ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1616-6094
Current Organisations
Charles Sturt University
,
Edith Cowan University
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Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 22-03-2016
DOI: 10.7287/PEERJ.PREPRINTS.1876V2
Abstract: Partners of Australian combat veterans are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. For a comparative analysis of mental health of partners of veterans with that of their non-military counterparts, the study s le comprised female partners of (a) Australian combat veterans (S le 1: n = 282, age M = 60.79, SD = 5.05), (b) a random sub-s le of partners of Australian combat veterans from the previous s le (S le 2: n = 50 M = 60.06, SD = 4.80), (c) partners of Special Air Services Regiment (SASR) personnel (S le 3: n = 41, age M = 34.39 SD = 7.01), and (d) partners of current serving military (non-SASR) personnel (S le 4: n = 38, age M = 32.37, SD= [i]6.20). Respondents completed measures to assess their reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The two s les (S les 1 and 2) for partners of Australian combat veterans reported significantly poorer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress than the comparative population norms. The s le of SASR personnel partners reported significantly greater levels of depression and anxiety, while the s le with non‑SASR personnel partners reported a significantly poorer symptomatology in stress than the comparative norms. Lessons and protective factors can be learnt from groups within the current military as to what may assist partners and families to maintain a better level of psychosocial health.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 25-08-2016
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.2373
Abstract: Partners of Australian combat veterans are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. The present study provides a comparative analysis of the mental health of partners of veterans with that of the Australian normative data. To compare different types of groups of partners, the study s les comprised: (a) partners of Australian combat veterans (S le 1: n = 282, age M = 60.79, SD = 5.05), (b) a sub-s le of partners of Australian combat veterans from the previous s le (S le 2: n = 50 M = 60.06, SD = 4.80), (c) partners of Special Air Services Regiment (SASR) personnel (S le 3: n = 40, age M = 34.39 SD = 7.01), and (d) partners of current serving military (non-SASR) personnel (S le 4: n = 38, age M = 32.37, SD = 6.20). Respondents completed measures assessing their reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. S les 1 and 2 comprised partners of Australian military veterans who reported significantly greater symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress than the comparative population norms. The s le of SASR personnel partners (S le 3) reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety, whereas the s le with non-SASR personnel partners (S le 4) reported a significantly greater stress symptomatology than the comparative norms. Number of deployments was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in partners of non-SASR veterans (S le 4). Lessons and protective factors can be learnt from groups within the current military as to what may assist partners and families to maintain a better level of psychosocial health.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1121/1.3025915
Abstract: Many of the items in the “Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing” scale questionnaire [S. Gatehouse and W. Noble, Int. J. Audiol. 43, 85–99 (2004)] are concerned with speech understanding in a variety of backgrounds, both speech and nonspeech. To study if this self-report data reflected informational masking, previously collected data on 414 people were analyzed. The lowest scores (greatest difficulties) were found for the two items in which there were two speech targets, with successively higher scores for competing speech (six items), energetic masking (one item), and no masking (three items). The results suggest significant masking by competing speech in everyday listening situations.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1080/14992020802716786
Abstract: This study tested a theoretical model of tinnitus-related distress and of general distress that involved acceptance of tinnitus symptoms and emotional intelligence as factors that may protect against such distress. One hundred and sixty-two tinnitus sufferers from throughout Australia completed measures of acceptance of tinnitus symptoms, emotional intelligence, tinnitus-related distress, and general distress. As hypothesized, greater acceptance of tinnitus symptoms was associated with less tinnitus-related distress. Emotional intelligence was not associated with tinnitus distress. Greater acceptance and less tinnitus distress were both associated with less general distress, and the association between acceptance and general distress was mediated by tinnitus-related distress. The findings, which provide partial support for the tested model, may have implications for efforts to assist distressed tinnitus sufferers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-06-2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-02-2023
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0265634
Abstract: The present study examined smallholder farmer profiles based on key psychological variables associated with farm business performance in the South African context. A s le of 471 beef farmers (mean age = 54.15 years SD = 14.46 men = 76%) and 426 poultry farmers (mean age = 47.28 years SD = 13.53 women = 54.5%) provided data on a range of measures assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personality characteristics, present and future time orientation, expected benefits of, and efficacy to perform the farm business tasks, and farm-related concerns. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profile segments of smallholder beef and poultry farmers, respectively: Fatalists , Traditionalists , and Entrepreneurs . Our results suggested unique combinations of psychological characteristics in a s le of South African smallholder beef and poultry farmers and show a novel way of understanding enablers of, and barriers to, engaging in the farm business.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-02-2017
DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2017.1289144
Abstract: This paper describes a model focused on the role of self-efficacy and belief in changeability of behavior in motivating environmentally sustainable behavior. The model was tested in two studies. The first study found that participants who had greater self-efficacy for sustainability behavior and a greater belief in their changeability of sustainability behavior had a higher level of approach motivation toward sustainability behavior and reported more such actual behavior. The second study investigated the effect of brief interventions intended to increase perception of self-efficacy for sustainability-related purchasing and changeability of sustainability-related purchasing. The intervention that focused on enhancing self-efficacy for making sustainability-related purchases had the strongest impact on intention to purchase. These findings have implications for interventions intended to change behavior related to environmental sustainability.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2012.667016
Abstract: The present study reconceptualized the role of hedonic (pleasure) and eudaimonic (engagement) functions as well-being processes and distinguished them from well-being outcomes. Well-being outcomes encompass life satisfaction, positive affect, psychological well-being, social well-being, subjective physical health, and absence of depression, anxiety, and stress. It was hypothesized that trait emotional intelligence (EI) would mediate the relationship between well-being processes and well-being outcomes. Participants (N = 370, mean age = 27.35 years, SD = 10.01) completed measures of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being processes, trait EI, and well-being outcome indices. Path analysis using structural equation modeling showed that trait EI fully mediated the relationship between hedonic and eudaimonic processes and well-being outcomes. Results demonstrated that engagement in meaningful activities as captured by hedonic and eudaimonic well-being processes may promote well-being outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/INM.13035
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate coping styles, posttraumatic stress, and mental health symptoms among a s le of community members affected by 2019–20 Australian bushfires. Using a convenience s ling approach, an online survey was used to assess a range of coping strategies, posttraumatic stress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the affected community members of Black Summer bushfires. The results revealed that study participants reported moderate symptoms of depression and stress, and severe levels of anxiety. Additionally, participants reported use of both approach and avoidance coping strategies following the bushfire event as well as experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, such as having intrusive thoughts and symptoms of avoidance and hyperarousal. Despite the durability of many in iduals, others remain affected by the event and there is evidence there may be longer term mental health consequences of the bushfires for some people. Given these findings, it is imperative that mental health services be readily available for people in the bushfire‐affected areas. Mental health nurses have an important role to play in supporting in iduals affected by disasters. Awareness of the short‐ and long‐term impacts of disasters on the mental health of people is paramount for mental health nurses.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-05-2022
DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2069713
Abstract: The recovery approach involves providing a holistic and integrated service that is centered on and adapts to the aspirations and needs of consumers, who are seen as the expert on their health and well-being. Evidence is needed to address the current ambiguities related to the concept of recovery and its application. A scoping review was conducted to identify papers describing theories, models, and frameworks of recovery to delineate the central domains of recovery. Three literature search strategies were used: electronic database searching hand-searching of key journals and a reference list review of included papers. Inclusion criteria outlined theories, models and frameworks developed to support consumers' recovery and those supporting mental health professionals (MHPs) to deliver recovery-oriented services. Twelve studies (eleven articles and one book) were included in the review. The dimensions of recovery were synthesized into a framework named the Consolidated Framework for Recovery-oriented Services (CFRS). There are three domains within the framework: mechanisms/strategies recovery as an internal process and recovery as an external process. Each of these domains, as well as their relationships, are discussed. The CFRS can be used by practitioners, researchers, funders, and collaborative members to conceptualize, implement, and evaluate recovery-oriented services.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-06-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-08-2023
DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2112318
Abstract: For many, suicide bereavement is challenging. Postvention responses are few and evidence to inform them is lacking. Eighteen postvention experts completed an online survey regarding the key issues, challenges, and supports available to people bereaved by suicide. Participants were asked to identify the issues, then rank them in terms of importance at key times during the first 2 years after death, with navigating grief, managing relationships, and dealing with practical challenges identified. Access to information, practical assistance and non-judgmental support were most important early in the bereavement period. These findings provide a foundation for recommendations for postvention interventions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CPR.2022.102132
