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Objective: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was developed for clinicians and researchers as a brief screening instrument for behavioural and emotional problems in children. Administered in its traditional pen‐and‐paper format, the SDQ has demonstrated sound psychometric properties. The SDQ is increasingly being administered online, despite there being little evaluation of the psychometric properties and norms of the instrument in this new administrative context, and none in an Australian (or English‐speaking) sample. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the psychometric properties and present normative data for the online administration of the parent‐report version of the SDQ in an Australian sample. Methods: Participants were parents (n = 1,070) of Australian primary school‐aged children (5 to 12 years) who completed the SDQ online via a web‐based software program. Results: Results demonstrate sound psychometric properties for the SDQ in its online administrative format that are comparable to previous Australian studies utilising the traditional pen‐and‐paper format of the SDQ. Moreover, we provide normative data on the SDQ subscales, as well as the impact supplement when administered online. Conclusions: Together, the results support the use of the SDQ online, and provide emerging evidence that the psychometric properties and the norms for the parent‐report SDQ in an English‐speaking sample are similar regardless of online versus pen‐and‐paper administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate the utility of brief online training for facilitating mental health professionals' perceived knowledge, confidence, and comfort in working with non-binary clients, and building positive attitudes. Baseline participants were 79 Australian registered mental health professionals, of whom 38 completed online training and a one-week follow-up assessment. Participants completed an assessment of attitudes, comfort, confidence, and perceived knowledge pertaining to non-binary people before and after completing online training. The training (30-minute average completion time) provided information on non-binary people's lives using text, images, embedded video, and links to optional resources. Follow-up measures completed one-week post-intervention indicated engagement in the training may lead to increased perceived knowledge, confidence and comfort. Attitudes were positive at baseline and were not significantly different at follow-up. Providing brief online training for working with non-binary people in mental health might improve practitioner perceived knowledge, confidence and competence at low cost and with easy access. Future research is required to account for limitations and build on current outcomes. Key Points What is already known on this topic: Little is known about the effects of brief online training regarding non-binary genders on mental health practitioner's attitudes, confidence, comfort, and perceived knowledge. Previous research has shown that brief training can increase positive attitudes for, knowledge of, behavioural intent, and cultural competence for working with sexual and gender minorities, though has not specifically focused on non-binary people. Previous literature has highlighted positive associations between practitioner knowledge and the well-being of non-binary people accessing health services. What this paper adds: This paper adds to the ongoing genesis of options for training mental health practitioners about non-binary people and relevant issues. Findings suggest beneficial outcomes from both prior professional training in this area and the brief training used in the study. The brief online training used in the study was associated with higher perceived knowledge, confidence, and comfort for working with non-binary clients, but further research is needed to understand reasons for change in these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Objectives: Weight‐based stigma is often experienced by individuals who are overweight and obese, and is associated with a range of deleterious physical and mental health outcomes. Research is lacking on the mechanisms through which these relationships occur. This paper examines two potential mechanisms: internalised weight stigma and self‐compassion. Method: A sample of 147 overweight and obese Australian females aged between 18 and 45 years completed a series of self‐report questionnaires measuring: experienced weight stigma, internalised weight stigma, self‐compassion, psychological distress, body shame, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Results: Internalised weight stigma mediated the relationship between experienced weight stigma and body shame such that greater experienced weight stigma led to greater internalised weight stigma, which in turn led to greater body shame. Additionally, self‐compassion mediated the relationship between experienced weight stigma and several psychosocial factors such that greater experienced weight stigma led to lower self‐compassion, which led to greater psychological distress, higher perceived loneliness, and lower satisfaction with life. Conclusions: Findings support previous research indicating that internalised weight stigma plays a mediating role in the relationship between experienced weight stigma and adverse outcomes. This study extends upon prior research by investigating previously unexamined outcome variables and exploring the simultaneous mediating role of self‐compassion. The findings suggest that both internalised weight stigma and self‐compassion each play a different but important role in the way in which weight stigma impacts on overweight and obese women. Results from this study have implications in terms of psychological intervention for overweight and obese individuals in clinical practice. [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]

There have always been independent private psychology practitioners in Australia, yet in the past payment of their services was largely by a user-pays model. The introduction of Medicare Benefits for patients, under the Enhanced Primary Care program in 1999, and Better Access in Mental Health Care in 2006, along with Government-funded mental health initiatives such as Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care introduced in 2001, has provided an alternative funding model for independent private psychological services. Introduction of these and other Government-funded programs has raised questions about the responsiveness of the psychology workforce to meet the changing demands for psychological services created by these reforms. This study aimed to profile the characteristics of 3,587 independent private psychologists who provide services to clients under these schemes by analysing their responses to the Australian Psychology Workforce Survey. Of the 44% of psychologists completing the survey who indicated that they had a Medicare Provider Number, only 61% were in private practice as their main job. The remainder conducted services for Medicare-funded clients as part of a private practice in a second job. The demographic characteristics, work roles, client groups and income of psychologists with Medicare provider numbers are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: According to the intolerance of uncertainty model (IUM) of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), four components contribute to the development and maintenance of worry in GAD. They are intolerance of uncertainty (IU), positive beliefs about worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. Recent studies report that the relationship between IU and worry is mediated by positive beliefs about worry and negative problem orientation. The present study examined whether these mediation relationships emerge when the two subtypes of IU, prospective and inhibitory IU, are considered separately. Method: A convenience sample of 160 members of the Australian public completed an online questionnaire assessing each IUM component, worry, and depression. Results: Positive beliefs about worry and negative problem orientation mediated the relationship between IU and worry. Only positive beliefs about worry mediated the relationship between prospective IU and worry, while only negative problem orientation mediated the relationship between inhibitory IU and worry. Conclusions: The results may imply that the two IU subtypes influence worry via differing pathways. The findings have implications for treatments targeting components of the IUM in individuals with GAD and other anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Clinical placement is an essential aspect of student training in professional postgraduate psychology. However, students can be exposed to risk during clinical placement. Further, anecdotal evidence suggests that barriers may hinder formal reporting of adverse events occurring during placement. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and nature of psychology students' exposure to risk during clinical placement. This study also sought to explore key stakeholders' perceptions of risks to students engaging in placement. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed‐method design was utilised. The quantitative element of the study involved a questionnaire capturing the experiences of 70 students currently undertaking clinical psychology placement in healthcare services within Australia. This was followed by qualitative semi‐structured interviews with 10 industry‐based stakeholders associated with clinical placements across seven Australian universities. Results: Preliminary evidence indicates that psychology students can experience adverse events while on clinical placement, and that industry‐based stakeholders can also encounter professional risk resulting from student contact. Low uptake of formal incident reports among students was demonstrated. The quality of risk‐related training was shown to vary across the industry, indicating a need for streamlined training approaches to risk management. Finally, strategies to support students and supervisors were raised. Conclusions: Novice students may be inadequately prepared for the risks arising in unpredictable clinical placement milieu. They may also be unaware of their rights and avenues for reporting. Further support and resources designed to equip health services and universities for student exposure to risk during placement is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Providing therapy to refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced torture and trauma exposes clinicians to traumatic stories. Additionally, clinicians working with refugees and asylum seekers are often required to work in the context of immigration detention and uncertainty for clients' futures, potentially compounding the already difficult nature of trauma therapy and further impacting clinician wellbeing. There is a paucity of research considering the consequences of working with refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in the Australian context. This mixed‐methods study aimed to explore the impact of working therapeutically with refugees and asylum seekers on the psychological wellbeing of Australian clinicians. Method: Fifty clinicians who work with refugees and asylum seekers participated in an online survey focussing on the impact of their work and protective factors. The survey also comprised open‐ended questions to collect qualitative information. Results: The sample reported low levels of depression, anxiety, stress, compassion fatigue, and average to high levels of compassion satisfaction. Analysis of free‐text comments regarding aspects of the job that impact wellbeing revealed three main themes: government and policy level stressors, work environment, and meaning‐making for the clinician. Conclusion: While the sample reported psychological wellness, qualitative responses revealed that Australian immigration policies impact clinician wellbeing to a greater extent than exposure to traumatic narratives. Engaging in meaning‐making processes regarding work appeared to positively impact clinician wellbeing. Those in leadership or supervisory positions would benefit from understanding what aspects of the work most significantly impact clinicians, in order to best support staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is substantial evidence that refugees' employment experiences are marred by a range of hurdles as they settle in their host country. This study investigated the relationship between a range of independent variables such as, demographic factors, acculturation, acculturative stress, and resilience and the dependent variable that is the employment status of former refugees. Method: Questionnaire data were gathered from 169 participants from the Ethiopian, Congolese, and Myanmar communities settled in Brisbane, Australia. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to investigate the factors that predicted employment status. Results: Resilience and demographic variables such as age, education, gender, and country of origin were not associated with being employed. Length of stay and English proficiency increased the likelihood of being employed. Surprisingly, an increase in acculturation was associated with the likelihood of being unemployed, while an increase in acculturative stress was associated with the likelihood of being employed. Conclusions: These findings indicate that unemployed participants perceived themselves to be acculturated and integrated, while those who were employed reported more acculturative stress. Furthermore, employment despite its positive impact can also be stressful. The study has practical and theoretical implications for stakeholders involved in the employment of refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This is the first pilot study to examine the Australian adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a manualised family intervention recommended internationally in evidence reviews to improve family functioning and child mental health. The study compared two versions (8 vs. 14‐session) and longitudinally evaluated outcomes for child emotional and behavioural difficulties, and parental psychological distress. Method: Fifty‐eight families from disadvantaged primary schools in regional Victoria with children 8–12 years (80.6% of initially enrolled families, 62 parents and 74 children) completed the program and evaluation measures. Measures were repeated at pre‐, post‐, and 3‐month follow‐up and included the Kessler 6, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and subscales adapted from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and Communities that Care Youth Survey. Results: The