Areas of Excellence

The following information is an extract of the ReCAP 2006 Annual Report outlining the targeted areas of research excellence for the School of Psychology in 2006.

1. Childhood and adolescent mental health
The area of childhood and adolescent mental health continues to be a priority area within ReCAP. As a result of the success in this area, a sub-group of ReCAP was nominated as a Curtin University tier centre, PsyLIFE. This broad topic has been targeted for grant support and has been very successful in drawing in research funds. Notable achievements and ongoing projects in this area for the year 2006 include:

i) The characteristics of childhood psychopathology
There are multiple initiatives on the overlap between different childhood disorders

Collaboration by Professor Jan Piek, Professor David Hay, (Adjunct) Professor Joe Sergeant and Associate Professor Jaap Oosterlaan continues with the Free University of Amsterdam through an ARC International Linkage grant on the relationship between ADHD and DCD (Developmental Co-ordination Disorder). This work focuses on both the neuropsychological and the genetic overlap between these conditions.

Professor Murray Dyck (now at Griffith University), in collaboration with Professor Jan Piek, is conducting research to identify the specific ability profiles that characterise different childhood disorders such as DCD and ADHD. This research, originally funded by an NHMRC project grant, is utilizing fMRI to investigate the neural structures implicated in these comorbidities.

ii) Implications for clinical practice and molecular genetics
Professor David Hay, in collaboration with Dr Florence Levy, is studying ADHD and comorbidity. Their work with Washington University, St Louis, has led to a $US2.4M grant from the US National Institute for Mental Health. This grant will enable the researchers to study the genetics of a very specific subtype of ADHD they have identified with very strong and disruptive inattention symptoms. Curtin will provide the clinical identification of family members for this study and the Queensland Institute for Medical Research will provide the molecular work.

iii) Diffusion and dissemination of the Aussie Optimism mental health program in an educational setting
Assoc Professor Clare Roberts, Dr Bob Kane, Dr Yolanda Pintabona, Professor Donna Cross (ECU), Professor Steve Zubrick and Professor Sven Silburn (Curtin Centre for Developmental Health) continue to work on this project in collaboration with the WA Departments of Health - Office of Mental Health and Department of Education.

iv) The effectiveness of the Positive Thinking Skills program in preventing internalising problems in 8-9 year old children
Dr Rosie Rooney, Assoc Professor Clare Roberts, Dr Robert Kane, Dr Monique Nesa, Professor Sven Silburn (Centre for Developmental Health) and Assoc Professor Liz Pike (ECU) continue with follow-up assessments concerning the efficacy of a school-based universal program for preventing depression and anxiety.

v) Biomechanical and physiological responses of children and young adults to different computer workstations
Professor Clare Pollock is part of a multidisciplinary team examining optimising computer use in the classroom while avoiding physical stress. The project draws together staff from physiotherapy, human movement, medicine and psychology, and is supported by a NHMRC Project Grant.

2. Work place safety

The evaluation of safe work cultures and behaviours is a growing field of research and one that ReCAP supports through the work of Professor Clare Pollock and her colleagues. Professor Clare Pollock is currently part of a collaborative research team with staff from Curtin and the University of Queensland looking at the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in the coal industry. Professor Pollock's contribution is to look at the impact of safety culture and team process on the success of the intervention.