The role of optimism in collaborative problem-solving in mathematics: Building problem solving capacity. Integration of psychological and educational approaches is the strength of this proposal. The notion that student optimism may be key to strengthening problem-solving capacity in mathematics is new and exciting. Creative thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical proficiency are surely critical resources for Australia's future. Understanding how these human resources are nurtured and enhance ....The role of optimism in collaborative problem-solving in mathematics: Building problem solving capacity. Integration of psychological and educational approaches is the strength of this proposal. The notion that student optimism may be key to strengthening problem-solving capacity in mathematics is new and exciting. Creative thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical proficiency are surely critical resources for Australia's future. Understanding how these human resources are nurtured and enhanced informs pedagogies to increase academic performance. Whilst providing pedagogical insights, this study also informs the building of adolescent well-being, and the stimulating of interest in mathematics in 'ideas workers' for Australia's future-three outcomes advantageous to Australian society and the economy. Read moreRead less
The Extinction Of Conditioned Fear And Its Implications For Cue Exposure Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,430.00
Summary
This project studies extinction of Pavlovian conditioned fear reactions in rats. Extinction of these reactions is an animal model for exposure therapy used in the treatment of anxiety disorders in people. In exposure therapy, the patient, aided by the clinician, confronts trauma-related cues in the absence of any overt danger. The intention of this therapy is to reduce the ability of the trauma-related cues to provoke the fear reactions that are undermining the patient's quality of life. In Pavl ....This project studies extinction of Pavlovian conditioned fear reactions in rats. Extinction of these reactions is an animal model for exposure therapy used in the treatment of anxiety disorders in people. In exposure therapy, the patient, aided by the clinician, confronts trauma-related cues in the absence of any overt danger. The intention of this therapy is to reduce the ability of the trauma-related cues to provoke the fear reactions that are undermining the patient's quality of life. In Pavlovian conditioning, subjects (typically rats) are exposed to a signaling relation between an initially neutral stimulus (e.g., a noise) and a feared outcome (e.g., foot shock). When later repeatedly exposed to the initially neutral but now feared stimulus (the noise) in the absence of the feared outcome, the fear reactions it acquired progressively decline until eventually it fails to elicit any such reactions. The fear reactions are said to have been extinguished. There has been significant progress in understanding the psychological processes and neural mechanisms underlying the acquisition of fear reactions, but much less is known about the processes and mechanisms underlying the extinction of these reactions. The project has two general objectives. The first is to determine the conditions of extinction training that promote long-term loss of fear reactions. The second objective is to determine how the brain controls this extinction of learned fear. Achieving these aims will be significant for two reasons. First, it will contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which animals (including people) learn to adjust their behaviour to bring it into line with the current relations that exist between events in the world. Second, it will provide important information about how such adjustment is facilitated or impaired across extinction training and, thereby, contribute towards understanding both the successes and failures of cue exposure therapy for fear-related disorders.Read moreRead less
Preventing Suicide In Young People: A Public Health Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Suicide is the leading cause of death in young Australians. This fellowship aims to lower risk for suicide by testing: a) whether improving the connectedness of adolescents in schools can improve help-seeking, b) whether parents can learn to recognise risk in their children, and c) whether school screening is an appropriate and effective strategy to reduce risk. Practical outcomes will be new programs for youth, new strategies for parents and a better integrated approach for Australian schools.
Externalising Behaviours In Young People: Predictors, Prevention And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
This Fellowship aims to reduce the burden associated with externalising behaviours (including aggression, violence, substance use, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)) among young people in Australia. This body of work will provide a comprehensive assessment of the predictors, prevention and treatment of externalising behaviours, so as to inform resource allocation and service delivery.
Pathways To Prevention: The Effectiveness Of Universal And Selective Prevention In Altering Developmental Pathways To Alcohol And Cannabis Related Harms In Young Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,967.00
Summary
This project will assess the potential long-term benefits for young Australians of two school-based drug prevention programs (Climate Schools and Preventure) compared to drug education as usual. This world-first study will inform national and international policy by evaluating whether prevention programs delivered in Year 8 are effective in reducing alcohol and cannabis related harms, including risk of aggression and violence, over the high risk period during young adulthood (ages 18-20).
A RCT Of Depression Prevention In Adolescents: The Future Proofing Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,183,738.00
Summary
Prevention is better than cure. Adolescence is when 50% of mental health problems emerge. We know we can prevent depression in 22% of young people at risk. However, the major problem is providing these prevention interventions easily and universally. Using 20,000 young people, this research aims to discover how to use smartphones to deliver prevention interventions in the real world, to improve prevention rates, and to determine the triggers associated with the onset of mental health problems.
Does a teacher-led mindfulness intervention improve student outcomes? This project aims to determine if improving teacher knowledge and practice of mindfulness in the classroom, can lead to better child attention and school functioning outcomes during the early primary school years. Mindfulness is an approach that aims to improve attention, self-regulation, mental health, and cognitive functioning. Expected outcomes include new knowledge as to whether mindfulness can be integrated into classroom ....Does a teacher-led mindfulness intervention improve student outcomes? This project aims to determine if improving teacher knowledge and practice of mindfulness in the classroom, can lead to better child attention and school functioning outcomes during the early primary school years. Mindfulness is an approach that aims to improve attention, self-regulation, mental health, and cognitive functioning. Expected outcomes include new knowledge as to whether mindfulness can be integrated into classroom practice, how to best implement it, student benefits and cost-effectiveness. Findings will inform schools as to whether this approach can support students in making a positive transition to primary school that can place them on positive academic and well-being pathways and lead to benefits in their adulthood.Read moreRead less
Suicide Prevention In Schools: A Social Connectedness Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$825,989.00
Summary
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians aged 15-24 years. This project will investigate the effectiveness of an intervention to promote help-seeking for suicidal behaviours in adolescence. Taking a whole school approach, peer leaders in 16 Australian high schools will receive training in the Sources of Strength program. The primary aim of the project is to determine whether peer leadership training and messaging improves help-seeking attitudes, intentions and behaviour for suicide.