Prevention Of Adverse Child Behavioural Development Following Maternal Depression In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,937.00
Summary
There is good evidence that if a woman is depressed while pregnant, her child is substantially more likely to have later emotional or behavioural problems. We will evaluate whether child outcomes following maternal depression in pregnancy can be improved by antenatal depression treatment. Our objective is to protect fetal and child development from the adverse developmental outcomes associated with untreated depression.
The Development, Assessment And Treatment Of Early Indicators Of Psychopathy In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,130.00
Summary
2.7 Significance - Lay description Conduct problems and antisocial behaviour cost Australian society millions of dollars every year directly through the mental health and criminal justice systems, indirectly through their association with substance abuse and other mental health problems, and associated disruptions to health, relationships, and personal and occupational functioning. Remediation is not effective once a chronic pattern has been established. Recently, research has shown that early s ....2.7 Significance - Lay description Conduct problems and antisocial behaviour cost Australian society millions of dollars every year directly through the mental health and criminal justice systems, indirectly through their association with substance abuse and other mental health problems, and associated disruptions to health, relationships, and personal and occupational functioning. Remediation is not effective once a chronic pattern has been established. Recently, research has shown that early signs of psychopathy in children predict chronic antisocial behaviour and lack of responsiveness to traditional treatments. The current research uses a combination of experimental, longitudinal, and treatment outcome studies to examine: the effectiveness with which early signs of a callous-unemotional temperamental style, hypothesised to be an early indicator of psychopathy, can be measured in children, causal factors and correlates of callous-unemotional traits, whether such traits pose a risk for chronic antisocial behaviour, the effects of callous-unemotional traits on responsiveness to traditional family-school based treatments, and the effectiveness of an innovative method for treating it in the early years. The project leads directly to a range of clinical assessment and treatment strategies for children at risk for chronic antisocial behaviour. The project has the potential to substantially improve the effectiveness of current treatment approaches to conduct problems in children that focus on family and school management.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Behaviour Change Via Incentives: Improving Childhood Obesity Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$62,335.00
Summary
This research will systematically review studies evaluating child-focused incentive-based strategies, and qualitatively evaluate a current goal-setting and rewards scheme. The research will determine the effectiveness of incentives on diet and exercise-related behaviour change in children and adolescents, and provide qualitative data to translate real world research into policy - building the evidence base and inform policy and practice for reducing childhood obesity.
Investigating Sedentary Behaviour And Screen Time In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,373.00
Summary
A range of individual, social and environmental factors potentially associated with young children's sedentary behaviour will be investigated. Based on these findings, strategies to support parents to reduce the amount of time their young children spend being sedentary will be developed and piloted.
Testing A Transgenerational Cycles Of Violence Model In Timor-Leste: Impact Of Maternal Anger On Childhood Aggression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$881,002.00
Summary
We will examine ways in which war trauma can cause mental disorder and behavioural disturbances in the next generation. We will examine the problem of extreme anger amongst mothers caused by war trauma, domestic violence and other stresses. Mothers with anger may have difficulties parenting their children, resulting in behavioural disturbances in the next generation. In the longer term, these children may show aggressive behaviour that leads to ongoing family and social instability.
Modern Chemical Exposures In Utero And In Infancy, And Their Impact Upon Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In The Barwon Infant Study, An Unselected Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,353.00
Summary
I am a paediatric doctor interested in the effects of modern industrial chemicals on children’s development. Even in the womb babies are exposed to industrial chemicals and we know some, like lead, are harmful to developing brains. I am interested in other chemicals that are now suspected to affect development, including the polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), and I intend to investigate this as part of the Barwon Infant Study, which follows 1250 children from before birth to 3 years.
Scalability Of The Transform-Us! Program To Promote Children's Physical Activity And Reduce Prolonged Sitting In Victorian Primary Schools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,823.00
Summary
Transform-Us! is an innovative primary school program that has been found to substantially increase children’s physical activity levels, reduce sitting time and benefit health. With simple changes to the school and classroom environments and teaching practices (eg, standing lessons) we will work with partners in the education and health systems to translate this program across Victorian primary schools to determine the real-world implementation and impact of this program over 5 years.
Early Life Influences On Child And Adolescent Mental Health Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Many children experience mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, causing emotional pain for families and a huge economic cost for society. I aim to prevent these problems before they start. By identifying influences in a pregnant woman’s environment that might lead to mental health problems in her child, such as stress, fertility problems and environmental dangers, we can target these influences early and build positive mental health for children right from the very start of life.