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

The 'real' relationship in psychotherapy: Client and therapist perspectives

My clinical doctorate research relates to the client-therapist relationship. Specifically I am investigating a concept known as the ‘real relationship', which refers to the person to person relationship which exists in the therapeutic relationship and all relationships. Data from the therapist perspective has already been collected, and I am looking to collect further client data. Participation is anonymous, and requires clients to complete a short survey (available in both hardcopy and online) asking them to respond to statements about their relationship with their therapist.

I'm am seeking contact with psychologists and therapists to see if they may be able to invite their clients to participate. If you have clients who you think may be interested in participating, please contact the student researcher Sarah Stewart at sarah-jarrod@iinet.net.au with your postal address and number of surveys you require.

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Australian Catholic University, and is being supervised by Dr Lisa Eisen (Ph: 03 9953 3119/ l.eisen@patrick.acu.edu.au).

End date: 31 July 2009

Self-managed change from problematic cannabis use: A web-based survey

Most people cut down or stop their use of cannabis without the help of formal treatments (e.g. GPs, counsellors, psychologists, drug and alcohol services, etc). Despite this, little is known about how people actually go about markedly reducing or quitting cannabis.

If you have significantly reduced or stopped your cannabis use and maintained this change for at least the past six months, we would like to invite you to complete a web-based survey about your achievement. It is being conducted by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) at the University of New South Wales and is anonymous and confidential. The findings will be published on the NCPIC website to help others quit or reduce on their own.

If you are interested, please follow the link below for further information and to complete the survey.  



This project has received Ethics Committee approval from the University of New South Wales Medical and Community Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel. However, if you have any concerns or questions about this study, please contact:

  • Dr Anthony Arcuri, Senior Research Officer, National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC), University of NSW
    Sydney NSW
    Ph: 02 9385 0304

End date: 31 August 2009  

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Study of ethical issues faced by Australian organisational psychologists

This study aims to examine current and emerging ethical issues that Australian organisational psychologists face in the course of their work. Seven areas are examined: psychometric testing, organisational control, consultation, training, social and professional behaviour, the role of the APS, and emerging ethical issues. Participants will be asked to indicate areas of ethical concerns that they and/or a colleague have encountered. All Australian organisational psychologists who have full state registration are invited to take part in the online survey, which will take approximately 15 minutes.

The survey can be access via the following link:  

 

This project has received Ethics Committee approval from the University of Adelaide School of Psychology. However, if you have any concerns or questions about this study, please contact either:

End date: 19 June 2009  

An assessment of cross-cultural preparedness in Victorian psychologists

The changing demographics of our multicultural world, and the longstanding disparities in the health status of people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, has challenged all healthcare providers to strive towards the delivery of culturally competent care.

Although numerous studies have been done in assessing the cultural competence of nurses, medical practitioners and teachers, currently there is a gap in this area of research, especially in psychologists in the Australian context. The current study will fill this gap by examining cross cultural preparedness in psychologists. 

You are invited to take part in the current research project which is an assessment of clinical knowledge and clinical skills related to cross-cultural clinical encounters.

We are approaching all psychologists who are registered in Victoria. We would like your assistance in doing this research which involves answering a questionnaire which should take 20-30 minutes to complete. 

This study has been approved by the Monash University Standing Committee on Ethics in Research involving Humans (SCER).

Please go to the following website to start this questionnaire:

 

If you would like more information on this project please contact the chief investigator:

End date: 10 September 2009

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Exploring the influences of spirituality, resilience and social support on subjective well-being  

This research project focuses specifically upon measures of spirituality, as opposed to religiousness, as well as measuring experience of adverse events, resilience, and perceived social support. It will use bi-variate and multivariate analysis techniques to determine influences of these constructs upon subjective well-being. It will extend existing literature, which has largely utilised only bi-variate methods, and has focussed on measures of religiousness.

I am seeking adult participants, aged 18 years and above, to complete an online questionnaire that will take 20-30 minutes.

If you are interested in contributing, follow the link below, complete the survey, and ‘submit' when finished.

 

This research has ethical approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee at Charles Sturt University. It is part of an honours dissertation, undertaken by Susie Macauslane, and supervised by Prof Carmen Moran.

