Cancer Experiencing Anxiety In The Context Of Ongoing Uncertainty
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,768.00
Summary
Surprisingly little work has been done to explain how anxiety develops and persists in patients with cancer. A model was recently developed to explain how fears of cancer recurrence develop and persist, which led to a new intervention. This study proposes to extend that work for patients with ongoing cancer threat or poor prognosis. The proposed study will develop a model of cancer-related anxiety and develop and test an intervention for anxiety in cancer patients with ongoing uncertainty.
Self-compassion: Promoting Resilience And Wellbeing In Adolescent Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,946.00
Summary
The importance of targeting early symptoms of poor mental health in adolescence cannot be underestimated. Self-compassion is linked with psychological wellbeing and may serve as a protective mechanism against psychopathological trajectories. I will investigate self-compassion in adolescence, and develop two early-intervention programs; for a high-school and a chronic illness population. To investigate this, my PhD will involve 2 empirical studies, meta-analysis, and 2 intervention studies.