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Little research has investigated professional identity in Australian clinical psychology postgraduate students. The current study examined potential predictors of professional identity for these students. Anonymous, self-report cross-sectional surveys for Australian postgraduate clinical psychology students were distributed via online survey links sent by their institution's Program Director. Respondents reported professional identity, motivation, engagement, satisfaction with program, resilience, burnout, demographics, and enrolment type. Data from 77 respondents were analysed. Students reported an average 4.25/5 for sense of professional identity as a psychologist. Age, work experience, and stage of program were not associated with professional identity. In multivariate analyses, higher student satisfaction, lower burnout, and lower engagement with "student" aspects of postgraduate study were associated with stronger professional identity. Levels of professional identity were relatively high and showed little influence of demographic variables. However, there is likely to be a reciprocal relationship between satisfaction with postgraduate study and professional identity for students, which would need to be evaluated in a different design to understand directions of association. Results also suggest that supporting postgraduate students in self-care and helping students to balance professional responsibilities and academic aspects of study are likely to assist in fostering postgraduates' professional identity. What is already known about this topic: Professional identity provides a sense of self in relation to membership of a specific profession. Students in health and social services professions, including psychology, have demonstrated emerging professional identities in their areas of study. In working professionals, professional identity has been found to be important for wellbeing and for relationships with colleagues and clients. What this paper adds: Professional identity amongst a sample of Australian postgraduate students in clinical psychology was independent of demographic variables such as age, gender, and previous work experience. Stronger professional identity in the current sample correlated with higher satisfaction with the program of study and lower level of burnout. In multivariate analysis, higher satisfaction with the program of study, lower burnout, and lower engagement with "academic" aspects of the program each independently predicted higher level of professional identity. From these cross-sectional findings, potential causal associations between predictors and professional identity remain to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a paucity of quantitative measures of resilience specifically validated for young Aboriginal people in Australia. We undertook the first investigation of validity and reliability of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) in a sample of Australian Aboriginal people, with a focus on youth. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of resilience among a sample of 122 Aboriginal youth (15–25 years old) in New South Wales and Western Australia, featuring self-completes of the 10-item CD-RISC in online (N = 22) and face-to-face (N = 100) settings. A Rasch analysis using the 122 CD-RISC responses determined item independence, response category adequacy, differential item functioning, unidimensional measurement, person and item reliability, and item fit. Confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted, complementary to the Rasch analysis. Results: Four problematic items from the original instrument were removed, due to item dependence (items 2, 6 and 9; Q3,* > 0.30) and differential item functioning (item 4; > 0.43 logits between males and females). The final 6-item instrument exhibited improved item separation (ISI = 2.14) and reliability index values (IRI =.82) – suggesting an improved structure – however several limitations such as a prominent ceiling effect were evident (i.e., positive measure targeting coefficient of 0.99 logits). Conclusion: Findings suggest the CD-RISC instrument should be applied in Aboriginal contexts with caution. Further psychometric examination of the CD-RISC with Aboriginal youth is warranted before it can be used with confidence by researchers and clinicians. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Resilience is generally thought of as positive outcomes despite exposure to risk. This can be a particularly important concept to consider in the period of youth and adolescence, when young people are experiencing wide ranging physical, emotional, and social changes and challenges. Aboriginal youth face unique circumstances that are necessary to consider when considering resilience relevant to an Aboriginal perspective. There is currently a lack in the literature in regards to defining and conceptualising resilience from an Aboriginal perspective, particularly relevant to young people. There is a dearth of instruments available that have been rigorously examined for their appropriateness and psychometric properties relating to resilience in Aboriginal youth. What this paper adds: This paper provides not only a first investigation of this version of the CD-RISC using Rasch analysis, but also the first time the CD-RISC's validity and reliability has been assessed for an Aboriginal sample in Australia. Analyses results illustrated a ceiling effect, highlighting the fact that for the instrument to be accessing the full range of resilience in the sample, new items need to be developed to tap into higher levels of resilience. With the findings of this paper as a foundation, further investigation