PROJECT
Mindfulness in clinical psychology
Is mindfulness for everyone?
Mindfulness practice has gained considerable regard in psychology with different mindfulness techniques designed to help people with anxiety, depression, bipolar etc. Although the empirical study of mindfulness has increased exponentially in the last decade, more research is needed to establish its efficacy with academic confidence.
This research will focus on the effects of mindfulness on emotional processing including: emotional reactivity emotional regulation; emotional awareness (alexithymia), in both in clinical and non-clinical samples.
For more background information see the suggested readings below.
Some of the proposed questions to address are:
- how much mindfulness is enough? (Dosage effect)
- isn’t mindfulness just a complex relaxation technique? (Agent of change)
- would any mindfulness technique have the same effect? (Type of mindfulness)
- is mindfulness for everyone? (Dispositional mindfulness)
- Suggested readings
Research team leader: Associate Professor Rodrigo Becerra
I am a Clinical Psychologist with interest in emotions and psychopathology. My research focuses on the assessment and therapy for emotional difficulties in a variety of diagnoses (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, etc.). Intervention for emotion dysregulation, reactivity, and/or awareness is a growing and promising field within clinical psychology. In our clinic at UWA, we are testing new assessment measures and therapeutic programs aimed at improving regulatory skills.
How to apply
Interested in becoming part of this project? Complete the following steps to submit your expression of interest:
Step 1 - Check criteria
General UWA PhD entrance requirements can be found on the Future Students website.
Step 2 - Submit enquiry to research team leader
Step 3 - Lodge application
After you have discussed your project with the research team leader, you should be in a position to proceed to the next step of the UWA application process: Lodge an application. Different application procedures apply to domestic and international students.
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