Contact details:

Your contributions to this happiness research are valued and appreciated! 

End date: The online survey will be available until 31 July 2009.

Participatory Action Research in exploring dilemmas in practice for isolated, rural and remote psychologists

You are invited to participate in a qualitative research study to explore dilemmas in practice for isolated, rural and remote (IRR) psychologists. The purpose of this research is to examine more closely the lived experiences of IRR psychologists. A further purpose is to then extract from those experiences practices which may assist in the management of isolated, rural and remote practice dilemmas. The study is being conducted using a Participatory Action Research approach which means you also can participate in asking questions and providing solutions to dilemmas raised.

The research will be conducted via interview, face to face or phone and/or on the internet via email and list-serve, which is much like a focus group except online. The list-serve can be located at http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/IRRPsychs.  

The list serve is restricted access to only those approved by the moderator and only viewable by members. Your participation and the time this takes will be determined by you and how much information you wish to disclose or engage in. Your involvement is self-determined.

The group will cease to function as a participatory action research group in August 2009 and participants will be notified prior to its cessation.

You may ask any questions about the research at any time. If you have questions about the research, you should contact the Principal Investigator Nicole Johnson at 08 8088 6220 or 0428435580, or via email at njohnsonpsychologist@yahoo.com.au.

End date: August 2009

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Psychologists’ knowledge of and attitude towards animal assisted therapy (AAT)

This study aims to help gain an understanding of the function and importance of animal assisted therapy to psychologists. This project is part of a wider investigation on the possible effects of companion animals on mental health, which are not clear in previous research, and we expect this study may make a useful scientific contribution. 

For this project I am seeking registered psychologists. Participation involves an interview, which will take no longer than 60 minutes, with questions about your knowledge and perceptions of Animal Assisted Therapy. Interviews can be conducted by telephone, held either in your place of business, at the University of Adelaide, or the Royal Adelaide Hospital, whichever you prefer.

If this projects interests you, please contact Anne Black to arrange an interview. Email: anne.black@student.adelaide.edu.au or phone 0411 778 774. 

 

This study has been approved by the School of Psychology Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide.

Thank you for considering taking part in this project.

Anne Black
Masters Psychology (Clinical) student, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide
Email: anne.black@student.adelaide.edu.au
Ph: 0411 778 774

On behalf of supervisors:

Assoc Prof Anna Chur-Hansen, PhD, Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide 
Email: anna.churhansen@adelaide.edu.au
Prof Helen R Winefield, PhD, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide
Email: helen.winefield@adelaide.edu.au

Start date: May 2009

End date: 1 July 2009

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Life meaning, psychological health and well-being  

I am seeking participants for my research on meaning-in-life, psychological health and well-being as part of my Monash University Clinical Psychology doctoral thesis. I will be running an interactive workshop involving practical exercises aimed at facilitating personal meaning.

Themes include:

  • Insight: Discover your personal meaning-in-life.
  • Integration: Express your deepest values within your daily routine infusion.
  • Extend meaning into the mundane aspects of life.
  • Meaning-based coping: Master techniques for confronting life's challenges.

The workshop involves six weekly 90 minute sessions, personal assignments between sessions and some questionnaires on psychological health and well-being. Day and evening sessions will be available from Monash University Clayton and Caulfield campuses. Some participants will be randomly assigned to a comparison group involving questionnaires but no workshop. Groups will be run from July through September 2009.

Selection criteria: Males and females 18+ without any diagnosed psychological or psychiatric disorders.

This research project has received approval from the Monash University Standing Committee on Ethics in Research involving Humans (SCERH).

For more information or to participate, please email Elliot Gerschman at Elliot.Gerschman@med.monash.edu.au. 

 

End date: September 2009

Financial security and the effect it has on retirement intentions

Are you over 45 years and working full-time?

You are invited to take part in a study that examines people's perceptions of their financial security and how this has influenced their retirement intentions. This is an especially topical issue due to today's financial climate. It is hoped that this research will lead to a better understanding of what position Adelaide's employees are in and hopefully lead to the implementation of improved retirement strategies in the future.

This survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete - your participation is very much appreciated.

