Digital Commons Network^™

Cultural Capital And Underdevelopment In Less Developed Countries: The Case Of Northern Ghana, Jonas Quashie Klutsey, Kwadwo Adusei-Asante, Victor Fannam Nunfam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Development paradigms under the sustainable development goals (SDGs) identify cultural capital as an indispensable asset for development in less developed countries. However, the phenomenon of culture and underdevelopment nexus has attracted little research attention in Ghana. The study used modernization theory and ethnographic research methodology to explore the role of cultural capital deficits in northern Ghana's underdevelopment. Our findings suggest a close correlation between cultural capital and underdevelopment relative to unethical attitudinal standards, value deficits, and an anti-development mindset. We recommend the inclusion of cultural reorientation in the design of development intervention programs to uphold high integrity standards. We further …

The Experiential Salience Of Music In Identity For Singing Teachers, Melissa Forbes, Jason Goopy, Amanda E. Krause

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Professional musicians with strong identities in music may also have a high degree of music in their identities. Accordingly, a rigid identification with work may be problematic for musicians, particularly when forces beyond their control change their work circumstances. In this study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 singing teachers, representing a subset of professional musicians, and used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the ways in which they enacted music in their identities. The framework of musical identities in action was used to interpret the findings, revealing the dynamic, embodied, and situated complexity of music in participants’ identities. Music …

Are We Talking About The Same Thing? The Case For Stronger Connections Between Graduate And Worker Employability Research, Jos Akkermans, William E. Donald, Denise Jackson, Anneleen Forrier

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose and approach: This article presents the case for creating stronger connections between research on graduate and worker employability. We offer a narrative review of commonalities and differences between these research streams and offer thoughts and suggestions for further integration and mutual learning. Findings: We outline some of the main theories and concepts in the graduate and worker employability domains. Furthermore, we analyze how these show considerable overlap, though they have barely connected with each other yet. We also formulate an agenda for future research that would spur stronger connections between the fields. Finally, we turn to our fellow authors, …

Mental Health On The Go: Navigating Travel And Travel Eligibility, Fangli Hu, Jun Wen, Weng M. Lim, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The 21st century has seen tourists from various source markets significantly impacted by non-communicable diseases, including mental disorders. Yet, research and practice frequently overlook tourists with mental disorders. Building on Buckley’s discussion in the Journal of Travel Research about tourism and mental health, this study examines the travel eligibility of tourists diagnosed with four prevalent mental disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), schizophrenia, and dementia. We present preliminary recommendations for accommodating these tourists and highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts between stakeholders in tourism, hospitality, and medicine. © The Author(s) 2023.

Midline Brain Structures In Adult Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study, Mark Walterfang, Tsutomu Takahashi, Maria A. Di Biase, Vanessa L. Cropley, Daiki Sasabayashi, Michio Suzuki, Dennis Velakoulis, Christos Pantelis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: A range of neuropathological changes occur in the brains of individuals with adult Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC), a recessive disorder of cholesterol trafficking that results in accumulation of cholesterol and gangliosides in lysosomes, particularly in neurons. One of the most significant regions of grey matter loss occurs in the thalami, which abut the midline. What is not known is whether these are neurodevelopmental in origin well prior to symptomatic onset. We aimed to examine other markers of midline developmental anomalies in adults with NPC. Method: We examined the size of adhesio interthalamica (AI) and cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) …

Primary School Teachers’ Adaptations For Struggling Writers: Survey Study Of Grade 1 To 6 Teachers In Australia, Anabela Malpique, Deborah Pino-Pasternak, Debora Valcan, Mustafa Asil

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Two hundred ninety-eight primary teachers (88% female) from across all Australian states and territories reported on the frequency with which they implemented instructional adaptations for struggling writers in their classrooms. They also rated their preparation and self-efficacy for teaching writing. The majority of participating teachers indicated they provided additional instruction on spelling, capitalization and punctuation, and sentence construction at least once a week or more often. Teachers further reported implementing additional minilessons and reteaching strategies and skills, as well as extra instruction on grammar, handwriting, text structure, revising, and planning on a monthly basis or more often. The majority of …