program showed significant reductions in child difficulties and parental psychological distress from pre‐ to post‐measurements that were sustained at follow‐up. Reductions in parental psychological distress were significantly associated with reductions in child difficulties at follow‐up. The 8‐ and 14‐session formats were not found to be significantly different in reducing child difficulties or parental psychological distress. Effect sizes for the Australian version were similar to those reported in previous U.S. trials. Conclusions: Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of an Australian adaptation of the SFP. The current study is unique in identifying similar outcomes for shorter and longer versions of the intervention. It is recommended that the 8‐session Australian version is examined in a larger randomised controlled trial where children present with behavioural and emotional problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Australia, the number of female psychologists is significantly larger than that of male psychologists. Due to gaps in the literature, it is difficult to establish whether such discrepancies affect mental health support seeking. The present study investigated the preferences of Australian respondents for the sex of a potential therapist and whether the accommodation of such preferences affects mental health support seeking. Method: The study employed a mixed design online survey analysed using multiple linear and multinomial logistic regressions and used a convenience sample of N = 456 Australian participants recruited via social media. Demographics, preferences for therapists' sex, problem type, and likelihood to seek help if preferences for therapists' sex were accommodated or not were collected via an online questionnaire. Analyses included tests for group differences and regressions. Results: Male respondents reported lower baseline likelihood to seek mental health support than female respondents. A main effect of sex of respondent on preferences for therapists' sex was found, but no main effect of problem type on preferences for therapists' sex was evident. Finally, accommodating preferences for therapists' sex was a significant predictor of mental health support seeking. Conclusion: It is prudent to encourage the monitoring and accommodation of clients' preferences of therapists' sex. Additionally, more males could be encouraged to enter the mental health professions. The results of the current study may inform education and health policy. Future research could further explore the effects of occupation and problem type on preferences for therapists' sex and help‐seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examined the feasibility of delivering an online cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia intervention (Sleep‐e) within an Australian public hospital outpatient insomnia clinic. Method: This study was conducted as an open trial pilot study. Fifty‐two patients waiting for clinic treatment were invited to participate, with ten commencing and six completing the 7‐week internet intervention. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires regarding their demographic information, sleep and insomnia symptoms, and provided feedback about the program. Exclusion criteria were minimal, and the study allowed for participants to have other health, psychiatric, and sleep disorder co‐morbidities. Results: Post‐program satisfaction results suggested that Sleep‐e was easy to use; participants were satisfied with it; and found it beneficial in improving sleep. Paired samples t tests for the intention‐to‐treat sample indicated reductions in participants' insomnia severity (p = 0.02) and sleep onset latency (p = 0.04) from pre‐ to post‐program. However, a larger sample is needed to generalise the results to the wider population. Conclusion: The findings support Sleep‐e as a helpful treatment for insomnia in a public hospital outpatient population for at least a subgroup of patients. However, significant lessons were learned regarding the importance of educating health care providers and patients about novel models of internet service delivery. Potential models of adaptive or blended stepped‐care are discussed to facilitate program implementation. Future research should identify how to implement internet interventions more effectively in public health settings to take advantage of their potential to improve clinical efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the motivational processes underpinning Australian older adults' physical activity. Method: Adults aged 65 years and over (N = 213) completed a questionnaire assessing autonomous motivation and theory of planned behaviour variables (attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control), and a 2‐week follow‐up of their self‐reported physical activity (n = 165). Results: In a structural equation model, effects of autonomous motivation on intention were mediated by attitudes and perceived behavioural control, but not subjective norm. The model explained 60% and 46% of the variance in intention and physical activity, respectively. Conclusion: The findings add to current knowledge of motivational processes underpinning physical activity in older adults. Current results indicate that interventions where the value of regular physical activity can be internalised by offering activities that foster feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness may be important to consider in increasing physical activity levels of older adults, a group at risk of sedentary behaviours. [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: There is pressure domestically and internationally to abandon the “4 + 2” pathway in order to more closely align with other western countries. Yet there is limited empirical evidence to support the benefits of the “postgraduate” pathway above that of the internship model. This study examined the training pathways to qualify for registration as a psychologist in Australia and their relationship to years of practice experience, the anchoring effect, and diagnostic accuracy. Method: A total of 121 psychologists in Australia completed the study requirements via an online questionnaire. The participants were randomly allocated to conditions with those in the experimental groups receiving an introductory statement suggesting a diagnosis (depression or anxiety). The control group received no statement. All participants then reviewed the same de‐identified case material of a real client and formulated a diagnosis based on the information presented. The data were examined using hierarchical binary logistic regression. Results: The study found that endorsement significantly predicted more accurate diagnosis but that additional practice experience did not further increase diagnostic skills in the specialist group. Additional years of practice experience did improve accuracy in those without endorsement. An anchoring effect was not consistently observed. Conclusions: The results suggest that endorsement appears beneficial for improving diagnostic accuracy; however, a similar level of improvement can be acquired through practice experience if endorsement is not pursued. While the endorsement pathway appears advantageous, practice experience also has its merits as an alternative to develop clinical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research aimed to