As a member service, the APS includes on this website details of research being conducted by members who are seeking participants in research surveys.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the individual cited in the 'Contact details' section under each project listing. Please do not contact the APS directly.

Please note: The APS in no way endorses, has no involvement in, and is not responsible for the research projects listed. Your participation in any of the projects listed is entirely voluntary.

Current research projects

 

Intrusive thoughts research 

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether people who have competing views about themselves (i.e., have high levels of self-ambivalence), tend to view their own negative thoughts as more self-descriptive, than people who have clearer views of self (i.e., have low self-ambivalence).

During this study we will ask you to complete several questionnaires that measure self-ambivalence, beliefs, obsessional characteristics and mood states. You will be invited to write down one negative thought that you have experienced recently. You will also be invited to complete the questionnaires again in six months time. Each assessment takes up to 20 minutes. Please do not forget to reply to an automated email that you will receive after completion of Part 1.

All information collected will be securely stored and de-identified so all participants' answers remain anonymous and confidential. All data will be entered into a statistical database without reference to individual participants.

Anyone over 18 can participate in the study.

To access further information and the questionnaire online please visit:

 

For further information please email  Maya Light at sbhar@swin.edu.au or contact the supervising researcher: Dr Sunil Bhar, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology at sbhar@swin.edu.au.

This research has received approval from the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Your time and interest is appreciated.

End date: 30 February 2011

Type II diabetes: A comparison of coping resources in a depressed and non depressed sample  

Researchers at the RMIT University are recruiting participants with Type II diabetes to complete a 30-40 minute survey on lifestyle behaviours and psychological health. This study will assist in investigating the link between lifestyle behaviours and psychological well-being in people with Type II diabetes. To participate you must be 18 years of age or older. For more information please contact Dr Mirella Di Benedetto on 03 9925 3019 or email mirella.dibenedetto@rmit.edu.au.

End date: 14 October 2010

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Mental health professionals’ opinions of complementary approaches to mental health

We invite you to participate in this study which explores mental health professionals' opinions of complementary approaches to mental health. Your contribution, which will remain completely anonymous, would be greatly valued. If you decide to participate in the study, you can do so by completing the online questionnaire.

Clicking on the link below will take you to the questionnaire, which should take about 15 minutes to complete.

 

Your valued contribution to this research will help us better understand the concerns mental health practitioners have regarding complementary practices. It will also add to the growing body of research we have in this area.

The study is being conducted by Dr Matthew Bambliing, Lloyd Lalande and Heather Adam. School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University.

Email: s00098007@myacu.edu.au  or lloyd.lalande@acu.edu.au or Matthew.Bambling@acu.edu.au

End date: 30 September 2010 

Successful retirement – factors influencing adjustment and quality of life in retirement

Australia's ‘Baby Boomers' represent a population bulge that is approaching retirement. While financial preparedness is important, people's psychosocial preparedness for retirement is also vital for their health. This research project will provide an understanding of the factors that contribute to adjustment and quality of life in retirement.

If you are aged 45 years or over, we invite you to participate in this study designed to establish how people prepare for retirement and the factors which contribute to well-being in retirement. If you decide to participate in the study, you can do so by completing a questionnaire. The questionnaire will take about 15 minutes of your time.

All information collected in this study will be treated confidentially and used solely for the purposes of this research study. No personal details will be required, and the identity of participants will be anonymous.

There are no right or wrong answers; we are simply interested in your personal opinions. You are free to withdraw from the study without penalty. Because your identity is unknown, it is not possible to withdraw after you have submitted your answers.

The questionnaire can be accessed at:

 

This study has received ethics approval from the Charles Darwin University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. H09072).

For further information, please contact Dr Peter Forster at peter.forster@cdu.edu.au.

End date: 11 September 2010  

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Development and pilot evaluation of a psycho-educational anti-doping intervention program for emerging athletes  

The primary objective of this study is to extend previous Anti-Doping Research Program (ADRP) funded research (Donovan and Jalleh: Project 19-CURTUNI-2006-07) that developed a personality profile of athletes susceptible to engaging in doping activities. This project aims to use the expertise and experience of sports psychologists to inform the design and assessment of an anti-doping intervention targeting personality characteristics related to susceptibility to doping activity.