Afghan Immigrants In Western Australia: Divisions Within The Community And Integration Within The Society, Omid Rezaei, Vicki Banham, Hossein Adibi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The integration process for immigrants is a multi-dimensional concept, influenced by a wide range of structural and individual factors, including social connections that immigrants make in the host society. An important part of this social connection can be developed with other co-nation immigrants within the immigrant community. However, this sometimes can be challenging due to the divisions that might exist within communities. Drawing on data with a mixed-method design, this study focuses on the Afghan community in Western Australia to understand, firstly, the relationship between Afghan immigrants’ social connections within their community and successful integration within Australian society, and secondly …

Mooditj–Indigenous Australian Sexuality Education Adapted For Hilltribe Youth Of Northern Thailand: Evaluation Of Delivery Through A Mixed-Methods Approach, Jordina Quain, Lorel Mayberry, Amanda Sibosado, Giselle Woodley, Jacqueline Hendriks

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

‘Mooditj' known as ‘good' or ‘solid knowledge’ in Noongar language based in Western Australian, is an impact evaluated sexuality education program developed in 2002 by Sexual Health Quarters after an extensive consultation process with WA First Nations populations. The program uses interactive activities designed to educate 11–14–year–old First Nations youth about sexual health, life and relationship skills. In conjunction with local and Indigenous leaders within hilltribe communities, Borderless Friendship Foundation (BFF) and Borderless Friendship WA (BFWA) adapted the Mooditj training program to a hilltribe youth audience. Hilltribe people are the Indigenous culture of Thailand, typically living in remote villages that …

Identifying And Promoting Qualitative Methods For Impact Assessment, Heidi Walker, Jenny Pope, Angus Morrison-Saunders, Alan Bond, Alan P. Diduck, A. John Sinclair, Brendan Middel, Francois Retief

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Qualitative methods for impact assessment (IA) represent a broad spectrum of approaches that are important for realising effective IA practice. The purpose of this paper is to identify and promote qualitative methods that are available for use in contemporary and future (next-generation) IA processes. From an extensive literature review, an international survey (145 responses), expert interviews (48 interviewees), and a workshop attended by 27 IA practitioners, 17 qualitative method categories were identified. These were further subdivided into three classes: conventional qualitative methods, highly participatory methods, and mixed methods. Each method is described, and an indication given of how each can …

Insights From A National Database For Programs Supporting Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Of Dementia In Australia, Mustafa Atee, Thomas Morris, Daniel Whiting, Stephen Macfarlane, Marie Alford

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Nursing/Midwifery Students' Perceptions Of Caring Pedagogy And Online Learning During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rikki Jones, Debra Jackson, Kylie Rice, Murray Fisher, Pauline Callega, Martin Hopkins, Caryn West, Pauletta Irwin, Shirley Mcgough, Lauretta Luck, Felicity Walker, Nicola Whiteing, Kim Usher

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This study aimed to gain a better understanding of nursing/midwifery students' perspectives on a pedagogy of caring and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it aimed to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students' perceptions and experience of online learning and students' desire to enter the nursing/midwifery workforce. Design: Mixed methods. Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey of Australian nursing and midwifery students was undertaken to explore students’ experience of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: There are several key findings from this study that may be relevant for the future delivery of undergraduate health education, students transitioning …

Relational Processes For Transformative Climate Justice Policymaking: Insights From A Western Australian Community Of Practice, Kylie Wrigley, Jaime Yallup Farrant, Brad Farrant, Emma Leigh Synnott, Jason Barrow, Naomi Joy Godden, Lucie O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article explores how relational approaches to policymaking across multiple levels and sectors of society might enable transformative climate justice. It draws on a unique case study from the state of Western Australia (WA), where climate justice is thwarted by the coloniality of climate politics and the hegemony of the fossil fuel industry. It examines the relational processes of a climate and health community of practice (CoP) in WA that involves people across the health sector, public service, non-government, and community. The CoP had an important role in enabling the WA Government’s public inquiry into climate change and health in …

Utilisation Of Simulation-Based Learning To Decrease Student Anxiety And Increase Readiness For Clinical Placements For Speech-Language Pathology Students, Teresa Petrich, Brennen Mills, Abigail Lewis, Sara Hansen, Emily Brogan, Natalie Ciccone