Go into the draw go win a Cheese and Wine Trail Voucher!

If this project is of interest to you, please go to the following website to start the survey:

 

This survey has received ethics approval from the University of Adelaide Ethics Committee. This research is being conducted by Justine Gold, as part of her Masters of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) project, under the supervision of Dr Aspa Sarris.

Contact details:

End date: 31 July 2009

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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

Emotional intelligence and post-traumatic growth

This project investigates the relationships between stressful/ traumatic events, post-traumatic growth and emotional intelligence. While evidence suggests that some people experience personal growth following adverse events, further information is needed to explain the mechanisms which are involved in this process.

For this project I am seeking participants aged 18 and over who have experienced a range of stressful and/or traumatic life events. The survey includes a six-part questionnaire which explores everyday emotional responses, expectancies of negative and positive outcomes in life, and your experience of and responses to stressful and traumatic life events.

Participation involves the completion of an on-line questionnaire, which will take approximately 30 minutes.  

This study has been approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC).

If this project interests you, please go to the following website to start the questionnaire:

 

If you would like more information about the project, please read the explanatory statement on the website or contact:

  • Supervisor: Professor Glen Bates
    Faculty of Life and Social Sciences
    Swinburne University of Technology
    Ph: 03 9214 8100
    Email gbates@swin.edu.au  

Smoke Study: Smoking motivators and key cognitive effects

Calling all smokers - We need your help!

Miss Alison K Beck, under the supervision of Dr Juanita Todd and Prof Amanda Baker, is conducting a study to investigate the relationship between nicotine, brain function and reasons for smoking.

We are seeking to recruit two groups of volunteers, aged 18 to 60, who currently smoke at least 15 cigarettes per day.

  1. Individuals who do not have a current diagnosis of mental illness, or a first degree relative with a diagnosis of schizophrenia
  2. Individuals with a current diagnosis of schizophrenia

There are two options for participation: Face-to-face appointments or a self-report questionnaire

Face-to-face appointments

Participants are required to complete a brief set of tasks at the University of Newcastle - once when smoking as per usual and once before the first cigarette of the day. Participants are offered reimbursement for time, travel and any inconvenience incurred, to the amount of $40 for the appointment following overnight abstinence and $20 for the other appointment.

Self-report questionnaire

This component of the study consists of questions designed to assess different reasons for smoking, as well as general background information, smoking history and attitudes toward the face-to-face component of the study.

You will be asked to complete and return this questionnaire in your own time, using reply paid envelopes provided. This questionnaire should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. You will be offered a $15 Coles/ Myer voucher as a token reimbursement for time and any inconvenience associated with completing the questionnaire.

For further information, please contact Alison Beck on 0435 079 123 (text or call), leave a message on 02 4921 5977 or email alison.beck@newcastle.edu.au.  

 

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The relationship between flow and savouring in the context of physical activity  

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between optimal experiences or "flow" (the feeling of being so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter) and savouring positive experiences. In particular, the study will examine the effect of this relationship on physical activity and a person's subjective well-being.

For this project, researchers are seeking participants who are at least 18 years of age. The study involves answering some questions about different thoughts, feelings, and behaviours you may experience during physical activity as well as your current mood and satisfaction with your life. It is anticipated that the process will take approximately 20-30 minutes.

For further information, or to participate in this study, please visit the following website:

You will need to enter the username (dmoggprj) and the password (mon51sh9) for access.  

 

Contact details

End date: 28 June 2009

Australian Psychotherapy and Counselling Workforce Study

This study aims to develop a comprehensive profile of workforce and practice characteristics of the counselling and psychotherapy profession and to understand factors that influence therapist development and practice in Australia. This part of the study will allow an analysis of characteristics of psychologists and their practice. Data from this survey will provide an overview of the diverse therapeutic practices and experiences of psychologists in Australia. This will facilitate a better understanding of the training and development needs of the profession and allow these to be viewed in an international context.