We are seeking to recruit psychologists currently working with elite or talented athletes for participation in a focus group or 1-1 interview. Prior to the discussions, participants will be provided with information about the personality constructs related to doping susceptibility. The purpose of the groups will be to elicit and develop suggestions for exercises and methods designed to reduce susceptibility to doping amongst athletes exhibiting these personality characteristics. An intervention will then be developed and piloted in a second phase of the research. All participating psychologists will receive $75 as reimbursement for time and travel.

This collaborative research project between Curtin University of Technology (Prof Rob Donovan, Mr Geoffrey Jalleh) and The University of Queensland (Dr Daniel Gucciardi) is funded by the Australian Government through the Anti-Doping Research Program (ADRP) of the Department of Health and Ageing. Ethical approval has been granted by the Curtin University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee.

All inquiries regarding participation in this project can be directed to:

End date: 31 December 2010

An investigation of the attitudes of health professionals to Mindfulness Training (MT) as an intervention for depression, anxiety and substance abuse

APS members are warmly invited to participate in a fourth year psychology research project that aims to discover the knowledge of and attitudes to Mindfulness Training (MT) of a range of health professionals and students of health professions.

There is growing empirical evidence that supports the efficacy of MT in treating a diverse range of conditions including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and chronic pain. MT has important potential clinical benefits including it being wellness-based, non-invasive, non-stigma producing, and relatively inexpensive to administer, but is still not a widely used technique. It is possible that attitudes of health professionals towards MT including perceptions of inadequate supporting evidence, and/or a lack of knowledge about MT may be limiting its clinical use. This research project will therefore investigate the attitudes towards MT, and extent of their knowledge of MT, of members and students of a range of health professions, consisting of GPs, psychologists and counsellors. This will allow a discussion of to what extent clinical attitudes towards MT and knowledge of it are affecting the extent of its clinical application.

If you would like to participate in this project by filling out a brief anonymous questionnaire, please email Ms Jess Merrett - jmerrett@deakin.edu.au

This research has received approval from the Deakin University Human Research Advisory Group (HEAG-H89_2010).

End date: 30 September 2010  

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Do you deliver parenting programs or work with families of children with a disability?

Fiona May, a PhD student from the Faculty of Education, Monash University, is conducting a further evaluation of the Signposts for Building Better Behaviour program. Fiona is conducting this research under the supervision of Dr Angelika Anderson and Dr Louise McLean from Monash University, and in partnership with the Parenting Research Centre. This research has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

An important aspect of this research project is an initial study to learn more about practitioners' responses to questionnaires regarding father involvement in parenting programs, and in the lives of their children and families more broadly. Your participation in this research will be extremely valuable by providing important information about whether these questionnaires are useful measures of practitioners' perceptions and experiences regarding father involvement.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and your responses will be completely anonymous.

If you would like to participate, you can access the survey online at:

 

This research has received approval from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (CF10/1339 - 2010000716).

If you would like any further information or have any questions about the study, or would prefer to complete a paper version of the survey, please contact Fiona May at Fiona.may@monash.edu.

End date: 15 September 2010  

Common ground: The effect of environmentally responsible behaviours on family relationships

This research aims to explore the impact of performing environmentally responsible or ‘green' behaviours at home on family relationships. It is hoped that the findings will assist psychologists in their work with families as well as environmental organisations in their efforts to conserve natural resources.

Who can participate?

  • Families of two or more who are willing to engage in an environmentally responsible behaviour of their choice over a four week period.

Participants will be asked to complete online questionnaires (approximately 20 minutes), carry out an Environmentally Responsible Behaviour over a four week period and complete further online questionnaires (approximately 20 minutes).

For more information and to participate in this study please click on this link:

The link to Part C is currently closed but will open in four weeks time:

 

For any queries, please contact:

This research has received approval from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (CF10/1334 - 2010000715).

End date: 30 September 2010

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Attachment styles, early schema of mental health professions and their possible association with therapeutic alliance

A vital step for successful treatment with clients is the formation of a strong rapport. Much speculation has focused on this relationship but there is little evidence yet about the personal bonding characteristics of clinicians and the effect of this on clients.

This study examines whether early schemas and adult attachment styles impact on self-perceived working alliance with clients. This is a new study in that these three factors have not been the primary focus of present research.

We are looking for clinicians actively involved in therapy (private or public) and clinical treatment (i.e. case management etc.) who see their clients for more than 1-2 sessions. Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire, estimated to take no more than 15-30 minutes.

If you are interested in this study and require more information or would like to participate please contact:

or

For a participant information form or simply click on the following link to go directly to the questionnaire:

 

End date: 30 November 2010

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Prevention-based intervention for children at risk of anxiety disorders: Is the gestational period the key?