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To investigate the use of two versions of a simulation-based learning experience (SBLE) to decrease speech-language pathology (SLP) students’ anxiety and increase their confidence and sense of preparedness for clinical placements. Method: Two cohorts of third-year SLP students (n = 33) participated in a mixed-methods study with each cohort completing one version of the SBLE. Participants completed pre- and post-program quantitative ratings of anxiety, confidence, and preparedness for clinical placements and participated in focus groups. Three clinical educators also provided qualitative data in debriefs and interviews. Result: Significant decreases in student ratings of anxiety, and increases in confidence and …

The Impact Of Positive And Negative Psychological Affect And Overconfidence From Major Family Events On New Venture Survival, Pi-Shen Seet, Wee-Liang Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper investigates how family events interacting with entrepreneurs’ psychological affect and overconfidence impact new venture viability. We use panel data from the Australian Household, Income and Labor Dynamics survey, focusing on family event-induced psychological affect entrepreneurs experience as a predictor of new venture survival. Our accelerated failure time model shows that although negative family events interact with entrepreneur overconfidence to spur cautious behaviour, positive events interacting with overconfidence have the biggest impact (negative) on new ventures. The study enhances our understanding of the embeddedness of family in the entrepreneurial process and challenges past research by revealing how positive family …

Enablers And Barriers Of Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Informal Carers: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review, Charunya Amilani Kumarihami Rambukwella Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage, Beverley Ewens, Aisling Smyth, Joanne Dickson, Seng Giap Marcus Ang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Informal carers are an integral part of any health care system. However, provision of informal care is associated with caregiver burden and decreased wellbeing. Mindfulness programs can reduce caregiving burden and improve wellbeing among informal carers, but they face challenges when participating in face-to-face programs. Studies have explored the effects of online delivery of mindfulness programs for informal carers. However, the enablers and barriers for participation are not well understood. This review aimed to synthesise the evidence and provide a comprehensive understanding of the enablers and barriers to participation in online mindfulness programs among this population. Methods: A mixed-methods …

Evaluating The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance And Suboptimal Health Status Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluating The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance And Suboptimal Health Status Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Leilei Yu, Weiting Liu, Jingzheng Wang, Ziyao Jin, Ruoyu Meng, Zhiyuan Wu, Yuanyuan Zheng, Zheng Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Occupational stress is a common complaint in nurses, who perceived more sense of effort-reward imbalance (ERI). Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a state between health and disease. However, the correlation between ERI and SHS is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of SHS and ERI and evaluate the relationship between ERI and SHS in clinical nurses by a cross-sectional study. Material and Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey at Dongping People's Hospital in China. A total of 633 completed surveys were received. Effort-reward imbalance was measured by subscales …

Kids, Courts And Canines: Evaluating The Justice Facility Dog Program Through A Therapeutic Lens In The Perth Children's Court, Suzanne Rock, Natalie Gately

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Court environments can be stressful and induce anxiety in victims, witnesses, and other court users. Taking heed from justice facilities in other jurisdictions, the Children's Court of Western Australia introduced Winston, a justice facility dog, at the Perth Children's Court facility to help reduce the stress and anxiety of victims, witnesses, and court users. This article presents survey (n = 55) and interview data (n = 17) from staff and stakeholders who reported positive changes in the court atmosphere, with limited negative impacts on the running of the court. Surveys were also conducted with child victims/survivors (n = 13), caregivers …

Learning Collective Care To Support Young Climate Justice Advocates, Kylie Wrigley, Georgia Beardman, Jaime Yallup Farrant, Naomi Joy Godden, Caleb Faulkner Hill, Emma Heyink, Eva Carot Collins, Hannah Davies, Shelby Robinson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Young people mitigate their climate distress, develop their efficacy, and contribute to the effectiveness of climate movements through activism. However, they are often excluded from adult-led climate movements and exposed to a number of risks when they do participate. In this context, this participatory action research study draws on multiple care theories to offer collective care praxis through which adults and young people might co-create more care-full and safe climate justice movements capable of supporting, sustaining, and sharing power with young people. The study examines how 13 young and three adult co-researchers learned about and applied collective care through a …

