Research Area Leader |
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To enhance the ability of individuals, groups, and communities to thrive despite experiencing adversity
Our research investigates how individuals, groups, and communities achieve positive adjustment and outcomes in the context of past and present adversities, including trauma, poor physical and/or mental health, loneliness, marginalisation and social exclusion, disability, inequalities, prejudice, discrimination, contact with the legal system, and out-of-home care.
Working from this broad perspective, our research focuses on:
Photo | Name | Research Interests | Location | |
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![]() | Professor Suzanne McLaren's research focuses on resilience among sexual and gender minority adults and older adults, with a focus on understanding the role that psychological variables play as protective factors. Sense of belonging has featured prominently in her research. Current projects investigate the protective role of hope among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and self-compassion as a protective factor among LGBTIQ+ adults. Link to research output | Port Macquarie | ||
![]() | Dr Robyn Brunton completed her post-graduate studies and doctorate at Charles Sturt University. Her PhD dissertation was on pregnancy-related anxiety. Since then Robyn has continued to research this distinct anxiety and is currently co-editor of a book on the topic and published numerous papers. More broadly speaking, Robyn's research interest extends to all types of anxiety and other areas of women's psychosocial health (e.g. body image, sexual abuse and pregnancy). Link to research output | Bathurst | ||
![]() | Dr Mir Rabiul Islam's research interest centres around issues related to environmental social psychology. In particular, his research focuses on environmental factors and health impacts relating to climate change; coping, adaptation, resilience and recovery in natural disasters; climate justice, human rights and displaced population. Link to research output | Bathurst | ||
![]() | Dr Donnah Anderson's research focuses on children and young people's rights, voice and wellbeing, and the adults who card for or work with them. Donnah is currently a Chief Investigator in an Australian Research Council Discovery Project investigating the role of ethical practice in improving child safety and wellbeing in three institutional contexts - schools, residential care and disability services. Expected outcomes include better-targeted, child-informed policy and practice for organisations involved with children. Link to research output | Port Macquarie | ||
![]() | Dr Karl Wiener's broad research interests are within psychopathology and behaviour. Current projects are focused on what drives racial animus and the influence of racial animus on punitive behaviours; exploring precursory factors that make the development of PTSD following trauma more likely; and the influence of patient aggression and family aggression on carers of older adults. Link to research output | Wagga Wagga |
Project Name | Brief Description | Funding Body | Investigators |
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The Desire and Capability for Suicide among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic | This project is investigating:
| Charles Sturt University
| Professor Suzanne McLaren |
Sense of Belonging and Depression among Bisexual Adults | This series of studies investigates the role of sense of belonging to the heterosexual and LGBTIQ+communities in the mental health of bisexual adults. Bisexual people can experience stigma from both communities, leading to poor mental health. This research explores whether sense of belonging is important for the mental health of bisexual people, and if so, the pathways by which protection occurs. | - | Professor Suzanne McLaren, |
Beyond Safety: Ethical Practice Involving Children | The recent Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has clearly identified children’s safety in institutions as an area requiring urgent attention. This project aims to investigate the role of ethical practice in improving child safety. Ethical understandings and practice are being explored in three institutional contexts – schools, residential care and disability services. Focusing especially on those who are at greater risk of harm the findings will contribute to ensuring Australia’s children are safe and treated with dignity and respect. Expected outcomes include better-targeted, child-informed policy and practice for organisations involved with children. | Australian Research Council; ARC Discovery (DP180100465). | Professor Anne Graham: Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University |
Project Name | Brief Description | Funding Body | Investigators |
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Traditional Coping Strategies in Bangladesh | Charles Sturt University Compact Funding | V. Ingham | |
Australian field work: Strategies to promote community resilience in disaster management: The case of flooding in selected communities in Bangladesh 2011-2013 | Charles Sturt University Compact Funding | V. Ingham | |
Strategies to promote community resilience in disaster management: The case of flooding in selected communities in Bangladesh and Australia 2010-2012 | Charles Sturt University Competitive Grant | J. Hicks | |
Improving wellbeing through student participation at school | This Australian Research Council (ARC) funded study explored how student participation (also known as student voice) is currently understood and experienced in NSW schools. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, and informed by Axel Honneth’s recognition theory, the research investigated the links between student participation and wellbeing. It was supported by the following partners: NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW Office of the Advocate for Children & Young People. | ARC Linkage: (LP 140100540) | The project was led by Professor Anne Graham: Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University. It involved researchers from Australian National University (ANU); University of Sydney (USyd); University of Central Lancashire University (UCLAN); Charles Sturt University (CSU). The research team was supported by an expert advisory group of 14 members: 4 representatives from the partner organisations (the NSW Department of Education, Lismore Catholic Schools Office and the NSW Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People); 2 school principals; 2 teachers; 6 students from Years 7-9. |
Student | Topic/Area Research | Supervisor/s |
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Eleina Littlejohns | Social capital and psychological capital as predictors of burnout among teachers: A longitudinal study | Professor Suzanne McLaren |
Catherine Strods | The influence of past experience on evacuation behaviour of university staff and students | Dr V. Ingham |
John Moy | Sustainable models for volunteer emergency services in Australia | Dr V. Ingham |
Andrew Williams | Emergency responders’ understanding and approaches in addressing Domestic Violence during and after the natural disasters | Dr Philip Birch |