Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Exploring The Notion Of Emotional Attachment In Orford's Model Of Addiction : Review, And A Step Towards Operationalising Orford's Concept Of Strong Attachment In Addiction : A Qualitative Study, Kate E. Baily

Theses : Honours

Orford's (2001) notion that a strong emotional attachment to an object (drug) or activity (gambling) is a central component of addiction has received little empirical attention. The published research on attachment to inanimate objects was reviewed and led to the following conclusions. First, attachment theory has been validly applied to people's relationships with inanimate objects. Second, researchers have developed technologies (e.g., psychological measures, operational definitions) to enable empirical research in this area. Third, this research is in its early phases, but has produced reliable standardised measures of people's emotional attachment to brands. Further research is needed to operationalise Orford's (2001) …

Outcome Evaluation Of The School Drug Education Project: Final Report Presented To The School Drug Education And Road Aware Project, Therese Shaw, Margaret Hall, Donna Cross, Hamilton Greg

Research outputs pre 2011

In 2002, Curtin University's Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion Research provided a report which explored the feasibility of a range of options to evaluate the impact of the School Drug Education Project (SDEP) on students' drug use, perceptions of drug-related harm and attitudes towards drug use. Given the difficulties of achieving a prospective design, this proposal recommended comparing retrospective measures of SDEP participation, level of SDEP training and dose of SDEP implementation with Years 8-12 student drug-related outcome data collected from four large Western Australian studies conducted somewhat concurrently with the School Drug Education Project.

It was hypothesised that …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of/In Transformation : An Embodied And Creative Exploration Of Therapeutic Change Through Psychophonetics Psychotherapy, Robin I. Steele

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

A review of recent literature on therapeutic change reveals a growing body of research which focuses on what works from the client’s point of view in facilitating positive change. This longitudinal study addresses the need for further research into the meanings of therapeutic change itself, especially as lived from the client’s perspective.

Impact Of Extra-Curricular Activities On Adolescents' Connectedness And Cigarette Smoking: Annual Report, Donna Cross, Greg Hamilton, Rob Mcgee, Margaret Hall

Research outputs pre 2011

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of preventable death in Australia, killing approximately 19,000 people every year.⁸ Up to 90% of smokers begin smoking by 18 years of age.^9,10 In spite of the obvious public health burden, current approaches have led to very modest decreases in adolescent smoking in the past 10 years. ¹¹ The Smoking Cessation for Youth Project (SCYP)⁴ was a cluster randomised control trial that resulted in lower cigarette smoking among Year 10 students who received a harm minimisation intervention over two years. This project also led to the identification of connectedness as a …

Trans-Adaption Of Successful Cigarette Smoking Intervention To Randomised School-Based Cannabis Intervention Trial, Child Health Promotion Unit, Edith Cowan University

Research outputs pre 2011

Despite the emergence of cannabis use as a public health issue of significance in the 21st Century, no school-based interventions specifically addressing cannabis use have been reported in the literature. The prevalence of adolescent cannabis use has risen during the 1990s while the age of onset has decreased. This three-year trial seeks to trans-adapt a successful school-based cigarette smoking program underpinned by harm minimisation (HM) theory (including abstinence messages), into a school-based cannabis intervention trial. This innovative intervention will be compared to the largely abstinence-based drug use prevention activities currently used in W A. The first and second years of …

Perceptions Of Psychological Injury In The Workplace, Richard Merrett

Theses : Honours

Work-related psychological injury has not only increased as a percentage of all injuries but also accounts for the greatest cost, both in duration of lost time and financially (National Occupational Health & Safety Commission [NOHSC], 2001; NOHSC, 2002). There are two major explanations as to why this might be. One explanation is that stigmatisation of psychological injury has reduced, resulting in increased reporting (Manton, 2004). The other major explanation is that workplaces are becoming more stressful environments, resulting in increased levels of psychological injury to employees (Kenny & Cooper, 2003). This review will investigate those potentially influential factors that relate …