Abstract: Therapist drift refers to the tendency for psychologists to move away from the delivery of the evidence-based practices in which they are trained, even when resourced to implement them. When therapists do not provide, or only partially provide, empirically supported treatments their patients may receive interventions that are not effective, or that are harmful. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to ascertain the correlates of therapist drift in psychological practice, focusing on therapist characteristics. Relevant articles were identified through a comprehensive search of the literature. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and nine therapist characteristics that correlate with therapist drift were identified. These characteristics included: (1) therapist knowledge (2) attitudes toward research (3) therapist anxiety (4) clinical experience (5) therapist age (6) theoretical orientation (7) critical thinking (8) personality traits and (9) cultural competency. The interrelationships between these factors are explored and the clinical implications of results are discussed. Recommendations are made for future research.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPSYCHORES.2009.07.023
Abstract: The present study examined the efficacy of bibliotherapy in assisting in iduals experiencing distress related to tinnitus. One hundred sixty-two tinnitus sufferers from Australia participated in a study designed to examine the effectiveness of a cognitive-behaviorally based self-help book in reducing distress. To maximize the ecological validity of the findings, we excluded no in iduals interested in treatment for tinnitus-related distress. The experimental condition lost 35% of participants at postassessment, compared to 10% in the control group. In an analysis of participants who completed postintervention assessment, those assigned to the intervention condition, who received a tinnitus self-help book, showed significantly less tinnitus-related distress and general distress 2 months later compared to those assigned to the waiting list control condition. The intervention group's reduction in tinnitus-related distress and general distress from preintervention to postintervention 2 months later was significant, and these participants maintained a significant reduction in distress on follow-up 4 months after they received the tinnitus self-help book. A long-term follow-up of all participants, who at that time had received the book at least a year previously, showed a significant reduction in tinnitus distress. Although these group differences and pre-post changes were significant, effect sizes were small. Intention-to-treat analyses showed no significant effect for between-groups analyses, but did show a significant effect for the 1-year follow-up pre-post analysis. Information on the effectiveness of using a self-help book, without therapist assistance, in alleviating distress is important, as bibliotherapy can provide inexpensive treatment that is not bound by time or place.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2008
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 18-04-2023
Abstract: Objective: The aims of this research paper are to evaluate the 6-item Brief Emotional Experience Scale (BEES) by examining (1) evaluate the underlying factor structure, (2) time to complete, (3) associated distress with completion, and (4) scoring categories. Method: The BEES factor structure was evaluated across three separate studies, Study 1 consisted of a large public s le (n = 5631), with studies 2 (n = 326) and 3 (n = 1239) consisting of university student s les. For testing convergent validity, the BEES was significantly correlated with a range of established wellbeing measures across studies 2 and 3. Time-to-complete and distress associated with answering surveys was recorded in study 3. Additionally, in study 3, scoring categories were determined for the BEES. Results: Across the three studies, we found a correlated 2-factor structure, comprising positive and negative emotions, as the best fitting model. Evidence of sound internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = .84) and convergent validity was found via strong associations with other established wellbeing measures (rs = .55 - .86). The BEES was also found to have the lowest level of distress associated with completing it compared with other wellbeing validation measures, and the lowest average time-to-complete (less than 30 seconds). Conclusion: The results provide evidence that the BEES is a reliable and valid very brief measure of self-reported emotional wellbeing. We also provide scoring category cut-off values for the BEES to facilitate use as an emotional wellbeing screening tool.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-09-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-02-2023
DOI: 10.3390/AGRICULTURE13030548
Abstract: Beef cattle and poultry are critically important livestock for improving household food security and alleviating poverty amongst smallholder farmers in South Africa. In this paper, our goal is to examine the relationships between farmer psychological profiles and farm business performance of commercially oriented beef cattle and poultry smallholder farmers in South Africa. We employ a multipronged interdisciplinary approach to test the theory of planned behaviour and its relationship to farm business performance. First, a behavioural science-informed survey instrument was employed to collect data from randomly selected farmer participants in two major beef and poultry projects undertaken by the authors. Second, a latent profile analysis was used to identify the psychological profiles of those farmers. Third, traditional and estimated indicators of farm business performance were obtained using descriptive and econometric-based approaches, including logistic regression and stochastic frontier analyses. The estimated farm business performance indicators were correlated with the psychological profiles of farmers. Results from the latent profile analysis showed three distinct profiles of beef and poultry farmers clearly differentiated by their ability to control and succeed in their farm business enterprises criteria included attitude, openness to ideas, personality, perceived capabilities, self-efficacy, time orientation, and farm- and personal-related concerns. Profile 1 (‘Fatalists’) scored themselves negatively on their ability to control and succeed in their business enterprises. The majority of farmers were generally neutral about their ability to control and succeed in their businesses (Profile 2, ‘Traditionalists’), while a relatively small group of farmers were confident of their ability to succeed (Profile 3, ‘Entrepreneurs’). We found evidence of significant differences in farm business performance amongst the different profiles of farmers. As far as we can determine, this is the only study to have assessed farm business performance based on a differentiation of farmers’ psychological profiles. Our results provide a framework to further investigate whether particular types of on-farm interventions and training methods can be customised for different segments of farmers based on their preferred learning styles.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12910