The Experience Of Occupational Therapists And Physiotherapists Using A Prototype, Evidence-Informed Online Knowledge Translation Resource To Learn About Patient-Defined, Personally-Meaningful Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Katrina J. Liddiard, Annette J. Raynor, Cary A. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Chronic pain is a complex biopsychosocial experience, and rehabilitation helps people to manage pain, and restore valued life roles. Evidence suggests that more positive outcomes occur when clients perceive their rehabilitation to be meaningful. People with chronic pain describe rehabilitation as personally-meaningful when they develop a genuine connection with a credible therapist who they see as a guiding partner, and when rehabilitation holds personal value, is self-defined, and relevant to their sense of self-identity. This paper presents a qualitative study of therapists’ experience using an e-learning package on patient-defined, personally-meaningful rehabilitation. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to …

Traumatok - Tiktok Videos Relating To Trauma: Content Analysis, Alix Woolard, Rigel Paciente, Emily Munro, Nicole Wickens, Gabriella Wells, Daniel Ta, Joelie Mandzufas, Karen Lombardi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Experiencing a traumatic event can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being. Social media platforms offer spaces for sharing stories, seeking support, and accessing psychoeducation. TikTok (ByteDance), a rapidly growing social media platform, is increasingly used for advice, validation, and information, although the content of this requires further study. Research is particularly needed to better understand TikTok content relating to trauma and the potential implications for young viewers, considering the distressing nature of the subject and the possibility of users experiencing vicarious trauma through exposure to these videos. Objective: This study aims to explore the content of trauma-related videos on …

Summary Of Epidemiology, Prevention And Management Of Blood-Borne Viruses Experienced By Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This Summary is based on the Review of epidemiology, prevention and management of blood-borne viruses experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (2024).

It aims to provide a synthesis of key information on blood-borne viruses (BBVs) experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, focusing primarily on hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.

It covers: the historical, social and cultural context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and BBVs the extent of BBVs, including incidence, prevalence, health service utilisation, hospitalisation, mortality, and burden of disease prevention and management of BBVs relevant programs, …

Factors Affecting Clinician Readiness To Adopt Smart Home Technology For Remote Health Monitoring: Systematic Review, Gordana Dermody, Daniel Wadsworth, Melissa Dunham, Courtney Glass, Roschelle Fritz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The population of older adults worldwide continues to increase, placing higher demands on primary health care and long-term care. The costs of housing older people in care facilities have economic and societal impacts that are unsustainable without innovative solutions. Many older people wish to remain independent in their homes and age in place. Assistive technology such as health-assistive smart homes with clinician monitoring could be a widely adopted alternative to aged-care facilities in the future. While studies have found that older persons have demonstrated a readiness to adopt health-assistive smart homes, little is known about clinician readiness to adopt …

Queering Apocalyptic Methodologies: Enacting The Utopian Performative Through Extended Reality Artwork, Cassandra Tytler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper takes its cue from Koro and Wolgemuth's conceptual writing on Apocalyptic Methodologies as an extended prompt to enact the utopian performative as a form of generative Queer Ecopedagogy. A utopian performative is the performance of future potential that critiques our present political moment, highlighting that the present is not enough. The paper offers a troubling of "nature"and place, in its suggestion that digital space can be a refuge for EE practice. It looks to virtual reality as a realm used to create space free from the constraints of colonial history or normative prescriptions of the non/human binary. The …

Young Student’S Views Of Naplan: Impact On Wellbeing Through Drawn Responses, Pauline Roberts, Lennie Barblett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Standardized testing of academic knowledge is common in many developed countries. In Australia, the process implemented is the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The stand-alone tests were introduced in 2008 for several educational and political reasons, and since that time, the results of this assessment have been used beyond their initial purpose and brought about an unintended consequence of making the tests high-stakes. The pressure of these assessments has the potential to impact student’s wellbeing, but little research has been done in this area and even less where the student’s perspectives are considered. This research examined the …