This project is specifically targeted at women who experience anxiety in the perinatal period and who are at risk for post-natal difficulties, including post-natal depression. It is anticipated that this intervention, designed to reduce the effects of anxiety during the perinatal period by way of a two-phase program, will, as its ultimate target, mediate the intergenerational transfer effects of anxiety and thus reduce the current incidence and prevalence rates of childhood anxiety. Accordingly it is anticipated that this program will have positive implications for parent / child attachment and, relatedly, for healthy child development. The design of this program is based on the current literature, it follows evidence-based practice, and is orientated in early intervention treatment modalities.

The project is seeking pregnant women in early pregnancy, aged 25 years and over, with anxiety. The two-phase treatment model is delivered antenatally and postnatally, both phases are 8-weekly small group treatments. Participants will be asked to return for follow-up when infants are 12 months of age.

This research is being conducted by Ms Anita Nepean-Hutchison, PhD candidate at CQ University, under the supervision of Professor Kevin Ronan (CQU) and Dr Vanessa Cobham (UQ).

This project has been approved by the QLD Health Ethics Committee (Gold Coast Hospital) and CQ University Human Research Ethics Committee.

If you know of people who are pregnant, and may be interested in participating in the project, or if you would like more information on this project, please contact the study coordinator:

End date: January 2012  

Professional musicians: Work stress and motivation

UQ School of Psychology seeks participants in an online study of musicians' well-being.

In the current research we are especially interested in those who work in creative industries. Not only would knowledge about musicians' work stress make an important contribution to our knowledge about work stress more generally, we believe that this information would be useful to organisations that lobby for better support and standards for people working within the music industry.

Who should participate? We are interested in the work experiences of musicians (i.e., performing musicians, song writers / lyricists, composers, producers, and /or conductors) who:

  • are at least 18 years of age
  • earn an income from their work as a musician
  • have been working as a musician for at least the past 6 months."

For more information and to complete the Musicians' Wellbeing Survey please follow this link:

 

For further information, please contact Stacey Parker (s.parker@psy.uq.edu.au, office: 07 3346 9510) or Associate Profession Nerina Jimmieson (n.jimmieson@psy.uq.edu.au).

End date: 31 December 2010  

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Investigation into psychologists' experiences of using companion animals in therapy  

The purpose of this research project is to explore why and how psychologists use companion animals in their therapeutic work with clients. Of particular interest are psychologist's perceptions of how the presence or use of animals impacts upon their relationships with clients or their client's attitudes towards the therapy process.

As part of the study we are recruiting participants who:

  • are psychologists, registered with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • are 25 years or over
  • have used companion animals as a therapeutic aid with at least one client
  • are willing and able to be interviewed about their use of companion animals in therapy.

Participants will be asked to take part in a face-to-face interview which will be audio-recorded. The interview will be between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Participants will be invited to read and approve the transcripts of their interview prior to its inclusion in the research.

People who are interested in participating in this study or who would like any further information are asked to contact Felicity Martin.

This research has received approval from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (CF10/1456 - 2010000777).

End date: 30 September 2010

Factors in marital decision-making

We are seeking Australian married couples to take part in a survey about personality characteristics, decision-making, and marital satisfaction. The purpose of this research is to improve our understanding of how each individual's personality and the couple's decision-making style influence their marital satisfaction. Your opinions will help us to explore how these things interact in contemporary Australian couples.

To participate in the study you will need to be:

  • Australian, and
  • married.

Participation requires each spouse to complete the survey - one spouse first, then the second spouse - so it is important that both of you are present when you start the survey, but your responding should be independent. Completing the survey should take around 10 minutes each of your personal time.

To complete the survey, please visit:

If you have any questions about this project, please contact: Associate Professor Roger Cook, email: rcook@swin.edu.au

This research has been approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (#2009/271).

End date: 30 Dec 2010

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A world-first study of men’s mental health and well-being during pregnancy and after birth

Are you and your partner expecting a child?

Is your partner between 12-17 weeks pregnant?

Would you like to contribute to a world-first study on health and well-being in men pre- and post-birth?

Men and their pregnant partners who are between 12 to 17 weeks gestation are invited to take part in a study that examines the psychological well-being of men and their partners throughout pregnancy and the first 12 months post-birth.

This is a confidential study, being conducted by Mr Kim Yiong Wee, Dr Helen Skouteris, Dr Ciaran Pier and Dr Ben Richardson from the School of Psychology, Deakin University. The findings of this study will contribute invaluable information to the literature about paternal psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year post-birth.