Abstract: To evaluate aged care staff's ‘ willingness to help an older person with risk‐taking activities’ that improve quality of life (‘dignity of risk’). Opportunity‐based cross‐sectional anonymous electronic survey in four Australian jurisdictions, conducted immediately after screening a short animated narrative film describing ‘dignity of risk’. Survey comprised nine questions including respondent demographics, professional role, risk‐taking and outcome. From 24 separate screenings, there were 929 respondents. Agreement to ‘ help an older person with risk‐taking activities ’ was associated with respondent prediction of the least severe harm occurring (OR = 2.22 [1.20, 4.12], P = .001). Conversely, respondents in non‐executive, non‐managerial roles—that is, nurses and care workers—were unlikely to agree to help with risk‐taking activities (OR 0.36‐0.49, P ≤ .03). There was not an association with respondent's age grouping ( P = .6). Staff self‐reported attitudes towards dignity of risk are important to understand to enhance in an older person's quality of life.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-05-2013
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12895
Abstract: Recovery is internationally recognized as a concept to improve the well‐being of consumers. Compared with the numerous measures assessing consumer perspectives of recovery, only a few measures have been developed to assess Mental Health Professionals' (MHPs) perspectives of recovery to inform practice. The present study aims to systematically review the literature to identify existing measures designed to assess MHPs' perspectives of recovery and evaluate their psychometric properties, and the methodological considerations of the design and use of these measures. We searched literature across eight electronic databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PsyArticles, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google scholar. We identified 2631 articles across all databases. Of these, 40 articles met the inclusion criteria, which comprised 14 original measures assessing mental health recovery and 26 articles reassessing the psychometric properties of the original 14 measures. Our results suggested that while there are existing measures for assessing MHPs’ perspectives of recovery, only a few of these measures met standard evaluation criteria for psychometric properties. Specifically, the validation of the identified measures is still in its infancy. For ex le, the easiness of applying the measures differs among the studies, and only a few of the measures fully involved consumers in the scale development phase. The implication of the findings for future use and development of recovery measures in mental health practice and research are discussed and recommended.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-04-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-04-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S1352465823000012
Abstract: Anxiety is common during the perinatal period and despite effective treatments being available, many women with perinatal anxiety disorders experience barriers when accessing treatment. The aims of the current study were to explore women’s perceived barriers to treatment uptake cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment delivery preferences and the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in predicting intention to seek psychological help for women with perinatal anxiety symptoms. This study employed a cross-sectional design consisting of women with self-reported anxiety in the perinatal period. A total of 216 women ( M age =28.53 years SD =4.97) participated in the study by completing a battery of online self-report measures. The results indicated that the most salient barriers to accessing care were: (1) the cost of treatment, (2) wanting to solve the problem on their own, and (3) thinking the problem would go away without treatment. Group-delivered CBT was the least acceptable treatment method, while face-to-face in idual CBT was the most acceptable treatment method. The HBM variables predicted approximately 35% of the variance in help-seeking intention. This study has important implications for the delivery of psychological care in the perinatal period and may be used to improve treatment uptake.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.3109/00048674.2010.488214
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a multidimensional measure of distress experienced by partners of Australian combat veterans. The Partners of Veterans Distress Scale (POV-DS) was developed using factor analysis on a s le of 665 female members of Partners of Veterans Association of Australia. Content validity for the scale was established by using focus groups and expert feedback during item development phase. In addition, two self-report inventories were administered to assess physical/mental health, and satisfaction with life. Following principal-axis factoring, 45 items were retained, loading on seven distinct but correlated factors: Sleep problems, Hyper-vigilance, Social isolation, Financial problems, Intimacy problems, Exhaustion, and Negative affect. The factor structure was cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis on a hold-out s le. The distress subscales all exhibited excellent internal consistency (alphas ranged from 0.84 to 0.95). Validation analyses revealed subscales derived from the seven-factor model explained 31% to 45% of the variance in partners' physical health, mental health, and satisfaction with life. The study found that the POV-DS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing distress in partners of Australian combat veterans.