Substance Using Women : The Social Meaning Of Substance Use For Using Women And The Negotiation Of Identities, H. Suzanne Mackeith

Theses : Honours

This thesis is framed as an inquiry into the attitudes and experiences of women to their use of psychoactive substances and the contribution that use makes to their construction of gendered identities and meanings they derive from their use. The thesis also explores how these meanings relate to, and contrast or concur with, wider social attitudes relating to ‘feminine’ identity, issues of resistance and control, self control, happiness, independence and dependence, social roles and relationships, risk-taking and safety. The thesis aims to contribute to feminist understandings concerning substance use and to add a feminist interpretative voice to the alcohol, tobacco …

Creating Art Psychotherapy Training In Australia, John Henzell

'INSCAPE' - ARTCAP November 13-16, 2003

No abstract provided.

Inscape : Symposium Concerning The Arts In Psychotherapy, Deidre Gorrie

'INSCAPE' - ARTCAP November 13-16, 2003

No abstract provided.

Spirituality And Therapy : Reflecting On The Role Of The Therapist, George E. Trippe

'INSCAPE' - ARTCAP November 13-16, 2003

Following on from the conversation in the public forum at the ARTCAP Symposium, I want to reflect briefly on the role of the therapist, in the therapeutic encounter, in the client’s development of his or her spirituality. I assert that the therapeutic encounter is a spiritual process that serves the development of the spirituality of the client. This is in no way a denial of the clinical nature of our therapeutic work, but an attempt to place clinical methods, strategies, insights and practices in a larger, more comprehensive framework of a deep and transformative spiritual process.

Surely I Am In The Wrong Place?, Holly Edworthy

'INSCAPE' - ARTCAP November 13-16, 2003

No abstract provided.

The Greatest Mystery, Katherine Papas

'INSCAPE' - ARTCAP November 13-16, 2003

No abstract provided.

Feelings & The Therapeutic Encounter/Alliance, Emma Condon

'INSCAPE' - ARTCAP November 13-16, 2003

No abstract provided.

Art Irritates Life-- And Vice Versa : An Exploration Of The Nature Of Dance And Its Effect On The Psychological Well-Being Of Ballet And Contemporary Dancers, Veronica Shum

Theses : Honours

Research into the psychology of theatrical dancers has indicated that as a group, dancers may be a high-risk population for psychological disorders. The majority of this research however, has only sampled ballet dancers. In consideration of the fact that contemporary dance is philosophically and aesthetically different from ballet, it is proposed that the experience of contemporary dancers may be different from that of ballet dancers and thus their psychological experience and potential problems may also be different. It is suggested, therefore, that results from studies on ballet dancers may not generalize to contemporary dancers. In support of this proposition, the …

The Psychological Impact Of Companion Animals For Older Adults Who Reside Alone, Tess Reed

Theses : Honours

Companion animals have been identified as improving the physical and emotional health of some older adults (Collis & McNicholas, 1998). This qualitative study explored the psychological impact of owning a cat or a dog for persons aged 65 or older who resided alone. Nine participants, two male and seven female, were recruited through local media advertisements in the Guildford area to participate in a semi-structured interview about their relationship with their pet. Following transcription the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis (Aronson, 1994). Four major themes emerged with participants reporting their pets provided satisfaction that impacted on several areas …

The Lived Experience Of Men With A Postnatally Depressed Partner, Colela M. Browning

Theses : Honours

The aim of this study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of men living with a partner who has postnatal depression (PND). Family systems theory was used to provide a framework within which to evaluate men's relationships with immediate and extended family members. A semi-structured interview was used to understand the experiences and perceptions of seven men with partners who had PND. Schweitzer's (1997) phenomenological approach was used to explicate meaning and extract themes from the interview transcripts. Six major themes were identified from the data. These included changes in the division of labour, issues of self, altered family …

'Bringing You Up To Speed' Challenges Of A Mother Using Amphetamines : A Case Study, Derek Bilton

