The Development Of A Meaning Centred Therapy For Patients With Advanced Cancer - An Intervention Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,000.00
Summary
Previous Doctoral work by the applicant illustrated how the compelling force to make sense of life experiences and find significance in existence (two central aspects of meaning) increases the complexity of coping with advanced cancer. While meaning can assist coping by offering a framework, perspective and counterbalance to the challenge of illness, the absence of meaning can also be a precursor to profound despair. This project will use the model of Meaning in Adjustment to Cancer to develop a ....Previous Doctoral work by the applicant illustrated how the compelling force to make sense of life experiences and find significance in existence (two central aspects of meaning) increases the complexity of coping with advanced cancer. While meaning can assist coping by offering a framework, perspective and counterbalance to the challenge of illness, the absence of meaning can also be a precursor to profound despair. This project will use the model of Meaning in Adjustment to Cancer to develop and trial an intervention aimed at enhancing meaning and reducing despair in this population.Read moreRead less
Improving Behavioural Treatment For Frequent Headaches By Incorporating A New Approach To Managing Triggers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,255.00
Summary
The standard clinical advice is that the best way to prevent headaches is to avoid the triggers, but we have argued that this may lead to decreased tolerance for triggers and therefore more headaches. We have developed an innovative approach to managing triggers which focuses on training people to cope with triggers. The proposed research will evaluate a new treatment for headaches based on integrating our approach to managing triggers into our behavioural treatment program for headaches.
Promotion Of Self-help Strategies For Sub-threshold Depression Via The Internet: Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,573.00
Summary
Depressive symptoms are common, impair individual functioning, and may develop into a full depressive disorder. Self-help for depressive symptoms is well-liked and often used, but some strategies are not as effective as others. This project will test the feasibility of promoting helpful self-help strategies to those with a high level of depressive symptoms, using the internet. The aim is to reduce the overall level of depressive symptoms and the number developing a full depressive disorder.
Examining Psychological State In Patients Presenting For Arthritis Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,792.00
Summary
Total joint replacement (TJR) is a common surgical procedure in Australia (80,000 per year). Pre-operative psychological distress has been reported to be between 30-60% in TJR patients and is associated with pain and poor recovery. Little is known about the nature of psychological distress in those presenting for TJR. This study aims to identify the psychological profile of TJR patients who experience suboptimal recovery and in doing so inform future programs that aim to enhance psychological we ....Total joint replacement (TJR) is a common surgical procedure in Australia (80,000 per year). Pre-operative psychological distress has been reported to be between 30-60% in TJR patients and is associated with pain and poor recovery. Little is known about the nature of psychological distress in those presenting for TJR. This study aims to identify the psychological profile of TJR patients who experience suboptimal recovery and in doing so inform future programs that aim to enhance psychological well-being in patients on waiting lists for TJRRead moreRead less
Evaluation Of Cognitive-behaviour Therapy For Alcohol And Other Drug Problems Among People With A Psychotic Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,465.00
Summary
Abuse of alcohol and other drugs among people with a major psychiatric illness is a serious public health problem and cost-effective treatments need to be developed and assessed. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a counselling intervention. 180 individuals with a psychotic illness and concurrent alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems will be randomly assigned to counselling or usual treatment and followed up for a period of 12 months. The indicators of interest include: ....Abuse of alcohol and other drugs among people with a major psychiatric illness is a serious public health problem and cost-effective treatments need to be developed and assessed. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a counselling intervention. 180 individuals with a psychotic illness and concurrent alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems will be randomly assigned to counselling or usual treatment and followed up for a period of 12 months. The indicators of interest include: current drug use; psychiatric symptoms; self-harm; social functioning; and use of health services. Findings from the proposed study will assist in the selection of particular treatment strategies and will aid the overall development of services for people with both major mental illness and substance abuse.Read moreRead less