Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Clinic

This project is developing a 3-D animated gamified mental-health program incorporating Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM-I). It is designed to therapeutically alter unhelpful negative thought patterns/cognitive distortions, which are arguably the hallmarks of and causal in mental health disorders. (Funded by Healthway)

Loneliness is toxic, and a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and disability worldwide that is predicted to reach epidemic proportions by 2030. Adolescents experience greater levels of loneliness than any other age group, and for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as ADHD, ASD and SLD, loneliness is more intense. This four-year longitudinal study of adolescents with NDDs will develop latent growth curve models to determine the predictors and outcomes of loneliness over the 10- to 18-year-old range. (Funded by ARC Discovery)

Loneliness contributes to catastrophic outcomes in many young people. This study will use structural modelling and machine learning to identify the key items from the Perth A-Loneness scale that predict such catastrophic outcomes. (Funded by Young Lives Matter Foundation, UWA)

Cumulative exposure to traumatic events can negatively affect the wellbeing of those called to respond to critical incidents and emergencies. This study will measure first responders’ engagement with the fires, and their wellbeing, resilience and need for and use of support services, as well as cultural and organisational factors that may affect their wellbeing. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council – MRFF scheme)

This longitudinal research examined screen use and mental health among 8- to 18-year olds over a three-year period. It identified multiple trajectories of depressive symptoms and established the reciprocal relationships between screen use and children’s and adolescents’ mental health and psychological wellbeing over the high-school period. (Funded by Healthway)

KooLKIDS is an interactive, multimedia, social, emotional learning program that incorporates a series of animated stories. The stories feature Okki the Octopus, who, while highly likeable, often engages in problematic behaviour and social interactions at school, and has difficulty managing his emotions. KooLKIDS activities are informed by three therapeutic frameworks: cognitive-behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, and a strengths-based approach. (Funded by ARC Discovery)

Mental disorders are the most common chronic disabling condition affecting children and adolescents today. Students with mental disorders have more absences from school, have lower levels of connectedness and engagement with their school work, and have poorer academic achievement. Young Minds Matter examined the impact mental health problems have on children and young people, and whether current services meet the needs of children and their families. (Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health)