Dismantling Pervasive Gender Stereotypes In Healthcare Leadership Contexts With An Ecological Systems Theory Approach, Andrei A. Lux, Nasim Salehi, Diarmuid Hurley, Elizabeth Emanuel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Leadership emergence is fraught with pervasive gender stereotypes, and women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles, particularly in healthcare organisations. We apply ecological systems theory to explain how environmental factors enable or inhibit women’s leadership emergence in healthcare settings. We interviewed 17 senior female leaders in the Australian healthcare sector to explore how gender-related perceptions affected their leadership journeys. Five themes emerged that challenge existing narratives: men supported women’s advancement; women impeded other women’s progress; vulnerability was a leadership strength; ambitious women were ostracised; and women were ‘given’ leadership opportunities rather than actively pursuing them. By situating these findings within …

A Taste Of Research: Preliminary Insights From An Undergraduate Research Training Cadetship Project In A Western Australian University Offering Experiences Outside The Classroom, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Kristina Kendall, Tenielle Porter, Brianna Fleay, Shelley Beatty, Ruth Wallace

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper assessed the impact of a Student Research Cadetship Program aimed at providing undergraduate students with extracurricular research opportunities within the School of Medical & Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University. This preliminary evaluation, comprising two studies, explored the outcomes, benefits, and challenges experienced by students and academic staff. Study 1 analysed outputs from cadetship projects between 2016-2023 (n= 80 students; 42 academics). Notably, cadets contributed to over 60 research outputs, with 30% of cadets transitioning to postgraduate studies following competition of the program. Study 2 focused specifically on the 2023 program, highlighting positive impacts on academic staff and …

The Living Room Peer Support Training: Leading The Way In Unlocking Mental Health Benefits For University Students In Peer-Led Service Models In Higher Education, Amanda L. Cole, Dawn Reid

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper presents the development and execution of a specialised university training program designed to support Peer Support Advisors (PSAs) within The Living Room: a low-barrier peer-led mental health service. The primary objective was to investigate the training program's impact on the knowledge and attitudes of PSAs. Two questionnaires were administered: a pre-training questionnaire to establish participants' initial attitudes and knowledge levels, and a post-training questionnaire to assess any changes following completion of the program. Additionally, a feedback questionnaire was used to gather qualitative insights on the training experience. The integration of qualitative narrative accounts with quantitative data facilitated a …

Characterization Of Pain In Lipedema: Reliability And Validity Of Pain Pressure Thresholds And Hand-Held Sphygmomanometer Assessments In People With Lipedema, Francesco Bettariga, Luca Fumagalli, Daniele Aloisi, Luca Maestroni, Sara Mantovani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue, leading to pain. The lack of internationally recognized diagnostic criteria complicates the characterization of pain. Physiological parameters such as pain pressure threshold (PPT) represent promising prognostic markers for diagnosing lipedema, yet they remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of two pain pressure measurements, PPT and the hand-held sphygmomanometer (HHS) in lipedema. Methods: A total of 28 adult females diagnosed with lipedema were recruited. Both PPT, using a digital algometer, and HHS, using a manual aneroid HHS, were performed to assess pain …

Reconciliation Post-Referendum: What's Next For Universities?, Yohann Devezy, Braden Hill, Martin Nakata

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2024, National Reconciliation Week’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” serves as a poignant reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue unabated. Despite the devastating referendum result, the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES remain dedicated to renewed commitment, deeper dialogue, and stronger action to achieve meaningful progress towards better outcomes for First Nations people (Reconciliation Australia, 2024). Universities have a critical responsibility in reconciliation as places of learning that shape future leaders and the workforce. Through education, research, and community engagement, universities are uniquely positioned to address historical …

Icts Influence On Knowledge Sharing In Higher Education: A Pre-Ai Systematic Literature Review, Nirved Kumar, Elizabeth J. Cook, Sehkar Fayda-Kinik, Lela Maisuradze

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Digital transformation, through innovation in information and communication technologies (ICTs), impacts higher education (HE) and fosters knowledge sharing (KS). While research explores the implications of digital transformation in HE, its specific influence on KS remains understudied. This systematic literature review investigates the nexus between ICTs and KS in HE by examining peer-reviewed literature prior to the AI boom. Three databases were searched, yielding 473 journal articles, which were screened, eligibility checked and assessed for quality and relevance to predetermined research questions. Eighteen eligible empirical studies were analysed, revealing ICTs influence on KS across university functions: teaching-learning, governance/operations and research. Retrospectively, …