and adaptation of the CD-RISC could potentially lead to a useful screening tool for assessing resilience and identifying Aboriginal youth who may require further support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Family violence causes brain injury and trauma for many victim survivors. Neuropsychologists play a central role in helping with these issues. We aimed to evaluate rates of family violence training, knowledge and clinical skills in Australian neuropsychologists. Method: An online, brief, self-report survey of psychologists practicing clinically in the area of neuropsychology Australia wide. The survey assessed prior training, knowledge and confidence together with awareness of specific family violence clinical skills, and barriers to competent practice. Results: Responses were received from every state and territory and represented more than 10% of the total registered endorsed clinical neuropsychology workforce (N = 92). Over 90% of respondents had undertaken family violence training, however 57% reported having little or no knowledge and 67% little or no confidence working clinically in the area. Knowledge of specific family violence skills was reduced, with only 20% indicating that they knew how to respond, when clients disclosed experiencing family violence. Conclusions: Further work is needed to improve the ability of the Australian neuropsychology workforce to respond to this important health issue. Response of neuropsychologists may be sub-optimal, particularly in regard to the provision of psychological support following disclosures a central tenant of World Health Organization guidelines. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Family violence is a significant public health issue in Australia. Family violence can cause both brain injuries and psychological trauma and attenuated cognitive functioning has been associated with both of these conditions. Clinical neuropsychologists commonly work with clients who experience cognitive attenuation. What this paper adds: This paper is the first, to our knowledge, to survey training, knowledge, confidence levels and specific family violence clinical skills in Australian neuropsychologists. Over 10% of the endorsed clinical neuropsychology Australian workforce participated in this self-report online survey. Results indicated that most had received some family violence training, however, self-rated knowledge, confidence and awareness of specific family violence skills were relatively low and further training and professional development in this area is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep can significantly impact mental health. Despite this, sleep education is absent from the curriculum of many psychology training programs. The current study examined the amount of sleep education delivered within postgraduate psychology programs in Australia. It also developed a new survey tool to capture postgraduate psychology students' experience of sleep education. Two cross-sectional sleep education surveys were emailed to postgraduate psychology programs across Australia via the Heads of Department and Schools of Psychology Association. The first survey explored sleep education from postgraduate psychology program coordinators' perspectives (n = 35; survey response rate = 73%), while the second custom-designed survey examined postgraduate psychology students' perspectives (n = 152). Program coordinators reported a median of 2.00 hours (range 0-9) of didactic sleep education delivered within postgraduate psychology programs. Postgraduate students, however, reported receiving a median of only 1.00 hour (range 0-40) of sleep education, with 47% of students reporting no sleep education. Most students acknowledged already working with clients experiencing sleep disturbances (68%), yet they disclosed low confidence and self-efficacy to manage sleep disturbances in psychology practice. Despite delivering minimal sleep education, thematic analysis indicated that program coordinators viewed sleep education as an important topic for trainee psychologists. Program coordinators preferred sleep education to supplement the postgraduate curriculum, preferably online (63%), whereas students chose clinical supervision (61%). Postgraduate psychology training programs deliver minimal sleep education to trainee psychologists in Australia. Enhanced integration of sleep education within the postgraduate psychology curriculum is required to improve mental health outcomes. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1) Sleep disturbances commonly co-occur with mental health conditions, often with a bidirectional relationship. (2) Trainee clinical psychologists in the US receive limited sleep education, which may impact their ability to manage the sleep disturbances in clinical practice. (3) There are currently no Australian Psychology Accreditation Council training requirements in sleep and sleep disorders for postgraduate psychology programs, despite the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health. What this topic adds: (1) This is the first study to examine sleep education within postgraduate psychology programs in Australia. (2) We show that (1) a median of only two hours of didactic sleep education is delivered within postgraduate psychology programs, (2) almost half (47%) of postgraduate students received no sleep education during their training, (3) sleep issues were a common presenting complaint for postgraduate students to address on placement, and (4) overall, graduate students reported low levels of confidence and self-efficacy to manage sleep disturbances in clinical practice. (3) Postgraduate psychology students in Australia need more sleep education to manage the sleep disturbances that commonly co-occur with mental health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the most prevalent causes and consequences of maladaptive parent-adolescent conflict from the perspectives of Australian psychologists and other family clinicians. We also queried whether these professionals have observed events or times that exacerbate parent-adolescent conflict. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from one hundred and thirty-seven clinicians working in Australia with parents and adolescents. Data were collected via an author-developed, online survey and frequencies were reported. Daily issues of family life (e.g., chores) and relationship readjustment were reported as the most prevalent themes causing parent-adolescent conflict, with problems at school reported as a theme resulting from conflict. Mental health issues in parents and adolescents were reported to (a) be common causes of conflict and (b) worsen after conflict. Trauma and domestic and family violence were identified as additional causes not well represented in existing research. Respondents reported Christmas as a time when conflict was exacerbated. Increased awareness amongst clinicians of the likelihood of encountering these issues in their work with families will support competent risk assessment, crisis management and service delivery. Implications of findings for future research on parent-adolescent conflict during specific years of adolescence, training of clinicians and risk management in clinical practice are discussed. KEY POINTS What is already known on this topic: Conflict with parents increases during the adolescent years. Parent-adolescent conflict can be caused by a wide range of factors, and have a range of adaptive and maladaptive consequences. Parents and adolescents experiencing maladaptive conflicts often seek support from family clinicians. What this topic adds: A current exploration of the causes and consequences of parent-adolescent conflict that are most prevalent. The perspectives of the family clinicians who support conflicted parents and adolescents, but have been underrepresented in existing research. Inform early-career clinicians who support families of the most prevalent factors they may encounter in their work, improving risk assessment and crisis management following a conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The postnatal period can be both a rewarding and challenging time. Research has found that experiences of motherhood that are less positive than expected are associated with depressive symptoms, however, no known study to date has examined expectations across the separate domains of motherhood and how they impact on attachment. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether discrepancies in a mother's expectations regarding their infant, levels of support, and sense of self and their actual experiences post birth impact on maternal feelings of attachment and depression in the postnatal period. Method: Two hundred and thirty‐eight mothers in Australia (aged 19–44) who had given birth in the last 12 months voluntarily completed an online survey. Results: As predicted, results revealed that postnatal experiences that were less positive than expected regarding support and sense of self were associated with higher levels of depression and lower levels of attachment. Regarding infant expectations, experiences that were less positive than expected were associated with lower levels of attachment; however, experiences that were more positive than expected were, unexpectedly, associated with higher levels of depression. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of providing realistic expectations of motherhood through prenatal education and media messages to promote greater wellbeing and bond between mothers and infants which may maximise the chances of positive infant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Drunkorexia is a trend on the rise within the young adult population with significant physical, psychological, and social health implications. Many studies have investigated the link between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) and both eating disorders and substance misuse. To date, no studies have specifically focused on EMS amongst those with Drunkorexia behaviours. The main objectives of this study were to further investigate the prevalence of Drunkorexia behaviour amongst Australian young adult females, and to elucidate the pattern of EMS and behaviours associated with Drunkorexia amongst young adult female Australian students. Methods: This study used a cross‐sectional, between groups, correlational design. Participants were Australian university students, aged 18–24 years old. Results: In excess of 28% participants reported engaging in characteristic Drunkorexic behaviours to specifically offset ingested alcohol calories while not engaging in such behaviours routinely for any other reason or with any other type of food or drink. The EMS most predictive of Drunkorexia‐type behaviour were Insufficient Self‐Control, Emotional Deprivation, and Social Isolation. EMS significantly contributed to the variance in Drunkorexia‐type behaviours, over and above that explained by eating disorder and binge drinking symptomatology. Conclusions: Increasing numbers of individuals are endorsing symptoms of Drunkorexia‐type behaviour, increasing the risk of potential physical, psychological, and social health‐related problems. Addressing key EMS that may be associated with Drunkorexia‐type behaviours may strengthen future preventative and intervention programs. Given the exploratory nature of this research, further studies are required to clarify the relationship between