Social and Behavioural Science Programme

 

This programme of research explores adjustment and rehabilitation following injury in both adults and children. The programme aims to apply behavioural science theories and methods, in particular the psychological aspects of injury, to adjustment and rehabilitation following injury.
 
Purpose of research:
 
·          Improve understanding of the psychological process following trauma
·          More effective prediction of outcome and identification of those at risk
·          Improved early intervention strategies to facilitate psychological adjustment
·          Development of high quality psychological intervention within the rehabilitation
           process
 
 
Current Areas of Research:
  •  Whiplash and post traumatic stress disorder 

    In collaboration with the School of Physiotherapy, the whiplash project is aimed at exploring both the physical and psychological factors relating to whiplash rehabilitation. The project focuses on three major areas including prediction of outcome following whiplash, the development of a screening tool, and the development of new treatment pathways. 

Status: Continuing
Contact: Dr Michelle Sterling 
               Professor Justin Kenardy
Funding: MAIC, NHMRC, ARC.

  • Traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress symptoms in children 

    This project is aimed at developing a better understanding of the interaction between cognitive impairment and post traumatic stress symptoms in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Status: Continuing
                 Dr Robyne Le Brocque
Funding: MAIC, NHMRC.
  •  Impact of traumatic brain injury on psychological development in adolescence

    Status: Continuing
    Contacts: Professor Justin Kenardy 
                     Dr Robyne Le Brocque
    Funding: TBA

     
  • Traumatic injury and post traumatic stress symptoms in Children

    The traumatic injury project is designed to explore the psychological adjustment in children following traumatic injury, to develop a screening instrument in order to predict at-risk status following traumatic injury, and to develop and evaluate both preventative interventions for at-risk children and treatment options for children who develop symptoms of post traumatic stress.  
Register here to use the CHILD TRAUMA SCREENING INSTRUMENT, or click here to view the instrument.
 
Status: Continuing  
Funding: MAIC, RCH Foundation.

  • Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU) and posttraumatic stress in children and parents.

    Admission to ICU has been shown to have significant impacts on the psychological health of adults, however little is known about the effects of ICU admission on children and their parents. This study will examine how the ICU experience may impact on psychological health outcomes.
Status: Continuing
                 Dr Robyne Le Brocque
Funding: RCH Foundation
 
  •  Paediatric Burns and psychological sequalae.

    Children who experience burns are a greater risk for the development of psychological problems. This study will assess the impact of burns and determine associated risk factors.

    Status: Continuing
    Contacts: Professor Justin Kenardy
                     Mrs. Alexandra de Young
    Funding: RCH Foundation

  • Web-based delivery of Evidence-based treatment effectiveness information on Whiplash Associated Disorders

    This project will draw together available evidence on the effectiveness of treatment for whiplash related disorders and then evaluate the extent to which access to this information on the web changes attitudes and knowledge regarding whiplash treatment.
 Status: Continuing
                 Dr. Michele Sterling
Funding: MAIC, NHMRC
 
Research Team
 
 
 
Director: Justin Kenardy
Research Fellow: Robyne Le Brocque
Research Officer: Greg Iselin
Research Assistant: Katherine Olsson
Research Assistant: Tahlee Marian
PhD Scholar: Catherine Eccleston
PhD Scholar: Alex DeYoung
PhD Scholar: Belinda Murray
PhD Scholar: Rachael Dunne
PhD Scholar: Rian Dob