assess the frequency and impact of client suicides on psychologists in Australia. Method: Participants were 178 psychologists who completed an online self‐report questionnaire concerning the frequency of occurrence and impact of client suicide. Result: Fifty six (31.5%) participants reported one or more client suicides. Psychologists with more years of experience reported more client suicides. Participants who had experienced a client suicide reported a range of emotional, cognitive and behavioural reactions as well as professional impacts. Ratings of responsibility, preventability and predictability of a client suicide were associated with emotional and/or professional impacts. Beneficial coping responses included talking to supervisors and colleagues, recognising the psychologist is not responsible and having increased acceptance of a client suicide. Conclusions: The findings have important implications for training, workplace practices and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Many individuals with anxiety difficulties present with co-occurring anxiety disorders yet no evidence-based guidelines exist on how to treat this presentation. The present study investigated how Australian psychologists approach treating co-occurring anxiety disorders. Methods A total of 169 psychologists practicing in Australia undertook an online survey consisting of open-questions relating to the treatment of DSM-IV anxiety disorder diagnoses and reported practice in relation to two clinical vignettes. Participant responses were coded using a directed content analysis approach. Results The majority of psychologists reported utilising cognitive behaviour therapy ( CBT) interventions in the treatment of single and co-occurring anxiety disorders but not specific evidence-based treatment guides or protocols. The majority of the psychologists surveyed reported that they adopt a transdiagnostic approach to addressing co-occurring anxiety disorders. Conclusions Psychologists typically do not follow a specific treatment guide in the treatment of anxiety disorders and judge a transdiagnostic approach incorporating CBT techniques as the best way to treat comorbidity. More effort may be needed to disseminate evidence-based interventions for anxiety disorders and for authors of empirically supported treatments to provide clear guidelines regarding treating co-occurring anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective A quasi-longitudinal design was used to explore how changes in the home environment reflect body weight and eating behaviours in three generations of women across two non-Mediterranean ( UK and Australia) and two Mediterranean countries (Greece and Malta). Method A within- and between-subjects design was used. The within-subjects factor was generation (daughters, mothers, and grandmothers). The between-subjects factor was nationality [Mediterranean (Malta, n = 135 and Greece, n = 106) vs non-Mediterranean ( UK, n = 120 and Australia, n = 96]. Body mass index ( BMI), eating behaviour, and aspects of the home environment were assessed using questionnaires for family triads. Results There were consistent differences by generation in terms of BMI, eating behaviour, and most aspects of the home environment, with daughters being lighter but reporting less healthy diets in terms of drinks, snacks, meals, and food preparation than either their mothers or grandmothers and a lower endorsement of parental control over food, a lower belief in controlling forms of parenting, and a lower belief in the mothers' autonomy over their daughter. Further, those from Mediterranean countries were heavier and reported poorer diets and a stricter approach to the home environment. The results also indicate that a shift between the generations was more marked in Mediterranean countries, with more pronounced differences occurring between daughters, their mothers, and grandmothers. Conclusion Increased weight may be associated with a less managed home environment and poorer eating behaviours, which are particularly apparent in those from Mediterranean countries, where daughters may be reacting against their more controlling family culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Amelioration of cross-cultural and cross-language impacts on scale validity should be of concern to the researcher. The Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children, ( HiPIC), a 144-item Five-Factor Model Flemish personality scale, is both a cross-cultural and language scale in Australia. The present study is a mixed method validation study of the translated version of the HiPIC for use within the Australian context. Method Cognitive interviewing of 10 end-users of the HiPIC identified potentially confusing items. Alternate items were generated by a team of developmental psychologists. A further sample of parents/carers of children aged 5-14 years ( N = 399) completed the HiPIC items. Iterative single-factor principal component analyses of the internal structure of facets were used to select psychometrically defensible items for an adapted HiPIC or HiPIC-A. The hierarchical model of the HiPIC-A was then confirmed against a Flemish HiPIC sample using Procrustes rotation, with external validity considered by comparison to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results The resulting HiPIC-A, reduced to 124 items including 13 adapted items, achieved sound internal consistency and high total congruence (0.98) with the Flemish sample. Regression against the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire demonstrated further support for external validity of the HiPIC-A. Conclusion The mixed method design was an effective approach to a cross-language cultural adaptation and validation of the HiPIC, confirming the robust nature of the HiPIC model. The potential for the adapted HiPIC-A to identify adaptive and maladaptive developmental trajectories in Australian children has important implications for practice and further research. On-going validation is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective University students are vulnerable to depression and other co-occurring mental disorders, but few receive treatment. Male university students are at particular risk of not receiving assistance. A better understanding of gender differences in the experience of depression may assist in improving its detection and the provision of appropriate support and prevention strategies. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify whether male and female university students have different patterns of self-reported depression and co-occurring anxiety and stress. Method A total of 1,401 first year students from a regional Australian university completed the 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales. Data were collected in 2001, 2006, 2010, and 2012. Multidimensional scaling analyses were conducted to identify patterns of depression, anxiety, and stress in men and women with different depression severity. Results Depressed men reported mixed patterns of depression, anxiety, and stress that were clustered by behavioural and physiological function, whereas depressed women reported distinctive patterns of depression, anxiety, and stress as prescribed by categories of the individual Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales. Conclusions Depressed male and female university students may categorise and interpret their psychological distress differently. Depressed men might tend to categorise symptoms by function and physiology, whereas depressed women might prefer to use common verbally defined constructs of psychological distress. It may be important for mental health professionals to consider these gender differences in categorisation and patterns of symptoms when screening for depression to increase chances of university students receiving appropriately targeted treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the complex clinical phenomenology of Tourette's syndrome within a community-based Australian sample. It also aimed to determine the service needs of this population. Method Participants included parents of individuals with Tourette's syndrome ( n = 86; mean age = 11.4, standard deviation [ SD] = 2.8) and control group peers ( n = 108; mean age = 11.3, SD = 2.6). Clinical phenomenology was assessed using the Parent Tic Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( SDQ). Reports of formally diagnosed disorders, a comprehensive family history and accounts of service needs were also gathered. Results Findings mirrored the profile of Tourette's syndrome reported in international populations, revealing heterogeneous tic and comorbidity profiles. High rates of comorbidity (77%), often involving multiple co-occurring diagnoses, were reported for the Tourette's syndrome group. These included obsessive compulsive disorder (44%), anxiety disorder (36%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (32%), and learning disorders (18%). Results of the SDQ determined significant elevations in symptoms of conduct and mood disorders for individuals with Tourette's syndrome ( p = .01). Parents also reported shortcomings in health and education services, low levels of understanding of Tourette's syndrome by health professionals, and half reported stigmatisation within the Australian context. Conclusions The study confirmed the challenges confronting youth with Tourette's syndrome and revealed deficits in Australian health and educational services for individuals with Tourette's syndrome. Findings indicate the need for increased education for health professionals and the provision of multidisciplinary services to meet the complex needs of this clinical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the role of diabetes risk factors in the prediction of prediabetes and to explore patterns of risk factors and behavioural vulnerability in adults diagnosed with prediabetes. Method Participants were 623 Australian adults screened for diabetes and subsequently diagnosed with diabetes ( n = 28), prediabetes ( n = 492), or no glucose impairment ( n = 103). Measures included risk factors for diabetes (age, sex, ethnicity, family history diabetes, personal history prediabetes, hypertension, physical inactivity, waist, smoking) and a behavioural vulnerability profile of mood (depression, anxiety, stress), cognition (diabetes knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy), and lifestyle (eating habits, social support). Results Apart from previous history of high blood sugar, diabetes risk factors did not predict incident prediabetes. Latent class analysis of those with prediabetes revealed three distinct groups or subtypes, with differing patterns of risk and vulnerability. Subtype A was younger with a family history of diabetes, high-risk ethnicity, physically inactive, smokers who were overweight, depressed, anxious and stressed, with poor diet and low levels of motivation, self-efficacy, and social support. Subtype B was older, inactive women with healthy eating habits but large waists. Subtype C was older, physically active men with high stress and poor eating habits. Subtypes B and C reported adequate social support, motivation, and self-efficacy for lifestyle change. Conclusions A general 'one-size-fits-all' approach to intervention may not be optimal. At least three subtypes of prediabetes may exist, and intervention programmes to prevent the onset of diabetes should be specifically tailored to the needs of each subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Self-practice (practicing cognitive behaviour therapy techniques on self as therapist and Self-reflection (reflecting on the experience of self-practice) is gaining increasing support as a mechanism supporting the improved acquisition and development of therapist skill in both novice and more experienced practitioners. Research in several countries has confirmed that participants have found SP/SP extremely useful both professionally and personally. Despite the increasing evidence of benefit it has also been observed that some participants fail to fully engage with the SP/SR process, drop out or do not complete SP/SR programmes. Recently, on-line interactive blogs have been identified as useful in improving SP/SR engagement in the training of practitioners involved in stepped care programmes. Objective To qualitatively explore the utility of an online self-practice/ selfreflection blog as a mechanism with the potential to facilitate postgraduate cognitive behaviour therapy trainees engagement in self-practice/ selfreflection as a training strategy. Method Nine trainees completed an online self-practice/ self-reflection programme as a component of a Postgraduate Diploma of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. On completion trainees were invited to complete an electronic feedback form and participate in a focus group discussion regarding their experience of engaging with an interactive self-reflection blog. Results Thematic analysis resulted in identifying one central theme: Experience of the SRB, under which six sub themes, namely: Obstacles, and Solutions, Being Observed, Online Synergy, Motivation and Time as a factor, were noted. Themes are discussed in relation to recommendations for future training providers to improve trainee engagement and utilisation of self-reflective online programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study investigated the Diffusion of Innovation ( Do I) model in explaining the frequency of adoption and intention to adopt Cattell- Horn- Carroll ( CHC) theory by practicing Australian psychologists as a well-validated interpretive model when conducting cognitive assessments. Method Participants were psychologists with general registration ( N = 42 -78 depending on the analysis) who completed a survey assessing cognitive assessment practices and perceived innovation characteristics of the CHC model. Results Few psychologists in the sample were found to be employing CHC in practice, supporting the presence of a theory-practice gap within the cognitive assessment field in Australia. In addition, it was found that the Do I perceptions of compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage were helpful in explaining adoption/non-adoption. Conclusions Highlighting the compatibility, complexity and relative advantage of the CHC model to psychologists could assist with addressing the theory-practice gap in cognitive assessment in Australia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Type- D personality is a construct that describes a tendency to simultaneously experience negative emotions and inhibit self-expression for fear of negative social judgement. The link between type- D and poor health outcomes may be partly mediated by two prominent psychosocial mechanisms, poor-quality health-related behaviour and poor perceived-social support. Method The present study replicated and extended a 2008 UK and Irish prevalence study, utilising a sample from the Australian general population. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between type- D personality and subjective levels of social support, health-related behaviours and neuroticism, as well as examining the estimated prevalence rate of type- D in the general Australian population. Nine hundred and fifty five Australian participants over the age of 18 (194 male and 761 female) completed four measures assessing levels of type- D personality, quality of health-related behaviours, perceived-social support and neuroticism. Results As hypothesised, the estimated prevalence rate was not found to be significantly different from the rate obtained by Williams et al. (2008). In addition, type- D individuals reported significantly lower perceived-social support and poorer-quality health behaviours than non-type- D individuals. Conclusions The results of this study provide further support for the association of type- D personality with poor health-related behaviours and poor perceived-social support, as well as demonstrating the applicability of the type- D construct to the Australian general population for the first time. General healthcare applications are discussed, as well as the potential for type- D personality research to influence public illness prevention in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of modern young people's conceptions of adulthood has largely been informed and constructed through the lens of the theory of emerging adulthood. As a consequence, a relatively unquestioned belief is that there has been a trend towards the gradual development of internal, subjective characteristics and away from the attainment of traditional adult roles in emerging adults' conceptions of adulthood. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, we surveyed Australian university students about their understanding of what it means to be an adult. Exploratory factor analysis of the Criteria for Adulthood Scale emphasised family capacities, demographic markers, norm compliance, and 'novelty of adulthood,' while qualitative themes emphasised both personal and environmental characteristics. We suggest that rather than being independent, individual development and broad social-environmental trends are likely to be interrelated, and to develop in response to each other over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the role of emotion regulation and reinforcement sensitivity in dysfunctional eating behaviours. Two hundred twenty-eight adults from the Australian community completed self-report inventories assessing the variables. Dysfunctional restrained eaters differed from those who did not engage in restrained eating in terms of their emotion regulation, impulsivity, and sensitivity to reward. Difficulties in emotion regulation, low impulsivity, and sensitivity to reward predicted engagement in restrained eating. Emotional eaters significantly differed from those who did not engage in dysfunctional levels of emotional eating in terms of their emotion regulation, impulsivity, and sensitivity towards reward, and difficulties in emotion regulation predicted emotional eating. Finally, dysfunctional external eaters differed from non-dysfunctional external eaters in terms of their emotion regulation, impulsivity, sensitivity towards reward, as well as sensitivity towards punishment, and difficulties with emotion regulation and sensitivity towards reward predicted external eating. These findings highlight the importance of the inclusion of emotional functioning in models of development and maintenance of eating disorders, and support the potential implementation of treatment interventions that address emotion regulation and include strategies to cope with impulsivity and reinforcement sensitivities. [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]

The aim of the study reported in this article was to gain an understanding of the experiences, developmental trajectories, and mental health status of Australian trans men. Participants were 279 trans men. The majority preferred to identify as 'male'; from an early age, they had experienced their gender identity as different from that normatively expected of their natally assigned sex and had undertaken practices so as to facilitate their presentation as male in accordance with their gender identity. A majority reported a diagnosis of depression or anxiety within the last 12 months and attributed suicidal ideation and self-harm and attempted suicide to personal issues with gender identity. Going through a masculinisation process and coming out reportedly led to improved mental health. The findings highlight the need to educate mental health and health care professionals on trans issues. [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 protection of confidentiality in psychological practice is vital. However, confidentiality is not absolute and psychologists are permitted to breach confidentiality under particular circumstances. Ethical challenges surrounding confidentiality are complex with adolescent clients, as assessments often consider the risk that adolescents pose to themselves in addition to the risk posed to others. The current study documented situations in which Australian psychologists would breach adolescents' confidentiality to disclose information about risk behaviour to parents, with a focus on situations where adolescents posed a risk to themselves as opposed to other people putting adolescents at risk. A total of 264 Australian psychologists were surveyed online. They were each presented with 68 variations of a vignette about a 15-year-old boy who was engaged in risk behaviour and were asked whether they would breach confidentiality in each case. The vignettes covered six behavioural domains (smoking, sexual behaviour, drinking, drug use, suicide, stealing) and varied in behaviour intensity, frequency and duration. Consensus was reached about breaching confidentiality in 16% of cases (related to sexual behaviour, drug use, and suicide). Consensus was reached about not breaching confidentiality in 41% of cases (relating to smoking, sexual behaviour, drug use, suicide, and stealing). In the remaining 43% of cases, significant disagreement occurred (relating to all six behavioural domains). The findings suggest a high degree of variation in opinion about confidentiality with adolescents, emphasising the importance of transparent communication and informed consent. The findings also raise questions about how important consistency of psychological practice is across Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychologists in the western world, including Australia, are required to be culturally competent because of the cultural diversity of these societies. Previous studies conducted in North America and Europe have found multicultural teaching, clinical experience with culturally diverse clients, and discussion of multicultural counselling issues in supervision to be related to the practitioner's cultural competency. The present study examined factors contributing to trainee psychologists' perceived level of cultural competence. It was hypothesised that multicultural teaching, clinical experience, and supervision would be related to students' level of cultural competence. One hundred twenty-seven postgraduate clinical psychology students completed an online survey battery that included demographic information, a social desirability measure, and the Multicultural Mental Health Awareness Scale. This hypothesis was partially supported. Clinical experience and supervision focusing on multicultural issues were found to be related to participants' perceived cultural competence; however, multicultural teaching was not. These results provide insight into how universities around Australia can facilitate future psychologists' competence in working with clients from different cultural backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a paucity of studies evaluating the psychometric properties of the Locus of Control of Behaviour Scale ( LCBS), it continues to be widely used in behavioural research. The present study sought to redress this gap in the literature. The 17-item LCBS was administered to 373 Australians attending Alcohol and Other Drug ( AOD) treatment agencies in the northern metropolitan region of Perth. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted in order to determine which of several plausible measurement models provided the best fit for the data. A unidimensional model, recommended by the authors of the LCBS, and a two-dimensional (Internal Locus of Control vs External Locus of Control) model provided poor fits. Other multidimensional models, differing only in the dimensionality of the externality factor, were also tested. A multidimensional model consisting of an Internal Locus of Control factor and four component External Locus of Control factors provided the best fit; however, the fit is probably best described as 'reasonable' rather than 'good.' A subsequent exploratory factor analysis using parallel analysis indicated a cohesive internality factor; however, the externality factor showed a tendency to fragment into smaller components. Results were discussed in terms of the problematic externality factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health literacy (MHL) of rural adolescents has rarely been investigated. This study examined the MHL of 122 rural-based adolescents (49 males, 73 females) aged 12-18 years ( M = 16, SD = 1) using written vignettes and short films to examine knowledge about depression. For the written vignettes, 68% of the rural adolescents were able to correctly identify someone with depression, which is similar to the findings for metropolitan adolescents; however, knowledge about recovery times and avenues of assistance were below that of their metropolitan peers. Participants were less likely to correctly diagnose depression when suicidal intent was not expressed and when the scenario was presented in the more naturalistic form of a film. This finding raises questions about the place of films and written vignettes in future MHL research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was to develop a measure that assessed the level of ethnic identification of adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as well as individuals' level of ethnic identification with a host culture following migration. In the first study, an ethnically diverse sample of 275 people (138 males and 137 females) responded to a range of new items, as well as items drawn from related scales. Factor analysis revealed three dimensions of ethnic identity that were labelled, 'Pride in Ethnic Background and Language,''Liking for Traditional and Social Activities of my Ethnic Group,' and 'Sense of Belonging to This (host) Country.' This factor structure was evaluated in a second study with 1,007 (552 males, 455 females) adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. A two-factor structure provided the most parsimonious fit to the data but further investigation of the factor structure within ethnically diverse samples was recommended. The results are discussed in relation to theories of social identity as well as research on ethnic identification and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research explored 16 of Young's schemas in relation to trait anger and to anxiety and depression symptoms among 262 non-clinical Australian adults with low-level symptomatology and average anger levels. The study partially replicated previous work with a sample of Spanish students that investigated the relationship between anger, depression, and anxiety and Young's schemas. Predictions derived from Beck's notion of cognitive specificity were examined using structural equation modelling and showed that of the sixteen schemas, Vulnerability was linked to anxiety, Social Isolation and Enmeshment were linked to depression, and Entitlement, Insufficient Self-Control, Mistrust and Abuse, Subjugation (negatively), and Abandonment were linked to anger. The discrepancies between these and the Spanish findings and the difficulties of other researchers in establishing higher order aggregations of Young's schemas prompted further consideration of the range of such schemas with respect to anger, depression, and anxiety, and the possibility that sample characteristics may play a critical role in determining the varying affect-schema relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of stress and psychological distress in university students highlights the need for adequate support services to enable students to achieve their goals. This study aimed to describe counselling services available to university students in Australia and New Zealand and to benchmark them against international services. Participants were five Australian and three New Zealand Counselling Services. Results showed that counselling services are using a variety of formats and e-technologies to deliver services to students, but are hampered by limited resources compared with their international counterparts. These include very high counsellor student ratios, lower average number of consultations per student, and lower mental health qualifications of counsellors. This has even greater implications in the context of higher education reform in Australia that may further widen the gap between needs of students and available counselling services. Inadequate counselling support can negatively impact on students, universities, and the community through lost potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weiner's attribution theory was used to examine the attributions made by recruiters during a selection interview and their subsequent hiring decisions. A quasi-experimental design was used in which level of ability (high, low) and effort (high, low) was manipulated. The impact of the manipulations on three outcomes was examined: (1) expectations of future job performance, (2) perceived level of responsibility for the failure, and (3) hiring recommendations. Seventy experienced recruiters from an Australian organisation read four transcripts of interview segments about a job applicant's response to missing a deadline. Findings were consistent with attribution theory; recruiters detected differences in the causes of past work outcomes offered by applicants, which in turn affected their expectations about future work performance, responsibility for failure, and recommendations to hire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is now widely acknowledged that both content and process elements of psychotherapy play a part in client treatment