EMS and Drunkorexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Compassion, a social mentality, is shaped by social context. Social roles may facilitate or hinder compassionate motivations directed to others, received from others, or expressed to oneself. As such, cultural differences may emerge in compassion competencies and fears of compassion. However, current research has been limited in understanding such cultural differences in compassion competencies and fears of compassion, and the relationships among them. The current study aimed to explore cultural differences between Australians (as an example of a loose/individualistic culture) and Singaporeans (as an example of a tight‐collectivist culture) on compassion competencies and fears of compassion, and whether the relationships between compassion competencies and fears of compassion, and the relationships between compassion variables and psychological outcomes, differ. Method: In a cross‐sectional design, a total of 435 participants took part in this study, were allocated to their self‐identified culture (Australians and Singaporeans), and completed self‐report measures of compassion competencies, fears of compassion, psychopathology and positive affect. Results: There were significant differences on compassion competencies and fears of compassion between Australians and Singaporeans. There were also significant differences between Australians and Singaporeans in the inter‐correlations among the flows of compassion and fears of compassion, however the relationships between the compassion variables and psychological outcomes did not significantly differ across culture in general. Conclusions: Tight/collectivist cultural norms may hinder expression of compassion towards others, but may facilitate increased self‐compassion as compared to loose cultural norms. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Entrapment cognitions play a significant role in the experience of mental ill‐health. Yet, no studies have investigated the emergence of entrapment in the occupational setting. In this article, we consider the indirect relationship of age and income to entrapment cognitions via perceived occupational mobility. Occupational mobility is the perceived ease of transition between occupations or professional groups. We examine whether constraints to occupational mobility may in fact increase entrapment cognitions among those employees with the desire to transition between occupations. Method: A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a sample of 180 Australian employees (Mage = 33.01; 21.10% males and 77.20% females) from a range of occupational settings. Measures were age, income, occupational mobility (non‐specific, age‐related, and income‐related), and entrapment cognitions. Results: The findings support the effect of increased age in reducing perceptions of occupational mobility (non‐specific and age‐related) and in turn increasing entrapment cognitions. Moreover, these mediating relationships were conditional on strong intentions to leave one's occupation. The same mediation effect did not emerge for income. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine the relationship between age, income, and entrapment cognitions via occupational mobility. Importantly, entrapment cognitions emerging from constrained occupational mobility may explain, in part, why certain occupational groups have a greater prevalence of mental health concerns than other groups. This study suggests a need to explore occupational mobility, and factors that constrain mobility, as possible precipitates of occupation‐related mental health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Australia is a multicultural country experiencing rapid immigration. New migrant families offer diversity in important cultural practices such as parenting that can potentially contribute insights for Australian efforts to address public health challenges. Adolescent substance use differs between cultures, and the objective of this study was to investigate potential contributing factors to these differences. It was hypothesized that differing family management practices between cultural groups would predict adolescent substance use. Method: This study utilized a large longitudinal study of adolescents in secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia (N = 2,080; aged 12.3 years, SD = 0.5 at study commencement; 55.5% female). Latent Class Analysis and multinomial regression were used to examine parenting factors and behaviors, and their association with the development of substance use among adolescents from different cultural backgrounds. Results: Cross‐sectional analyses of adolescent reports revealed no significant differences in parenting style but higher levels of mother attachment, family rewards, and family opportunities among Australian‐born adolescents in comparison to non‐Australian‐born. We observed similar results for comparisons of English speaking only and non‐English Language Spoken at Home (LSH). Family management, non‐English LSH, alcohol use and antisocial behavior in Year 7 longitudinally predicted alcohol and cannabis use in Year 9, after multivariate control for other risk factors. Conclusion: Indicators Cultural and linguistic diversity predicted longitudinal protective effects against adolescent substance use after multivariate adjustment for a range of family management factors. Given broad similarities in parenting style, future research should investigate the varied protective effect of cultural diversity factors across different substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the Australian context, literature searches did not identify any empirical research of Australian psychologists