Participation will entail completing a set of questionnaires at 18, 25, 33 weeks gestation and 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum (you can choose to do the questionnaires online or we can send you hardcopies). While this may sound like a lot, the questionnaires will take less than 20 minutes to complete each time.

If you are interested in participating in this vital research or would like more information about our study, please contact Mr Kim Yiong Wee at kywe@deakin.edu.au.

End date: 31 December 2011  

Do you suffer from recurrent headache or migraine?  

Do you or someone you know suffer from recurrent headache/ migraine?

MaTCH - Mastery of Triggers to Conquer Headaches is a Monash University research project currently seeking adult participants for research on the behavioural management of triggers related to recurrent headache.

MaTCH is a clinical research trial funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and headed by Professor Paul Martin.

The study is being conducted at Monash medical Centre in Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria.

Inclusion criteria:

  • Aged 18 years or more
  • Minimum of 6 headache days per month for the past 12 months
  • Pattern of headache symptoms stable over last 6 months
  • Stable medication use for one month

Exclusion criteria:

  • Pregnant, planning pregnancy during trial period, or lactating
  • Currently undergoing any other treatment for headache

Participants will be provided with a small gratuity to acknowledge their contribution.

If you would like to know more, contact MaTCH staff on +61 3 9594 1457 or email MaTCH@med.monash.edu.au.

This study has received ethics approval from Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (SCERH) (project number CF09/0964).

For further information contact:

End date: May 2011

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Ageing well: The shared benefits of music   

Are you over 55 years old and have a little time to take part in some research regarding seniors' interest and participation in music? A research study, 'Ageing well: The shared benefits of music' (Monash University Ethical approval number: CF09/2552 - 2009001479) is being conducted by Dr Janette Simmonds, MAPS, and Dr Jane Southcott. The interesting online questionnaire takes 15 - 20 minutes. All responses are very welcome and are anonymous.

The survey can be accessed at:

 

For further information, please contact Dr Janette Simmonds (Janette.Simmonds@Education.monash.edu.au)

End date: 30 September 2010

The impact of attachment and family functioning on psychological adjustment during adolescence  

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether attachment and family functioning are perceived by adolescents (aged 12-22) to impact on their psychological adjustment; specifically depression and anxiety. Individuals who participate in the study will complete a questionnaire package which will include general questions about attachment, family functioning and depression and anxiety. Completion of the questionnaires is expected to take approximately 30 minutes. There is a low risk of participants experiencing any distress as a result of participating in this research. All the information gathered in this project will be kept strictly confidential. The project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Australian Catholic University.

This is a student project under the supervision of Gill Terrett at Australian Catholic University.
 
To participate, please contact:

Catherine Baird
Phone: 0409546745
Email: s00072139@myacu.edu.au

Gill Terrett
Email: gill.terrett@acu.edu.au

End date: 1 September 2010 

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Effects of fish oil supplementation on healthy volunteers and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Healthy adult participants and adults with ADHD are required for a PhD study assessing the effects of fish oil supplementation on cognitive performance and ADHD symptoms. Please contact us if you have been previously diagnosed with ADHD or suspect you may have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. If you are currently on ADHD medication, your participation is still welcome. 

To be eligible you must be:

  • Aged over 18
  • Not currently taking a fish oil supplement
  • No history of neurological disease, diabetes or food intolerance/allergies
  • No psychiatric history (only for healthy participants)

The study will use a selection of cognitive and cardiovascular tests to assess your cognition and brain function with and without fish oil supplementation. You will be required to attend two, 2-hour testing sessions at the Brain Sciences Institute in Hawthorn (Swinburne University) and have two blood tests. Some of the participants will be invited to complete two brain imaging tests (fMRI) at the Brain Research Institute, Austin Hospital. 

You will receive $100 for your participation in this study. 

If you have queries regarding this study and/or are interested in participating please contact us on 03 9214 8291, 03 9214 4542 or by email.

This study has received ethics approval from the Swinburne University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC) (Project Number 2009/186).

Supervisors: Prof Sheila Crewther, Prof David Crewther, Dr Andrew Pipingas

Student names and email addresses:

End date: 31 May 2011

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Online therapy: An investigation of process and practical factors  

The current research is seeking practitioners of online counselling to share their ideas and experience of the medium, especially regarding process and practical factors. In a 45-60 minute audio-taped interview, participants will be invited to provide insights into how they build relationships with clients, manage practical difficulties, and also reflect on advantages of connecting with their clients through the internet mode.

