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The relationship between parental mental health, reflective functioning coparenting and social emotional development in 0-3 year old children

The transition to parenthood is a high-risk period for many parents and is an important period for child development. Research has identified that parental mental health, reflective functioning (capacity to consider mental states of oneself and others) and coparenting (capacity to work together well as a parenting team) may be particularly significant predictors of later child outcomes, however these factors have seldom been considered together.

The effectiveness of a day hospital mentalization-based therapy programme for adolescents with borderline personality traits: Findings from Touchstone—Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at a substantial risk of harm to themselves and others, experience high levels of functional impairment and typically are high users of tertiary healthcare to address their mental health concerns. As indicators for BPD typically emerge in adolescence, a day therapy service in Bentley, Western Australia, Touchstone Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), was developed as an intensive intervention for adolescents with indicators for BPD and its associated symptomology.

Life in a time of COVID: retrospective examination of the association between physical activity and mental well-being in western Australians during and after lockdown

The aim of this study was to examine physical activity and sedentary behaviours during Western Australia's COVID-19 lockdown and their association with mental well-being.

Psychosocial Interventions and Support Groups for Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Sibling Self-reported Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes

Siblings of persons with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) have increased risk of poorer psychosocial functioning. This systematic review evaluated quantitative and qualitative evidence on sibling mental health and wellbeing outcomes following psychosocial interventions and the risk and protective factors associated with post-intervention outcomes.

“Shame, Doubt and Sadness”: A Qualitative Investigation of the Experience of Self-Stigma in Adolescents with Diverse Sexual Orientations

Many adolescents with diverse sexual orientations lead happy and fulfilled lives. However, evidence consistently suggests elevated rates of mental health difficulties in this population relative to heterosexual peers, and internalization of stigma (i.e., self-stigma) is implicated in these elevated rates. This study aimed to understand and describe the lived experience of self-stigma with respect to participants’ sexual orientations.

Transforming families: evaluation of a digital resource to enhance parental support for trans children

Parental support is a critical protective factor for trans and gender diverse children, yet many parents lack access to trustworthy, evidence-based information. The Transforming Families project aimed to address this gap by co-designing a digital resource to enhance parental understanding, support, and acceptance.

Meaningful and minimally distressing: Trans adolescents’ perspectives on sensitive research interviews

Qualitative research on sensitive topics (e.g. abuse, mental health difficulties, discrimination) is needed to understand lived experiences of complex issues. However, this type of research raises concerns about potential adverse effects on participants, especially with younger participants and those from marginalized populations. In this study, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of 20 trans adolescents’ (14–18 years of age) experiences of participating in research about their stigma experiences.

Effectiveness, efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of trauma-informed depression, anxiety, and substance use prevention programs for young people aged 12–25 years

Mental ill-health and substance use bear significant public health burden on young people. Prevention is key. Trauma-informed approaches to prevention of mental ill-health and substance use demonstrate significant promise, yet it is unclear how well existing approaches work for young people targeting mental ill-health and substance use. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of trauma-informed mental ill-health and/or substance use prevention programs for young people.  

Group mindful self-compassion training to improve mental health outcomes for gender and sexually diverse young adults

This study investigated the effects of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) training on the mental health of gender and sexually diverse young adults (aged 18–25 years) in Australia. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2020–2022 comparing an online-delivered 8-week group MSC training program with a waitlist control.

Congratulations to Professor Helen Milroy – WA’s 2021 Australian of the Year

The Kids Research Institute Australia congratulates Professor Helen Milroy on being named Western Australia’s 2021 Australian of the Year.