exploring their knowledge of, and attitudes towards, evidence‐based practice in psychology (EBPP). This study aimed to investigate whether psychologists in Australia understood the EBPP model, their attitudes towards EBPP, and the individual differences that affect attitudes towards EBPP. Method: A cross‐sectional design study using an online survey was completed by 113 psychologists, aged between 23 and 78 years. The participants completed a set of questionnaires assessing their understanding of the EBPP model and their attitudes towards implementing the model in practice. Results: Descriptive analysis showed that 60% of the psychologists were able to define EBPP, with women showing a greater positive attitude towards EBPP. Psychologists with 4 years or less of academic training endorsed stronger positive attitudes than those psychologists' with more than 5 years academic training. Psychologists with more years of professional experience were found to be associated with more negative attitudes towards EBPP. Conclusions: This is the first Australian study exploring psychologist's understanding of and attitudes towards the model. The findings suggest that further research is required to examine the impact of training, years of practice, and individual differences towards attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Attitudes toward asylum seekers that have been reported in Australia are negative and pervasive. To date, this body of literature has explored only measured explicit responses. This article is the first to explore their implicit counterpart. Method: Two cross‐sectional studies measured explicit and implicit attitudes towards asylum seekers. The first study used a community sample (N = 183, M age = 24.98 years, 115 females), and the second used a sample of students (N = 106, M age = 22.75 years, 87 female). The sample in Study 2 also responded to scales measuring levels of ideological orientations toward social dominance orientation (SDO), right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), and principle of social justice. Results: In Study 1, an exploration of demographic variables revealed that gender predicted explicit attitudes, but gender and religious affiliation predicted implicit attitudes. In Study 2, an exploration of ideological variables revealed that higher levels of SDO and RWA predict negative explicit attitudes, and macrojustice principles predict positive explicit attitudes, but only SDO predicts (negative) implicit attitudes. Conclusions: The evidence presented reveals some discrepancies between factors that predict explicit and implicit attitudes toward this socially vulnerable group, and the findings are interpreted as evidence for a dual‐construct model of attitudes toward asylum seekers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the preferred acculturation strategies adopted by Indian subcontinental adolescents living in Australia. The study also examined the demographic, ethnocultural, and psychological factors that could influence subcontinental migrant groups' attitudes towards acculturation and their acculturation strategies. Method A cross-sectional design was used in which the dependent variables were the four acculturation strategies. Multivariate data analysis was conducted. Pearson's correlation, analysis of variance, and step-wise multiple regression analyses were performed to establish the relationships among the study variables. Results Integration was the most preferred strategy and marginalisation was the least preferred strategy for all ethnic groups. Acculturation preferences are predicted partly by the adolescents' ethnicity, their ethnic identity, friendship choices, acculturative stress, sense of mastery (self-concept) and gender. The findings provide significant information on the acculturation practices of Indian subcontinental adolescents, including their ethnic identity search and commitment, their psychological well-being and their integration strategies. Conclusions Educational institutions could benefit from increased awareness of the needs of these culturally diverse groups, especially if this information is incorporated into teacher training materials. The inclusion of intercultural relations courses in the academic curriculum would promote harmonious relations between culturally diverse ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Excessive stress and poor coping skills can put university students at risk for mental health problems. The University Stress Scale ( USS) provides a measure of both the categories of stress experienced by university students as well as the overall intensity of the stress experienced. Methods This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the USS and its clinical utility. Participants were a convenience cross-sectional sample of 2,596 Australian university students. Results Exploratory factor analysis provided support for a six-factor model comprising the categories of academic, relationships, equity, parenting, practical, and health. This structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. The measure had good discriminant and convergent validity and good internal consistency. A cut-off of 13 on the USS indicates students most likely to be experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms as a result of excessive stress. This study used a broad sample of Australian students; however, further replication is needed to confirm the utility of the measure for students in other countries. Conclusions The total stress score and the categorical breakdown of stressors makes the USS a useful, brief screening measure for clinicians working with university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warr, Cook, and Wall's Job Satisfaction Scale ( JSS) is a widely used measure of job satisfaction in industrial/organisational ( I/O) psychology research and practice. However, the factor structure has not been adequately explored, with two-factor and three-factor solutions previously proposed. This study tested the factor structure of the JSS using robust analysis methods on data gathered from a convenience sample of 381 (females = 264, males = 116) Australian employees. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a hierarchical three-factor model of job satisfaction in terms of model adequacy coefficients; however, the three factors were highly correlated, thereby rendering a multifactorial approach to the JSS untenable. The results support the continued use of an overall score of job satisfaction when using this measure in I/O psychology research and practice. Further testing of the structure is recommended within a range of employment sectors, as the assumed multifactorial structure of the JSS common in the literature was not supported by the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychology is one component of the multidisciplinary services provided to patients in acute public hospitals, with research demonstrating that psychological intervention significantly enhances clinical outcomes for patients across a range of health issues. Despite the increasingly important role that psychologists play in Australian hospitals, there remains a lack of information available about staff levels, discipline structures, and clinical activity for psychological services within acute hospital settings. The most recent Australian data about hospital-based psychology services was collected 20 years ago. The current study provides updated information from a survey of 15 Australian metropolitan, acute public hospitals: presenting and critically reviewing staffing configurations and models of service delivery. Results suggest that: (a) hospitals employ a highly skilled workforce at a rate of 0.16 full-time equivalent psychology staff for every 10 hospital beds; (b) psychologists have a viable career pathway within the hospital-based health sector; (c) role diversity is common, with the primary focus varying as a function of position level; (d) neuropsychology staffing requires urgent attention to address significant delays in access to services; and (e) public hospitals actively contribute to current and future workforce development through supervision, research, and training. The implications of these results for the future of psychological services in Australian healthcare are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian population is experiencing a rapid ageing of the population, and as such, an increased need for gerontological practitioners in the helping professions will continue to grow. Terror management theory ( TMT), which was used to frame this study, posits that because of the fact that humans are aware of their own mortality, they are compelled to avoid the anxiety associated with it. Personal ageing and interaction with older adults may be reminders of the unavoidable decline and death that faces us all. The purpose of this study is to examine comfort in spending time with older adults amongst students, academic teaching staff, and practitioners in the fields of psychology and social work. We sought to determine if TMT helped predict fear of being with older adults. Ageism, contact with older adults, and known demographic factors associated with attitudes towards older adults were also examined. Hierarchical multiple regression explained nearly 46% of the variance in comfort with older adults and indicated that fear of ageing, positive ageism, negative ageism, contact with older adults, and sex were significant predictors. Educational efforts aimed at addressing beliefs about ageing and older adults may contribute to further comfort in working with older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little published data on the prevalence of psychological distress among individuals and couples seeking counselling and mediation services from non-government organisations ( NGOs). This national cross-sectional study establishes the prevalence of psychological distress among clients seeking family and relationship counselling and mediation services from Relationships Australia. A national sample of 1,365 clients attending services in April to May 2012 completed the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale ( K10) after their first counselling or mediation session. Individual counselling ( M = 23.01, SD = 8.97, 95% CI [22.05-23.97]) and couple counselling ( M = 21.63, SD = 8.10, [20.86-22.41]) clients reported a mean K10 score comparable to those reported by clinical studies of clients with anxiety or affective disorders. One quarter to one fifth of these clients reported very high psychological distress. Clients accessing mediation services had a mean score of 18.13 ( SD = 7.76; [17.51-18.75]), and one tenth of clients reported very high distress. These elevated rates of very high psychological distress suggest that mental health issues may be a significant problem for a large proportion of clients accessing counselling and mediation NGO services provided under Family Support Programs ( FSP) funding. Implications for screening for mental health and appropriate treatment planning are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine occurrence of romantic relationships and relationship break-ups among young adults in Hong Kong and Australia and to explore associations between relationship style, identity status, negative affect, cultural group, and relationship experiences. Data were collected from Chinese tertiary students in