Publisher: No publisher found
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-11-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-11-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-07-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.CPR.2007.10.004
Abstract: A meta-analysis of the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating chronic fatigue included 15 effect sizes for between-group outcome comparisons. Across analyses, which included a total of 1371 participants, there was a significant difference, d=0.48, in post-treatment fatigue between participants receiving CBT and those in control conditions. Results indicate that CBT for chronic fatigue syndrome tends to be moderately efficacious. Dropout rates in CBT varied from 0-42%, with a mean of 16%. In the five studies that reported the number of CBT clients who were no longer in the clinical range with regard to fatigue at the latest follow-up, the percentage varied from 33% to 73% of those assigned to CBT, with a mean of 50%. Moderator results suggest directions for future investigations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-0020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.15290
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: No publisher found
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-02-0023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 06-12-2023
DOI: 10.1108/IJCCSM-03-2022-0032
Abstract: This paper aims to address a gap in investigating specific impacts of climate change on mental health in the Pacific region, a region prone to extreme events. This paper reports on a study on the connections between climate change, public health, extreme weather and climate events (EWEs), livelihoods and mental health, focusing on the Pacific region Islands countries. This paper deploys two main methods. The first is a bibliometric analysis to understand the state of the literature. For ex le, the input data for term co-occurrence analysis using VOSviewer is bibliometric data of publications downloaded from Scopus. The second method describes case studies, which outline some of the EWEs the region has faced, which have also impacted mental health. The results suggest that the increased frequency of EWEs in the region contributes to a greater incidence of mental health problems. These, in turn, are associated with a relatively low level of resilience and greater vulnerability. The findings illustrate the need for improvements in the public health systems of Pacific nations so that they are in a better position to cope with the pressures posed by a changing environment. This paper contributes to the current literature by identifying the links between climate change, extreme events, environmental health and mental health consequences in the Pacific Region. It calls for greater awareness of the subject matter of mental health among public health professionals so that they may be better able to recognise the symptoms and relate them to their climate-related causes and co-determinant factors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S12144-021-01385-4
Abstract: Climate change threatens mental health via increasing exposure to the social and economic disruptions created by extreme weather and large-scale climatic events, as well as through the anxiety associated with recognising the existential threat posed by the climate crisis. Considering the growing levels of climate change awareness across the world, negative emotions like anxiety and worry about climate-related risks are a potentially pervasive conduit for the adverse impacts of climate change on mental health. In this study, we examined how negative climate-related emotions relate to sleep and mental health among a erse non-representative s le of in iduals recruited from 25 countries, as well as a Norwegian nationally-representative s le. Overall, we found that negative climate-related emotions are positively associated with insomnia symptoms and negatively related to self-rated mental health in most countries. Our findings suggest that climate-related psychological stressors are significantly linked with mental health in many countries and draw attention to the need for cross-disciplinary research aimed at achieving rigorous empirical assessments of the unique challenge posed to mental health by negative emotional responses to climate change.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12726
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-08-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 05-07-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYT.2021.692363
Abstract: The Continuum of Survivorship proposes a way in which in iduals may experience the suicide death of someone known to them along a continuum from being exposed to the death through to long-term bereavement. The present study provides a first empirical testing of the proposed model in an Australian community s le exposed to suicide. Using a Latent Profile Analysis, we tested the suicide exposure risk factors (time since death, frequency of pre-death contact, reported closeness, and perceived impact) to map to the Continuum of Survivorship model. Results revealed identification of five profiles, with four ranging from suicide exposed to suicide bereaved long-term broadly aligning with the proposed model, with one further profile being identified that represented a discordant profile of low closeness and high impact of suicide exposure. Our findings demonstrate that while the proposed model is useful to better understand the psychological distress related to exposure to suicide, it cannot be used as “shorthand” for identifying those who will be most distressed, nor those who may most likely need additional support following a suicide death. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Publisher: Springer US
Date: 2009
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2019.03.018
Abstract: The current research created and validated three new measures of psychological mechanisms associated with dietary behavior: (i) a Dietary Goal-Desire Incongruence scale assessed the degree of conflict between ideal dietary behavior and incongruent tempting desires (ii) a Motivation for Dietary Self-control scale measured the extent and type of motivation, according to Self-Determination Theory, which may be experienced when trying to control dietary behavior and (iii) a Satisfaction with Dietary Behavior scale measured successful dietary goal-behavior alignment. A representative s le of Australian adults (N = 448, M Exploratory factor analyses indicated a 1-factor Dietary Goal-Desire Incongruence scale (6 items), 3-factor Motivation for Dietary Self-control scale (11 items), and a 1-factor Satisfaction with Dietary Behavior scale (8 items). Confirmatory factor analyses also supported the model fit of each scale's factor solution. Internal consistency as assessed by Cronbach's alpha (α) was 0.94, 0.78, and 0.94 for the three scales, respectively. A follow-up mediation analysis revealed a stage model of psychological factors related to dietary behavior (as assessed by these three scales) that build on each other. Test-retest reliability was high for each scale (r = .71-.84) and showed sound predictive validity. The Dietary Goal-Desire Incongruence scale, Motivation for Dietary Self-control scale, and Satisfaction with Dietary Behavior scale show good psychometric properties and are brief, easy to administer measures. The utility of the scales can be explored further with other populations and in intervention studies.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-12-2017
