Being a palliative care volunteer

In this research volunteers' experiences in the field of palliative care were explored from the perspective of volunteers. The study made visible the skills, values and wisdom inherent in enactment of the volunteer role and provided new insights into the nature of relatedness between clients / families and volunteers.

Outcome after traumatic injury

The thesis' aim was to explore outcome after traumatic injury. Poorer physical health prior to injury and receipt of compensation explained variance in physical health 12 months after injury. Poorer mental health 3 and 12 months after injury was partly explained by stronger emotional reactions immediately after the injury, receipt of compensation, and lower perceived social support. The portfolio focuses on symptoms of depression and anxiety in those suffering chronic pain. Through four case studies who attended a pain management service, it is argued that psychological symptoms are able to be addressed concurrently with pain management strategies.

Factors facilitating successful engagement among patients with first-episode psychosis

This thesis investigated factors that facilitate successful engagement with psychiatric treatment among young patients experiencing first-onset psychosis. The results revealed the importance of the treatment setting and key relationships in achieving engagement. Service delivery implications include the need for a social relationship model between clinicians, patients, and their peers.

Students' perceptions of the value of the elements of an online learning environment : an investigation of discipline differences

This paper presents a large scale, quantitative investigation of the impact of discipline differences on the student experience of using an online learning environment (OLE). Based on a representative sample of 2526 respondents, a number of significant differences in the mean rating by broad discipline area of the importance of, and satisfaction with, a range of elements of an OLE were found. Broadly speaking, the Arts and Science and Technology discipline areas reported the lowest importance and satisfaction ratings for the OLE, while the Health and Behavioural Sciences area was the most satisfied with the OLE. A number of specific, systematic discipline differences are reported and discussed. Compared to the observed significant differences in mean importance ratings, there were fewer significant differences in mean satisfaction ratings, and those that were observed were less systematic than for importance ratings.

The association between physical activity and depression among young women

Young women experiencing depressive symptoms were shown to have different constraints to being active compared to young women without depressive symptoms, such as lower motivation and lower confidence in their ability to be active. Physical activity promotion initiatives may benefit from individually-tailored, multi-component programs rather than a 'one-fits-all', single-arm approach

Docosapentaenoic acid : its metabolism and effect on lipogenic gene expression

This thesis found that the omega-3 fatty acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) down-regulates the expression levels of key lipogenic genes and proteins in vitro. In vivo studies with labelled DPA showed that, like docosahexaenoic acid, DPA is more conserved from oxidation compared with eicosapentaenoic acid.

Managing constipation in older people

The study consists of two parts: a systematic review that critically analysed existing Chinese medicine clinical trials in managing constipation and, a cluster randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of education and acupressure on constipation in older people. Participants in the experimental group reported significant improvements in their constipation symptoms.

Describing and understanding physical activity in desk-based work settings

This thesis investigated the physical activity behaviours of employees who commonly sit for work tasks. Specifically, this PhD explored the key influences on light-intensity physical activity during work hours and issues associated with subjectively assessing this behaviour. Overall, this PhD provided insights into a novel approach to address the important public health issue of physical inactivity.

Religiosity and subjective wellbeing in Christianity, Buddhism and Taoism

The relationship between three religions (Christianity, Buddhism and Taoism) and subjective wellbeing were studied. Religiosity and spirituality-religion satisfaction were significant predictors of subjective wellbeing. A new construct of religious self-esteem and a new scale of Christianity secondary control were found as useful in explaining subjective wellbeing.

Molting and reproduction in portunus pelagicus

This investigation describes ovarian maturation stages in the female reproductive system, evidence for histones in sperm nuclei and novel morphological changes that occur during spermiogenesis in the male blue swimming crab, portunus pelagicus. It also identifies dual functionality of the molt inhibiting hromone on molting and vitellogenesis through RNA inteference.

Psychological profiling of Tasmanian police officers using the COPS

This thesis examined selection processes for police candidates, and the impact of police work on well-being. Results revealed that policing impacts negatively on psychological well-being over time, and that many aspects of the stereotypic 'police personality' are not a result of selection processes, but develop over time in the role.

Body image, drive for muscularity, and social comparisons in men

The results of this thesis indicated that males engage in comparisons when evaluating their bodies and more frequently use similar others, such as friends and the average male for comparison. The results showed that comparisons to males in the media and professional athletes indicated body dissatisfaction and drive for muscularity.The portfolio presents four eating disorder case studies to illustrate how a therapist can use manual-based CBT techniques in a flexible manner and adapt interventions to the individual needs of clients who have motivational issues or present with complex comorbidity, in order to improve treatment outcomes.

Building professional capital : New Zealand social workers and continuing education

In a qualitative study of the engagement of New Zealand social workers in continuing professional education the construct "professional capital", a form of symbolic capital, explains complex links between perceived status within institutional settings and the aspirations of practitioners. Strategies for developing greater engagement in scholarship and research are recommended.

Cruelty to animals and psychosocial adjustment among Chinese children

Childhood cruelty to animals is associated with interpersonal violence in later life. The study for this thesis investigated risk factors for childhood cruelty to animals in China. For both boys and girls externalising problems, poor communication within families, and harsh parental discipline predicted animal cruelty, providing targets for intervention to prevent later violence. The portfolio presents four clinical case studies which demonstrate the complex and varied impact that intimate partner violence has on women, and the importance of psychological intervention in assisting women to manage their physical and mental health and well-being.