Hong Kong ( n = 279) and Anglo-Australian tertiary students in Melbourne, Australia ( n = 204). Participants completed a questionnaire including demographics, romantic relationship items, the Love Schemas Scale measuring romantic relationship style, the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Secure relationship style and more mature identity statuses were associated with having had a romantic relationship. Among those young people with romantic relationship experience, break-ups were less common for those with a foreclosed identity status, skittish (avoidant) relationship style, and Hong Kong Chinese background. Negative mood was higher among those for whom a break-up had been recent. Hurt experienced following a break-up was greater when the break-up was partner initiated and among those with less secure relationship styles and identity statuses. Overall, individual factors were stronger predictors of relationship status than cultural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To inform improvement in the process and outcomes of care by describing the views and practices of psychologists working in public mental health services (PMHS) regarding provision of physical healthcare for consumers. Method: Cross‐sectional qualitative study employing a theoretical model of behaviour (capability, opportunity, motivation, and behaviour; COM‐B model). Data collected in semi‐structured interviews with maximum diversity sample of 29 psychologists were analysed using the framework approach. Results: Participants were cognisant of the need to improve physical health among people with severe mental illness (SMI); they endorsed, to varying extents, the obligation of PMHS and potential of psychologists, collectively to contribute to this goal through provision of interventions targeting health behaviours. Within a context in which psychology was generally underutilised, practice varied widely, ranging from avoidance to integration of physical health care in clinical practice. In combination, mixed‐messages about service priorities, role ambiguity, competing demands, and concern about adequacy of knowledge and skills inhibited attention to physical health for most participants, particularly those working in generic case management roles. Some highly motivated psychologists, most of whom worked in specialised teams within which attention to physical health was normative, made and capitalised on opportunities to develop and apply skills to enable consumers to change behaviour and improve physical health. Conclusion: While further education and training will enhance capability and motivation of psychologists, realisation of the potential contribution to improvement in physical health of people with SMI will fundamentally, require assertion of the identity and value of the profession within mental health services. Ensuring optimal use of scarce resources necessitates careful consideration of deployment of discipline specific expertise, and clarity about responsibilities of psychologists within teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine factors contributing to psychological well‐being and ill‐being in older Australian women. Methods: A multi‐variable model examining personality traits, life events, medical diagnoses, and cognitive appraisal was tested on 296 women (mean age = 69.13, standard deviation = 10.20) from the Longitudinal Assessment of Women Study using a cross‐sectional design. Results: Neuroticism, optimism, and extraversion were associated with both well‐being and ill‐being, but these relationships were partially mediated by cognitive appraisal. The relationship between number of life events and ill‐being was fully mediated by cognitive appraisal, while the relationship between number of life events and well‐being was partially mediated by cognitive appraisal. The number of medical diagnoses directly predicted well‐being. Conclusions: The supported model suggests that individual and public‐health interventions targeting personality traits, cognitive appraisal, and life events might have potential to improve well‐being and reduce ill‐being as individuals age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Drawing on the effort‐recovery model of work stress, this study examined the effects of school teachers’ sleep quality and time spent in various non‐work time activities on work‐related stress and motivational outcomes. We proposed that sleep quality and different types of non‐work time activities would have differential effects on levels of work‐related fatigue and engagement. Method: Nine hundred and sixty Australian school teachers (mean age 46 years, 707 females, 237 males) completed a cross‐sectional online survey measuring sleep quality, time spent in non‐work time activities, and work‐related fatigue and engagement. Results: Teachers spent relatively higher amounts of time on work‐related activities outside of formal work hours, and lower amounts of time on health‐promoting activities such as exercise. Multiple regression analyses indicated that sleep quality was related to reduced fatigue and increased engagement, while time spent socialising outside of work was related to reduced fatigue. Time spent on work‐related tasks outside of working hours was related to both increased fatigue and engagement. Other activities, including passive activity, exercise, and hobbies, were not significantly related to either outcome. Conclusions: We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to theories and research in work stress, particularly in the context of where priorities should be placed for self‐care interventions to facilitate teachers’ day‐to‐day recovery from work demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]