Enhancing psychosocial adaptation after temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures. Preliminary data from individuals who have experienced temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures suggests that (a) psychosocial adjustment problems may occur even when the neurological outcome is excellent, and (b) satisfaction with surgery/ post-surgery adjustment relates to perceived control over pre-surgery decision- making. The aim of this study is to improve pre-surgery pro ....Enhancing psychosocial adaptation after temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures. Preliminary data from individuals who have experienced temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures suggests that (a) psychosocial adjustment problems may occur even when the neurological outcome is excellent, and (b) satisfaction with surgery/ post-surgery adjustment relates to perceived control over pre-surgery decision- making. The aim of this study is to improve pre-surgery procedure and post-surgery support by investigating psychosocial outcomes of epilepsy surgery, and relating these to perceived and actual pre-surgery preparation, including education, counselling and social support. The results of the study will inform development of resource material for the medical profession and potential surgery clients, as well as contributing to improved understanding of the relationship between pre-surgery procedures and psychosocial outcomes.Read moreRead less
Parents as Partners: Getting children off to a healthy start in literacy. Our nation is best served by children getting off to a healthy start in literacy. However, almost one in six children fails to do so. This group has reduced academic and vocational options, increased social, emotional and mental health problems, higher youth unemployment, and is significantly over-represented among offenders. The nation bears the costs of these problems through reduced productivity and expenditure on unemp ....Parents as Partners: Getting children off to a healthy start in literacy. Our nation is best served by children getting off to a healthy start in literacy. However, almost one in six children fails to do so. This group has reduced academic and vocational options, increased social, emotional and mental health problems, higher youth unemployment, and is significantly over-represented among offenders. The nation bears the costs of these problems through reduced productivity and expenditure on unemployment benefits, social programs, mental health services, and incarceration. This project targets both these sources of loss to the nation by utilising a hitherto untapped community resource: Training parents of preschoolers to develop critical pre-literacy skills in their children at home before they begin to fail. Read moreRead less
Investigating positive developmental transitions in emerging adulthood within the Australian Temperament Project cohort: Models, temporal patterns and predictors. Follow-up of the Australian Temperament Project (ATP) cohort provides a rare opportunity for robust investigation of positive development in emerging adulthood. High rates of risk taking and health disruption characterise this period. Identification of successful personal and social adjustment characteristics will reveal the potential ....Investigating positive developmental transitions in emerging adulthood within the Australian Temperament Project cohort: Models, temporal patterns and predictors. Follow-up of the Australian Temperament Project (ATP) cohort provides a rare opportunity for robust investigation of positive development in emerging adulthood. High rates of risk taking and health disruption characterise this period. Identification of successful personal and social adjustment characteristics will reveal the potential for positive development to prevent or ameliorate adjustment difficulties. Analysis of the extensive ATP dataset will identify child and adolescent predictors of positive development. The resulting knowledge of the role of earlier life characteristics and circumstances for positive development can help frame new health promotion initiatives. The study will also advance theory by developing an integrated model of positive development.Read moreRead less
Problem Gambling: Can Subtle Physiological Reactions To Wins And Losses Help Identify The Problem Gambler? Problem gambling is a major public health issue affecting 3%-6% of the adult population with the Productivity Commission (1999) detailing many associated consequences including major depression, suicide, substance abuse, marital and familial dysfunction and domestic violence. Problem gambling also has deleterious, long term effects on the mental and physical health of partners and children. ....Problem Gambling: Can Subtle Physiological Reactions To Wins And Losses Help Identify The Problem Gambler? Problem gambling is a major public health issue affecting 3%-6% of the adult population with the Productivity Commission (1999) detailing many associated consequences including major depression, suicide, substance abuse, marital and familial dysfunction and domestic violence. Problem gambling also has deleterious, long term effects on the mental and physical health of partners and children. Vulnerable groups include adolescents and young adults, socio-economically disadvantaged subpopulations, and specific ethnic minorities. The project's focus on identifying physiological patterns specific to problem gamblers represents an important first step in the development of an early screening test and timely interventions for at-risk individuals.Read moreRead less
A new conceptualization of forgiveness: Altruistic and self-interested foci as predictors of psychological costs and benefits of forgiveness. The project makes a pioneering theoretical contribution by recognising that forgiveness possesses both altruistic and self-interested dimensions. This reconceptualisation will result in three main community benefits: [1] researchers and practitioners will be better able to predict when forgiveness is most beneficial and when it is psychologically costly; [ ....A new conceptualization of forgiveness: Altruistic and self-interested foci as predictors of psychological costs and benefits of forgiveness. The project makes a pioneering theoretical contribution by recognising that forgiveness possesses both altruistic and self-interested dimensions. This reconceptualisation will result in three main community benefits: [1] researchers and practitioners will be better able to predict when forgiveness is most beneficial and when it is psychologically costly; [2] forgiveness strategies and principles will be more appropriately and strategically applied across different social contexts; and [3] public understanding of what it really means to forgive will be enhanced, thereby increasing the extent to which forgiveness may be embraced in the population.Read moreRead less