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12285
Abstract: The current study extends the Activity Restriction Model of Depressed Affect by exploring the relationship between parental caregiving burden, activity restriction, and depressive symptoms. It investigated the mediating role of restriction in three types of activities (daily routine, personal control, and social) in the relationship between parental caregiving burden and carer depression. Respondents (n = 203, Mean
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-08-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-07-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12069
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-09-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-022-02361-4
Abstract: Many young people with mental ill-health do not seek support, and developmental growth in self-reliance may be a barrier to help-seeking. Increasing autonomy is a positive developmental task for youth and a key aspect of resilience. This study examined the influence of perceived social support and resilience on the previously unexamined relationship between self-reliance and intentions to seek help from informal, professional, and self-help sources for mental health problems. An online survey was completed by a representative Australian community s le of 5,203 young people aged 12–25 years (half female), in May–June 2020. Path analysis showed the hypothesised conceptual model did not fit the data well, but a modified model was a good fit. Higher self-reliance was associated with lower intentions to seek informal and professional help, as expected, but not with greater intentions for self-help. The relationship between self-reliance and informal help-seeking intentions was fully mediated by perceived social support, whereas the relationship between self-reliance and professional help-seeking was also direct. Perceived social support fully mediated the relationship between self-reliance and resilience. Intentions to use self-help were not influenced by variables in the study, but higher self-help intentions were associated with higher professional help-seeking intentions. Associations were consistent across age and gender groups. The results show the critical role of social support for combating some of the unhelpful aspects of self-reliance for mental health help-seeking in young people. Future research should explore how self-reliance can hinder or be harnessed to facilitate accessing appropriate mental health.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CP.12225
Publisher: No publisher found
Publisher: No publisher found
DOI: 10.1111/NPH.12526}
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-11-2013
DOI: 10.1002/IJOP.12022
Abstract: The present study identified psychological well-being profiles in a s le of Australian university students (N = 207, Mean age = 30.16 years SD = 11.90). Respondents completed two measures: Ryff's (1989) Psychological Well-Being (PWB) scale and Lovibond and Lovibond's (2002) Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) assessing their levels of PWB and depression. Latent profile analysis was applied to six indices of positive functioning derived from PWB scale: self-acceptance, purpose in life, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, personal growth and autonomy. An optimal 5-profile solution, reflecting significant incremental shifts from very low to very high PWB, was interpreted. As predicted, profile membership distinguished participants on depression. Importantly, profiles indicating moderate to very high PWB, particularly with the presence of above average autonomy, reported significantly lower levels of depression. Our results suggest prevention of, and treatment efficacy for, mental health problems may be improved by incorporating strategies that address positive functioning attributes, particularly associated with a sense of autonomy.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-08-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/SLTB.12894
Abstract: A brief screener assessing experience of exposure to suicide for use in therapeutic settings is warranted. To examine the concurrent validity of such a screening tool, labeled as the Suicide Exposure Experience Screener (SEES), the associations of the two SEES items: (i) reported closeness with the person who died by suicide and (ii) perceived impact of suicide death with psychological distress are presented. Five separate datasets comprising surveys from Australia, Canada, and the United States ( N combined = 7782) were used to provide evidence of concurrent validity of closeness and impact of suicide exposure. Overall, closeness and impact were significantly correlated with measures of global distress across five different datasets, showing small to medium effect sizes. Closeness and impact were also intercorrelated demonstrating a large effect size across all surveys. This report used cross‐sectional data and comprised varied s le sizes across different datasets that influenced statistical significance of obtained effects and did not tease apart the roles of cumulative exposure of suicide and prolonged bereavement in experiencing global distress. The SEES has clinical utility in determining psychological distress in bereaved in iduals and is recommended for use in therapeutic settings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12395
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.CPR.2011.03.013
Abstract: A meta-analysis based on 575 participants in 18 studies found Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) to be an efficacious intervention for a wide variety of maladaptive repetitive behaviors, including stuttering, tics, nail biting, temporomandibular disorder, thumb sucking, and mixed repetitive oral-digital habits. Compared to control conditions, HRT showed a large effect size pre-treatment to final post-treatment assessment, d=0.80. Moderator analyses revealed significant treatment effects for HRT for most moderator levels, indicating that HRT is efficacious in a number of variations for a variety of types of maladaptive behaviors, across a wide range of s le characteristics. The findings provide substantial support for the efficacy of HRT for disorders it is commonly used to treat. The findings are consistent with recent arguments for the classification of HRT as a well-established treatment for tic and habit disorders.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S10508-017-0991-8