Theses : Honours

The purpose of the current study was to explore the challenges of parenting from the perspective of a woman who uses amphetamines. The types of parenting challenge that arise as a direct result of both intoxication and a drug using lifestyle were examined. The study also investigated the types of coping strategies that the participant adopted in meeting her parenting challenges in conjunction with the factors that aided and impeded her preferred method of responding. The study extends onto the existing literature by drawing a participant from a non-clinical setting. The participant was recruited from word of mouth field recruitment. …

A Study Of The Cultural Appropriateness Of Service Delivery Models In The Australian Mental Health System, Mong L. Connell

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study is an attempt to examine the cultural appropriateness of the mental health system in relation to the Vietnamese refugee community in Australia. Culture and mental health, as widely acknowledged in the field of transcultural psychiatry, are closely linked. No aspect of the diagnosis or treatment methods can be justified without reference to the cultural traditions of the mental health system and the client. In a country like Australia, where multiculturalism is a dominant feature of the society, the need is even greater in incorporating culture into every aspect of the mental health system, if it desires to provide …

Like A Banana Tree : Towards A Model Of Children In Disasters : An Exploration Of An Anthropological Problem, Jennie Anne Ricarda Marten

Theses : Honours

There is currently an emerging literature on the anthropology of disasters, and also an emergent literature on the new anthropology of childhood and children. Despite an extensive search, no significant body of literature on the anthropology of children in natural event based disasters could be found. A central focus of this thesis will be interrogate this gap through a documentary search, to ascertain what factors might influence the absence of children in the anthropology of disasters. To achieve this, the study defines and conceptualizes both the anthropology of disasters and the anthropology of children. Recent research shows that children are …

Dual Disorders And Implications For Assessment And Treatment, Eva Rosada

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Part 1: Literature review. This review of the published literature examines the consequences for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder and chronic mental illness in traditional treatment systems that provide separate mental health and substance use treatment and identifies barriers to effective service delivery. Barriers to effective assessment and treatment are related to a lack of integration of treatments, a Jack of networking among services, and a failure to identify and assess adequately for the presence of a dual disorder. The attitude of professionals towards DD individuals is indicated as a potential barrier. Professional education in dual disorders is emphasized …

How General Practitioners And Aged Care Workers Perceive Incidences Of Elder Abuse, Paul Howrie

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

As the Australian population is expanding and ageing, there is an associated need for a focus to be placed on the Individual rights of elderly people, and for the general populus to be made more aware of areas related to our older generation. Elder abuse, as an area of concern, developed as an offshoot of investigations into child abuse and general domestic violence, and initially surfaced in the 1970s and 80s. Some sections of the medical profession were made specifically aware of the problem initially in 1975, through a letter that was sent to the British Medical Journal. However, throughout …

Auditory Hallucinations And The Presence Of Depression In Chronic Schizophrenia, Julie Proctor

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This exploratory study examined the predictive relationship among the dimensions of auditory hallucinations and the presence of depression in chronic schizophrenia. Forty seven out-patients from the Inner City Community Mental Health Service participated, all of whom had a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia and reported experiencing auditory hallucinations. The measures included the Calgary Rating Scale fur Schizophrenia, the Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale, the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire and three questions relating to insight into auditory hallucinations from the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight-Expanded Edition. Consistent with other reports, the present study found a prevalence of depressive symptoms in over 40% …

Experiences Of Mental Health Consumers : An Exploratory Qualitative Study Of Expectations And Perceptions Of Mental Health Services In Western Australia, Dawn Anne Barrett

Theses : Honours

The National Mental Health Strategy was launched in 1992 and endorsed Consumer-provider collaboration as an integral part or mental health service delivery in Australia. Feedback on services is generally elicited through evaluation of existing services. Rather than being than evaluative study or existing services this qualitative project explored the experience of being a mental health consumer within the framework of the consumer’s expectations and perceptions of service delivery in Western Australia. One male and seven females, aged between 22-55 participated in the study. Several themes and sub-themes under the broad headings of expectations. Experiences. Perceptions emerged. The themes highlighted consumers …

An Identification Of The Core Variables That Assist People Diagnosed With Mental Illness In A Time Of Transition, Robyn M. Martin