The study is part of the International Study of the Development of Psychotherapists, a project developed by the Society for Psychotherapy Research Collaborative Research Network (Orlinksy & Ronnestad, 2005). Over the past two decades, this project has studied the development and practice of 15,000 professional psychotherapists in over 25 countries. The current survey utilises the Core Questionnaire from the international project so that Australian therapists may be represented among and compared with colleagues around the world.  The questionnaire can be completed anonymously online in about 60 minutes. It has been approved by Curtin University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee and La Trobe University Faculty Human Ethics Committee.

If you are a therapist and would be willing to complete the anonymous questionnaire, please proceed to: www.thissurvey.com/APCWS

  • Associate Professor Jan Grant
    School of Psychology
    Curtin University of Technology
    Email:  j.grant@curtin.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9266 7231

  • Professor Margot Schofield
    Professor of Counselling & Psychotherapy
    La Trobe University
    Email: m.schofield@latrobe.edu.au
    Phone: 03 9479 3702

  • Dr. Christine Knauss
    Research Fellow
    La Trobe University
    Email: c.knauss@latrobe.edu.au
    Phone: 03 9479 1740

Start date: March 2009

End date: 28 February 2010

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Caring for individuals with an eating disorder: A longitudinal study

Finding out that a loved one has an eating disorder can be devastating for family and friends. Carers can experience social isolation, increased psychological distress, an increase in the level of expressed emotion with the family environment, a sense of guilt and self-blame, and difficulties finding adequate support for themselves. However, within the current research literature, little attention has been given to the experience of carers. 

Therefore, the current study will examine the long-term impact of caring for someone with an eating disorder. Carers (over the age of 18) of individuals with a diagnosed eating disorder are invited to participate. Participants will complete three questionnaires at three time points over a nine-month period. 

The first questionnaire, and more detailed information, can be found at:

 

The research is being conducted by Ms Kerri Coomber, PhD (Psychology) candidate at Deakin University, under the supervision of Dr Ross King. This project has been approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee. For more information, please contact Kerri Coomber at kcoomber@deakin.edu.au or Ross King at ross.king@deakin.edu.au.

Start date: January 2008

End date: March 2010

Rumination and Informational Preferences in Psychological and Behavioural Outcomes in Illness: Pilot test of the Multidimensional Rumination in Illness Scale (MRIS)  

This project is the first phase in a planned research program to investigate the role of rumination in psychological and behavioural outcomes within the context of cancer. In examining the way in which thinking style influences a person's emotional and behavioural response to illness, it is hoped to provide a basis for the identification of individuals at particular risk and for the development of appropriate intervention strategies.

This project involves the pilot testing of the Multidimensional Rumination in Illness Scale (MRIS). Currently, no measures of rumination exist specifically for use in illness and many existing measures have compromised validity due to the inclusion of symptom-related items. With grounding in existing theory related to depressive rumination, a fundamental goal at this stage is to systematically sample all content that is potentially relevant to the target construct.

For this project, researchers are seeking English-speaking people who are over 18. Participation involves the completion of an on-line questionnaire, which will take approximately 30 minutes.

This study has been approved by the Macquarie University Ethics Review Committee (Human Subjects).

If this project is of interest to you, please go to the following website to start the questionnaire:

 

If you would like more information about the project, please read the explanatory statement on the website or contact:

Start date: 16 March 2009

End date: July 2009

The effects of genital image and body image on sexual functioning in women  

This study will evaluate the association between genital image, body image and sexual satisfaction in women across the reproductive spectrum. Coping with psychosexual issues for individuals and their partners can be difficult. Disappointment, isolation and poor quality of life can occur if sexual issues are not understood. Perceptions of one's physical self play a significant role in one's sexual self-esteem. The more discomfort one has about one’s body the more avoidance one may experience in expressing one’s sexuality. Genital image is an important component of sexual functioning that is poorly represented in the literature.

The study invites women aged 18 years and above to complete online questionnaires which will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

 

This research is being conducted by Frances D’Arcy-Tehan, PhD (Health Sciences) candidate at the University of Sydney, under the supervision of Dr Gomathi Sitharthan and Dr Matthew Dunn. This research has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee.

If you would like more information about this research, please read the explanatory statement on the website or contact Frances D’Arcy-Tehan: fdar7260@usyd.edu.au or Dr Gomathi Sitharthan: g.sitharthan@usyd.edu.au.