Abstract: An empirical review of hypersexuality is timely as "compulsive sexual behavior" is being considered as an impulse control disorder for inclusion in the forthcoming International Classification of Diseases, 11th ed. Specifically, hypersexuality has been conceptualized in the literature as the inability to regulate one's sexual behavior that is a source of significant personal distress. Various theoretical models have been posited in an attempt to understand the occurrence of hypersexuality, although disagreement about these ergent conceptualizations of the condition has made assessment and treatment of hypersexual clients more challenging. Theories of sexual compulsivity, sexual impulsivity, dual control (sexual inhibition/excitation), and sex addiction are critically examined, as are the diagnostic criteria for clinically assessing hypersexuality as a sexual disorder. Our discussion of hypersexuality covers a ersity of research and clinical perspectives. We also address various challenges associated with reliably defining, psychometrically measuring, and diagnosing hypersexuality. Furthermore, literature is reviewed that expresses concerns regarding whether hypersexuality (conceptualized as a disorder) exists, whether it is simply normophilic behavior at the extreme end of sexual functioning, or alternatively is a presenting problem that requires treatment rather than a clinical diagnosis. Following our literature review, we developed the "sexhavior cycle of hypersexuality" to potentially explain the neuropsychology and maintenance cycle of hypersexuality. The sexhavior cycle suggests that, for some hypersexual persons, high sexual arousal may temporarily and adversely impact cognitive processing (cognitive abeyance) and explain a repeated pattern of psychological distress when interpreting one's sexual behavior (sexual incongruence). We also suggest that further research is required to validate whether hypersexuality is a behavioral disorder (such as gambling), although some presentations of the condition appear to be symptomatic of a heterogeneous psychological problem that requires treatment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12876
Abstract: Disasters including public health crises like the COVID‐19 pandemic are known to increase instances of family violence against women, children, and other erse populations. This paper discusses and provides evidence of disaster‐related vulnerability of and violence towards specific groups of people. We argue that the COVID‐19 pandemic presents the ‘perfect storm’ for family violence, where a set of rare circumstances combine, resulting in a significant aggravation of the resulting event. Given the mental health implications of family violence, mental health professionals need to be aware of this issue during the pandemic and ready to assist with the development of strategies to overcome the situation where possible. To provide protection and prevent violence, there is a need to include at‐risk groups in disaster response and community planning. Such a plan could involve gender and disaster working groups at the local community, state, and national levels.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-06-2022
DOI: 10.1177/00302228221108289
Abstract: Brief contact interventions are an efficient and cost-effective way of providing support to in iduals. Whether they are an effective bereavement intervention is not clear. This systematic review included articles from 2014 to 2021.711 studies were identified, with 15 meeting inclusion criteria. The brief contact interventions included informational and emotional supports. Narrative synthesis identified that participants valued brief contact interventions, however some did not find them helpful. Exposure to a brief contact intervention was typically associated with improvements in wellbeing. Studies with comparison groups typically found significant but modest improvements in grief, depression symptoms and wellbeing associated with the intervention. However, one intervention was associated with significant deterioration of depression symptoms. Existing brief contact interventions for bereavement appear feasible, generally acceptable to the target population and are associated with improvements in wellbeing. Further development and evaluation to account for why improvements occur, and to identify any unintended impacts, is required.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12712
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-03-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-03-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12798
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-12-2014
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to systematically review quantitative research since 2000 on the effectiveness of residential therapeutic communities (TCs) for the treatment of substance-use disorders with reference to substance-use, crime, mental health and social engagement outcomes. – A systematic search with broad inclusion criteria resulted in the review of 11 studies. The studies investigated community-based TCs, as well as TCs modified for prisoners, prisoners transitioning to community living and TCs for in iduals with co-occurring substance-use and mental health issues. – Results were analysed by comparing the findings of the studies under investigation, of which three studies investigated within-subjects outcomes, four compared TC treatment with a no-treatment control condition and four compared TC treatment with another treatment condition. Conclusion: consistent with previous systematic reviews of TCs, outcomes varied across studies but indicated TCs are generally effective as a treatment intervention, with reductions in substance-use and criminal activity, and increased improvement in mental health and social engagement evident in a number of studies reviewed. – Variability in outcomes suggests further TC research and research syntheses focusing on a second key research question in the evaluation of complex interventions – how the intervention works – could play an important role in understanding TC effectiveness, and for whom it is effective and in what contexts. – Although there is some variability in treatment populations included in this review, evidence reported in other studies suggests in iduals with severe substance-use disorders, mental health issues, forensic involvement and trauma histories, will benefit from TC treatment. This is supported by the literature which has found a general relationship between severity of substance use and treatment intensity (Darke et al. , 2012 De Leon et al. , 2008) with outcomes further enhanced by self-selection into treatment and appropriate client-treatment matching (see De Leon, 2010 De Leon et al. , 2000, 2008). The weight of evidence gleaned from multiple sources of research, including randomised control trials and field outcome studies (De Leon, 2010) suggests TCs are an important and effective treatment for clients in improving at least some aspects of their quality of life, specifically mental health and social engagement, and in reducing harmful behaviours, including substance-use and crime. Variability in treatment setting and populations reflect the real-world setting in which TC treatment is delivered, providing a multifaceted treatment modality to a complex population in variable circumstances. – The strength of the current study is that it provided a broad evaluation of TC effectiveness across a range of outcomes (substance-use, criminal activity, mental health and social engagement), and is therefore valuable in updating the current literature and providing context for future research in this area. It aimed to address a key question in evaluating complex interventions: whether they are effective as they are delivered. Findings suggest that TC treatment is generally effective for the populations of concern in reducing substance use and criminal activity and contributing to some improvement in mental health and social engagement outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12791
