A Study Of The Impact Of Psychological Distress And Disadvantage On The Educational Outcomes Of Tertiary Students
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$70,511.00
Summary
The study will examine differences in psychological distress over time between socio-economically disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged tertiary students and, in turn, the potential role of psychological distress in explaining any differences between these groups in course non-completion or completion. The knowledge gained from the study can inform programs and interventions designed to prevent or reduce tertiary student mental health problems and course non-completion.
Multidisciplinary Translational Research To Address Social Disparities In Osteoporosis: Understanding The Social Context Of Biological Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Osteoporosis (OP) prevalence is greater for disadvantaged groups, as are less healthy lifestyles. Whilst reasons for this social gradient of OP are unknown, some biological phenomena are influenced by lifestyle factors. I will provide novel evidence about biological mechanisms underlying the social gradient of OP (epigenetics), and, using that information, engage disadvantaged communities in multidisciplinary discussions to inform effective public health interventions (community engagement).
Pubertal Transitions In Mental Health And Behaviour: The PHASE-A Study Of Social Roleand Lifestyle Transitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,656,785.00
Summary
Over the past four decades problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and substance abuse have increased in young people. Recent research indicates that puberty is a time when these problems commonly first emerge. This five-year study of 4000 students will examine a question of whether social transitions that are too soon (e.g. early initiation of sex) or problematic (e.g. bullying from peers) may explain the increase in these health problems as children pass through puberty.
Assessing Infrastructure And Contextual Factors In Relation To Cardiometabolic Outcomes In Remote Indigenous Communities: Evidence For Policy Change
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,113,005.00
Summary
Cardiometabolic diseases account for the major burden of morbidity and mortality for Indigenous populations. This study with 75 remote Indigenous communities will be the first to evaluate features of their social, built and physical environments in relation to cardiometabolic risks and diseases. Policy-relevant results will identify features of environments to be targeted to reduce chronic diseases for Indigenous peoples in remote communities.
Young Adult Social Transitions - Course Of Mental And Behavioural Disorders:The Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,750.00
Summary
The paths young people follow into adulthood have changed markedly in the past three decades. Traditionally the adoption of a role as marital partner, parent and fulltime employee in the late teens and early twenties was accompanied by a diminution or 'maturing out' of health risk behaviours and emotional problems arising in adolescence. The social transitions into adulthood are now both delayed and in many instances changed with higher rates of cohabitation, extended teriary educational partici ....The paths young people follow into adulthood have changed markedly in the past three decades. Traditionally the adoption of a role as marital partner, parent and fulltime employee in the late teens and early twenties was accompanied by a diminution or 'maturing out' of health risk behaviours and emotional problems arising in adolescence. The social transitions into adulthood are now both delayed and in many instances changed with higher rates of cohabitation, extended teriary educational participation and part-time employment. The effect of these social changes on health risk behaviours, behavioural and mental disorders is uncertain. This proposal will undertake a further follow-up in the late twenties of a group of just under 2000 young Victorians, already studied from the age of 14 years through to the age of 24 years. This study will assess the persistence of behavioural problems such as smoking and nicotine dependence, excessive alcohol consumption and dependence, cannabis dependence, illicit drug use, risk sexual behaviour, depression and anxiety disorders. The extent to which these may be associated with successful negotiation of transitions in education, employment, relationships, parenthood and establishing an independent home will be evaluated. Alternative explanations including the severity of dependence syndrome, personality, social background and genetic risk factors will also be explored.Read moreRead less
Children’s Perspectives On Their Social World: An Examination Of The Family, School And Community Factors That Influence Social Inclusion For Children Whose Parents Have Intellectual Disabilities.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$39,968.00
Summary
With a world first, Australian researchers explore the lives of children whose parents have intellectual disabilities. Mothers with intellectual disabilities are at risk of social isolation and exclusion which affects their parenting. Their children are at risk of stigma and peer rejection. From a child’s perspective, new research examines the features of family, school and community life that facilitate social inclusion for a group of children at risk of social exclusion.
Social Media To Enhance Indigenous Tobacco Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$922,680.00
Summary
Smoking prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than twice as high as the overall Australian population, and smoking is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity of Indigenous Australians. Accelerating the decline in smoking prevalence is an urgent priority to Close The Gap in health outcomes. The aim of this project is to understand how social media can be harnessed to enhance the impact of proven tobacco control strategies among Indigenous Australians.
Living With Uncertainty: Creating the Postmodern Self in Contemporary Australia. Life in postmodernity is marked by rapid change and uncertainty. Increasingly, as tradition is worn away, individuals must create new scripts to give life meaning and structure. Through a case study of gays and lesbians, this project will investigate how a group of Australians are creating postmodern selves. Drawing on in-depth interviews, it traces the relationship between discursive and psychological accounts of t ....Living With Uncertainty: Creating the Postmodern Self in Contemporary Australia. Life in postmodernity is marked by rapid change and uncertainty. Increasingly, as tradition is worn away, individuals must create new scripts to give life meaning and structure. Through a case study of gays and lesbians, this project will investigate how a group of Australians are creating postmodern selves. Drawing on in-depth interviews, it traces the relationship between discursive and psychological accounts of the postmodern self and their political effects. With a particular interest in emotional life, this study will provide critical information on how individuals and communities can manage creatively the uncertain conditions of postmodernity.Read moreRead less