Start date: November 2008

End date: June 2009

Multicultural competence and psychological practice in Australia

Registered psychologists are invited to participate in research which aims to increase understanding of multicultural competence in psychological practice in Australia. The importance of multicultural competence in improving mental health outcomes for individuals from CALD backgrounds has been recognised in the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, and the Framework for the Implementation of the National Mental Health Plan 2003-2008 in Multicultural Australia. The psychology profession also notes the importance of multicultural competence in its professional Code of Ethics and training requirements.

Psychologists are being sought who have extensive experience working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) in cross-cultural psychological practice. Research will focus on identifying key elements of multiculturally competent practice, challenges and barriers to competent cross-cultural practice, self-perceptions of competence, and the means by which psychologists develop multicultural competence.

Data will be collected through face-to-face interviews (1 - 1.5 hours).

This project has received ethics approval from the Swinburne Human Research Ethics Committee.

Principal Investigator(s):

  • Christine Raab, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Candidate &
    Associate Professor Ann Knowles
    Faculty of Life & Social Sciences

For more information or to register interest please contact:

 

Closing date: 30 April 2009

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A randomised control trial of non-specific supportive clinical management versus cognitive behaviour therapy in longstanding anorexia nervosa  

The University of Sydney, in conjunction with St Georges University of London and the University of Chicago, have been awarded an NHMRC grant to examine treatment for longstanding anorexia nervosa.

The University of Sydney is currently conducting a treatment program for females over the age of 18 who have had anorexia nervosa for more than seven years (even if there have been periods of recovery). It aims to determine which of two currently available psychological treatments have the best outcome for people with longstanding anorexia nervosa.

The treatment will be provided by registered clinical psychologists at the University of Sydney. This program is free of charge and involves 30 individual outpatient treatment sessions over six months. Participants will be required to see their GP on a monthly basis throughout their participation in the program to ensure their medical stability. We will reimburse any ‘gap' incurred for GP visits and laboratory investigations based on our recommended care advice whilst a participant is in the program. 

The results of this study will inform the future development of treatment programs for anorexia nervosa.

If you would like more information about the program, please contact Rebecca Smith (Project Coordinator) at the University of Sydney:

 

This research has received ethics approval from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee.

Start date: January 2008

Closing date: August 2009

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Effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  

Dr Mairwen Jones and Associate Professor Ross G. Menzies from the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, have recently been awarded a three-year National Health and Medical Research Council grant to test the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

We are interested in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, particularly those who have checking compulsions. We are treating individuals who check things excessively, for example gas or water taps, lights, doors etc. in order to prevent something terrible happening.

The study will be conducted from the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the University of Sydney and involves a 14-week treatment program for people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. All treatment will be provided by a registered psychologist and will be free of charge for participants who to take part in this research.

Participants will be allocated to one of two non-pharmacological, non-invasive treatments that have been previously trialled with promising results. The treatment will be conducted on an individual basis. Treatment will be one-hour per week and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

If you would like further information about our trial or would like to refer a patient to the clinic, please contact Lisa Vaccaro; call: 02 9351 9426 or email: lvac7605@usyd.edu.au 

 

This study has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee.

Closing date: December 2009

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Does social drug use affect circadian rhythms?

The use of social drugs such as alcohol, cannabis and MDMA is associated with a range of behavioural disturbances that have a negative impact on people’s work, study, social interaction and sleep. This questionnaire is part of a research program that considers whether these drugs affect body systems that are under circadian control (follow a repeating pattern every 24 hours) such as certain hormones, temperature, sleep and daily activity.

For this project, I am seeking English-speaking people who are over 18 and have used at least one of the drugs - alcohol, cannabis (‘pot’, marijuana) or MDMA (Ecstasy) in their lives. Participation involves the completion of an on-line questionnaire, which will take approximately 30 minutes, and can be completed in your own time from any device that has access to the Internet.

This study has been approved by the Monash University Standing Committee on Ethics in Research Involving Humans (SCERH).

If this project interests you, please go to the following website to start the questionnaire:

 

If you would like more information about the project, please read the explanatory statement on the website or contact:

Closing date: July 2009

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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 17,000 psychologists.

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