Third-generation responses to holocaust video-testimony

This research investigated responses of grandchildren of Holocaust survivors ("third generation") to Holocaust video-testimony. The analysis revealed that video-testimony can transmit memories of survival experiences to viewers, enabling them to "work through" their positions as witnesses and make active decisions relating to remembrance.

The neuroanatomical correlates of subjective wellbeing following head injury

The thesis found results supporting the involvement of the Right Frontal area of the brain in the subjective wellbeing (SWB) of individuals. Additional results suggested SWB is dependent upon Core Affect, itself dependent upon the Right Parietal area of the brain. These results provide evidence that SWB and Core Affect are based upon a neurological substrate. The portfolio investigated the association between chronic medical conditions and anxiety disorders, and how the occurence of anxiety issues can affect overall psychological adjustment to illness.

A hypothesised model of disordered eating in overweight women

This thesis found that predicted risk factors for disordered eating were similar for overweight and non-overweight women. However, overweight women reported more stigmatisation and body shame, had a higher risk for developing an eating disorder, and were twice as likely to be diagnosed with a subclinical/clinical eating disorder than non-overweight women. The portfolio presents four case studies demonstrating the considerations and challenges of psychologically assessing and treating individuals with chronic health conditions.

Readiness to change a problem behaviour : a conceptual framework

The thesis study aims to develop a model of readiness to enter treatment to change problem behaviour by addressing the limitations of previous models. The research shows that a model consisting of personal and social factors, mediated by problem recognition and desire for help accurately assesses readiness to enter treatment. The portfolio examines the broad framework of the Multifactor Offender Readiness Model (MORM) which assesses an offender's readiness to engage in treatment. Four case studies are presented.

Meaning in life during midlife development

The thesis findings revealed midlife adults see meaning in life as comprising life philosophy / value, and purpose / reason, which guide and direct, and help to make sense of and cope with life. These aspects of life meaning are relevant but add unique contributions to a more global sense of meaning in life. The clinical portfolio explores the role of play in psychotherapy with children. Four case studies illustrate various ways in which play can be incorporated into therapeutic practice according to the child client's circumstances.

The processes through which Affect infuses judgements of subjective well-being

This thesis clarifies the processing routes through which Affect can influence global subjective well-being, and reveals that the strength of these processing routes is moderated by dispositional factors. This has important implications that furthers understanding in the field of subjective well-being. The portfolio focuses on the client characteristics that are indicated to be influential upon the effectiveness, and thus the suitability of cognitive behavioural therapy. Four case studies are presented which illustrate how the suitability of CBT can be influenced by client factors.

An investigation of the influences on children's active free-play

This research examined the influences on children's (6-12 years) active free-play. The findings suggest that there are a number of strategies that focus on individual, social and physical environmental factors that have the potential to be successful in creating opportunities for children to be physically active in their free-time.

Factors influencing the impact of secondary exposure to trauma

The research found significant relationships between secondary exposure to client trauma and symptoms associated with secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma in a sample of community mental health clinicians. The research supports developmental conceptualisations of the relationships between these constructs and burnout, and identifies potential individual vulnerability and protective factors. The portfolio explores the impact of childhood maltreatment from an attachment theory perspective. Four clinical cases are presented illustrating the clinical relevance of the impact of childhood maltreatment and attachment disturbance, and the complexities associated with current attachment classification systems and differential diagnosis.

Subjective Wellbeing as an affective construct

This thesis quantifies the normative characteristics of Subjective Wellbeing amongst Australian high-school age students using the Personal Wellbeing Index adapted for school children. No previous study has undertaken this task. The results confirm the homeostatic model and corroborate previous research suggesting that Subjective Wellbeing is a construct driven primarily by Core Affect.

Participation, relational justice and social identity in cervical cancer screening

Extending existing health literature by drawing on social and community psychology, this thesis represents the first attempt to explore the conceptualisation of 'participation' in cervical cancer screening. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that women's experiences of 'patient participation' and 'voice opportunity' were important and related to various social processes and variables in this health context. Using four case studies, the professional portfolio demonstrates a biopsychosocial approach to assessment and intervention as used by a provisional health psychologist working with clients with intellectual disabilities in order to promote sexual health.