To be eligible you must be:

  • Aged 18 years or above
  • Currently practicing online counselling in one form or another (email, real time chat, web forum moderation, skype)
  • Able to undertake a 45-60 minute interview via telephone, skype or face-to-face.

The research is being conducted by Mr Sam Weily, Combined PhD/MPsych (Counselling) at Monash University, under the supervision of Dr Janette Simmonds, MAPS. This project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval CF09/1573 - 2009000861).

For more information, please contact Sam Weily at samuel.weily@education.monash.edu.au or telephone 0408 391 640.

End date: 31 September 2010

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The relationship between childhood maltreatment and current symptoms of mental illness in women - clinicians' current practice, attitudes and beliefs  

You are invited to take part in a study looking at various health practitioners' practice characteristics, attitudes and beliefs about women with experience of childhood maltreatment and the relationship with mental illness.

This study is part of a larger project looking at women with prior childhood maltreatment experiences and their current mental health, alongside their past help-seeking behaviours and primary health care utilisation.

Participation involves completing an anonymous online Clinician Feedback Questionnaire which will take approximately 5 minutes.

If you are interested in participating, the questionnaire can be found at:

 

This research is being conducted by Ms Adeline Lee, DPsych (Clin) candidate at Monash University, under the supervision of Prof Jayashri Kulkarni, Assoc Prof Jan Coles and Dr Stuart Lee. This project has been approved by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (Bayside Health) and Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

If you have clients/patients who may be interested in participating in the larger project or if you want more information on this project, please contact the study coordinator:

Ms Adeline Lee
Email: Adeline.Lee@med.monash.edu.au
Mobile: 0457 070 275

End date:  January 2012

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Health promotion and pre-diabetes

Carrying excess weight around your abdomen is a known risk factor of type II diabetes. If your waist measurement is greater than 94cm (for men) or 80cm (for women) and you are over the age of 18, you are eligible to participate in this research. The researchers are interested in investigating if health promoting information can improve mood and increase healthy behaviours in those at risk of type II diabetes. You will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires that will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

To participate or for more information, please email Lynne Gibbs at lynnegibbs@students.ballarat.edu.au or phone Dr Mirella Di Benedetto on 03 53279744. 

End date: 30 October 2010

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Beating the Blues before Birth: A new treatment for antenatal depression   

The Parent-Infant Research Institute is evaluating a new treatment for antenatal depression. Beating the Blues before Birth (BBB) is an eight-session cognitive-behavioural therapy program designed for women experiencing depression during pregnancy and includes one couple session.

BBB was developed by adapting our evaluated treatment program for postnatal depression and taking into account risk factors for antenatal depression and focus group findings.

The program aims to help women by:

  • Reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety;
  • Facilitating coping and problem solving skills;
  • Improving self-esteem;
  • Addressing difficulties in the couple relationship;
  • Pre-empting unrealistic expectations of parenting;
  • Facilitating the use of and development of social networks; and
  • Relapse prevention.

Participants receive:

  • A free assessment with a psychologist;
  • Help linking in with appropriate support services;
  • Individual monitoring via questionnaires/phone calls at 4 follow-up points;
  • A pamphlet encouraging use of community services and including contacts;
  • An information booklet from beyondblue; and
  • Half the participants will receive the free 8-session BBB treatment program.

For further information or to refer a patient, please contact Charlene Schembri:

 

End date: June 2011

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How to add a research project

If you are an APS member* conducting research, or supervising a research student, and would like to invite other APS members to be involved in the project, please email the following details for consideration by the APS:

  • A copy of the research proposal;
  • A brief (no longer than 200 words) explanation of the project, for the website;
  • For students, the name of the supervisor;
  • A phone number or email address so that members can contact you to take part in the research;
  • A start date and a closing date for the project; and

  • A hard copy of your final ethics approval documentation. (If your ethics committee only provides electronic confirmation of permission, you will need to contact us for more information.)

Please note that copies of the survey and consent form will not be added to the APS website. Members who are interested in taking part will contact you using the details provided.

The above details should be emailed to science@psychology.org.au. The APS reserves the right to not list research projects that are deemed not to be in keeping with its scientific and professional aims.

When new research projects are added, members will be alerted via the fortnightly APS Matters email, which is sent to more than 18,000 psychologists.

*Member, Associate Member, Honorary Fellow or Fellow

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