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study has sought to identify the core variables or factors that are utilised by people with a diagnosis of mental illness in a time of transition. The specific transition involved study participants exiting a non government community mental health agency. The variables of interest are those that assist individuals to cope during this time of change and transition. The specific transition involves participants leaving or exiting from a non government mental health agency that provides community based, psychosocial support. The study topic is located in the context of a formalised mental health system in the process of changing from …

Art And Body Image : A Journey Through Anorexia Nervosa And The Implications For Art Therapy Rituals, Peta Horrex

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis examines the experience of body image and self image are for a sufferer with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Themes and symbols are explored and interpreted in art work that was produced in six session of individual art therapy. The sessions were designed to deal with issues and problems that had been discussed previously, or that became relevant during each session. The study is conducted from an interpretive perspective. It concentrates on the transference of the internal unconscious in the artwork created by, Michelle, who suffers from anorexia nervosa. The interpretation is from a western art therapy and …

General Practitioners And Depression In Older Adult Males : Ageism, Physical Problems And Treatment, Gary M. Duggan

Theses : Honours

Depression in older adults can have fatal consequences if undetected and not treated. Comparisons of studies are difficult because of the lack of methodical consistency. The literature is reviewed with regard to the definition, prevalence, consequences, recognition, treatment and prognosis of depression in relation to general practitioners (GPs) and with particularly regard to elderly males. The research indicates poor recognition and treatment of depression in older adults, despite the research indicating that older adults have a similar prognosis as younger adults, when the depression is treated. Factors influencing the detection of depression are included.

The Art Of Healing : A Journey Through Cancer : Implications For Art Therapy, Carmen Zammit

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis is designed to investigate how art assisted in the healing process of a person suffering from a life threatening illness. The research method used is a clinical case study. This study is a form of evaluative research, a systematic data-based inquiry concerning the participant's engagement with art in her healing process, a process which unfolds as being both life affirming and spiritually enriching. This case study takes a qualitative approach, with its emphasis on the participant's own account of her behaviour. The participant is a fifty-three year old woman, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, who was diagnosed with multiple …

Colour Perception: A Phenomenological Study Into People's Spontaneous Physical, Psychological, Emotional And Spiritual Reactions, Through Experiential Use, To Colour, Nicolette Smith

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The predominance of colour as a therapy is becoming more apparent in our culture at present. It is a well-known fact, which has been thoroughly documented, that colour affects our senses in many ways and on many levels. Colour is considered to possess a healing element. A phenomenological study will be conducted to investigate people's spontaneous physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual reactions to colour. This will be explored through the experiential use of colour by the participants. The use of a pre-test questionnaire, post-test questionnaires, observation and de-briefing will be the main research instruments. A pilot study will be used …

The Meaning Of Quality In Living Service Environments: An Analysis Of The Experiences Of People With Disabilities, Elderly People And Service Workers, Ruth Marquis

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of both people with disabilities and elderly people and to identify their perceptions of quality as it relates to living in a service or being supported by a service to live in the community. The study was naturalistic in design and used a phenomenological approach and inductive analysis. It involved immersion in living services for a two year period, in-depth interviews with people living and working in services and participant observation. Fifty service users between the ages of twenty-one and ninety-six, and twenty-six service workers between the ages of twenty-six …

The Mirror Within: An Art Therapy Research Project Identifying The Links Between Anorexia Nervosa, Object Relations And The Potential Role Of Art As The Transitional Object, Bronwen Gray

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research focuses on the use of art therapy with female teenage clients suffering from anorexia nervosa. The aim was to undertake a pilot study that would establish whether art therapy could assist in identifying anorexic clients' ego boundary delineations using an object relations framework (That is, either enmeshed, inter related or isolated). Utilising Elkisch's picture analysis procedure, client art works were analysed by contrasting positive and negative characteristics as a way of gaining insight into the client's boundary delineation cognition. Five female subjects aged between thirteen and sixteen, who were taking part in the eating disorders program, located in …