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/A000836
Abstract: Abstract. Background: Family members often provide informal care following a suicide attempt. Carers may be vulnerable to caregiver burden. Yet, little is known about what contributes to this. Aims: To determine the predictors of caregiver burden in those carers who support people who have attempted suicide. Method: An online survey of 435 participants assessed exposure to suicide, caring behaviors, and psychological variables and caregiver burden. Results: A multivariate model explained 52% of variance in caregiver burden. Being female, closeness to the person, impact of suicide attempt, frequency of contact pre-attempt, and psychological distress were positively associated with caregiver burden. Confidence in supporting the person after suicide attempt, perceived adequacy of healthcare the person received and the support the carer received, and suicidal ideation of the carer were negatively associated with caregiver burden. Moderation analysis suggested that carers with high levels of distress reported negative association between suicidal ideation and caregiver burden. Limitations: The cross-sectional online survey design of self-identified carers is a limitation of the study. Conclusion: Carers are highly distressed, and if unsupported report increased suicide ideation. In their caring roles they may have contact with support services, thus attending to their needs may ameliorate caregiver burden and associated negative outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12673
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-047404
Abstract: Chronic conditions impact Indigenous Peoples of Australia at a much higher rate than non-Indigenous Australians. Attendance at the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) supported Indigenous health checks are crucial to improve prevention and management of chronic health conditions. However, in conjunction with lifestyle and environmental factors, attendance rates at primary healthcare services for screening and treatment have fallen in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on preventive health behaviours of Indigenous Australians and the associated barriers to, and enablers of, engagement with health services to formulate a targeted intervention strategy. A concurrent mixed-methods study (comprising quantitative and qualitative data collection methods) will be employed. Descriptive analysis of MBS data about the characteristics of Indigenous Peoples of Australia claiming health assessment services will be performed. Generalised estimating equation regression models will be used to examine the use of health assessment services over time. Qualitative interviews informed by Indigenous research methods will be conducted. Interviews will investigate barriers to, and enablers of, engagement with health services. Thematic approach guided by the principles of indigenist praxis, storytelling and collaborative research will be used to analyse the interview data. The project commenced in July 2020 and will be completed by July 2022. The project received ethics approval from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales and the University of New England Human Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal articles, conferences, government and relevant stakeholder reports, and infographics.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/14992020802070770
Abstract: Patients fitted with one (CI) versus two (CI+CI) cochlear implants, and those fitted with one implant who retain a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear (CI+HA), were compared using the speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ) (Gatehouse & Noble, 2004). The CI+CI profile yielded significantly higher ability ratings than the CI profile in the spatial hearing domain, and on most aspects of other qualities of hearing (segregation, naturalness, and listening effort). A subset of patients completed the SSQ prior to implantation, and the CI+CI profile showed consistently greater improvement than the CI profile across all domains. Patients in the CI+HA group self-rated no differently from the CI group, post-implant. Measured speech perception and localization performance showed some parallels with the self-rating outcomes. Overall, a unilateral CI provided significant benefit across most hearing functions reflected in the SSQ. Bilateral implantation offered further benefit across a substantial range of those functions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12354
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12790
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.13033
Abstract: Many Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Veteran families are affected by the stressors of Defence family life, including frequent and prolonged parental deployments, and frequent relocations. To address a gap in information about Defence and Veteran (hereafter Defence) parents' knowledge, confidence and resources to support their young children's well‐being and build their resilience. This study used a mixed methods design to explore Defence parent's perceptions of their young children's (aged 2–8 years) social and emotional well‐being and understanding of their children's responses to unique stressors as well as their confidence in providing support. Data from 41 parents were available. Overall, parents reported positive well‐being evaluation of their children. However, just over a third of parents also reported that their children rarely cope well on two indicators combined (adapting to new situations and sharing negative emotions with others). Significantly, more than half of the parents (61%) were only partially confident in their ability to assist their children to cope with unique stressors in military families. Qualitative data provided further insights into children's struggle with relocations and parental absence and the challenges parents face in supporting them. Parents reported having limited access to effective age‐ and culturally appropriate resources to support their young children. In a first‐of‐its kind study, we found that Australian Defence parents reported their young children were coping on most of the key well‐being indicators. However, awareness of currently available supports for children remains a barrier as well as access to contextualised, age‐ and culturally appropriate resources are lacking. There is a need for access to free, quality, online, research‐based Australian resources to support young children from Defence families, especially for those living in regional and rural locations and are less likely to have access to mental health and other specialist supports.
No related grants have been discovered for Navjot Bhullar.