outcomes. Despite this, there are pressures on Australian clinical psychology training programs to teach evidence-based approaches in a relatively short time frame. Producing clinical psychology graduates who have an adequate level of competence in evidence-based practice and meeting the demands of professional accreditation requirements can mean that less time is available to teach the process elements of psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a clinical psychology psychotherapy training program that combines an interpersonal process group with a cognitive behavioural therapy training model that incorporates self-reflection and self-practice. Eleven participants who participated in the training in 2008 completed the Counseling Self-Estimate Inventory at pre- and post-training. Significant improvements on the majority of the subscales of this inventory were found. A separate sample of nine trainees and clinical psychology registrars who also previously completed the program attended individual interviews in 2010 aimed at gaining their perspective regarding various aspects of the program. Self-practice of cognitive behavioural therapy techniques was found to be important in the identification and management of trainees' own core beliefs, and to their appreciation of how challenging this process may be for clients. The interpersonal process group was described by participants as enhancing their competency as psychotherapists. Common themes included the experience of anxiety and a high level of emotion, and understanding how this experience might be similar for clients; increased self-awareness; and increased competence in process issues. Many participants believed the process and content components of training were equally important to their development as psychotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to improve methods used to assess students' clinical skills in postgraduate clinical psychology training, but research into the use of new competency-based assessments are sparse. The current study examines the potential application of the objective structured clinical examination ( OSCE) to clinical psychology training. Commonly used in medical training, the OSCE requires students to demonstrate clinical skills across a number of standardised stations with trained actors playing the part of patients. A pilot OSCE was conducted with nine students from a psychology doctoral program. Participants completed a brief student feedback questionnaire and attended a focus group after the OSCE. They also completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the OSCE. The results showed that students viewed the OSCE as a valid, realistic, and fair assessment method. They reported high levels of anxiety during the OSCE but noted that the OSCE was a positive learning experience. These results suggest that OSCEs should be considered in clinical psychology training programs for the assessment of clinical competence. Further evaluations of the validity and reliability of the clinical psychology OSCE using a larger sample size are required. Other limitations and implications of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We know little about what determines an effective placement experience, yet vocational placements are an integral part of many professional degree programmes. The aim of this research was to examine the influence of job (task variety, task identity, task significance, feedback, and autonomy) and supervisor (relationship quality and mentoring) characteristics on placement outcomes. The findings were tested on samples from two professions for which placement were a compulsory part of their course. Sample 1 consisted of 266 undergraduate nurses, and sample 2 consisted of 176 postgraduate psychologists. The findings showed that job and supervisor characteristics explained unique variance in professional development and placement satisfaction. Of the five job characteristics examined, skill variety, feedback from the job, and task significance influenced placement outcomes. Mentoring emerged as the most important supervisor characteristic that was associated with professional development and placement satisfaction, and to a slightly less extent, supervisor-student relationship quality was also important. The research and practical implications of the findings were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare rates of depressive and anxious symptoms among older adults with and without diabetes. The study also examines differences in depression, anxiety, and diabetes-related emotional distress between middle-aged and older adults with diabetes. A total of 224 participants completed a range of questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, and diabetes-related emotional distress (if applicable). One hundred and three adults with diabetes (55 middle-aged, mean age = 47 years, range 40-59 years and 48 older, mean age = 69 years, range 60-81 years) were recruited from a tertiary diabetes clinic. One hundred and twenty-one adults without diabetes (72 middle-aged, mean age = 52 years, range 40-59 years and 49 older, mean age = 65 years, range 60-76 years) were recruited from either a university student pool or a registry of adults aged 50 and above. Older adults with diabetes had significantly higher levels of depression and comparable levels of anxiety with older adults without diabetes. Older adults with diabetes had significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety, and diabetes-related distress than middle-aged adults with diabetes. Diabetes is associated with high rates of depression and anxiety, with middle-aged adults more adversely affected than older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment is a significant problem in Australia. Psychologists in a wide range of occupations play an important role in the identification and prevention of child abuse and neglect, the provision of interventions to children and families, and the development and conduct of research in related areas. Psychology graduates must be adequately prepared to work in this field; however, little is known about the extent to which child abuse and neglect related contents are taught in current university curricula. A purpose-developed curriculum-mapping survey was used to examine Australian undergraduate, fourth year, and postgraduate Australian Psychology Accreditation Council-accredited programmes available in 2008. Results showed that students in the majority of programmes were exposed to child protection-related content; however, the extent of exposure was limited. Three postgraduate units specifically addressed the prevention, identification, and response to child abuse and neglect. Course coordinators reported that child maltreatment content was mostly integrated into general units throughout the programme, typically within developmental psychology units in the undergraduate curriculum and in ethics, research, or professional issues units in the fourth year and postgraduate programmes. Results suggest the need for child protection content to be included in minimum national standards and accreditation guidelines for universities. [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]

Ecstasy has become one of the most widely used illicit drugs in Australia. This study investigated outcome expectancies as possible motivating and maintaining factors in ecstasy use and sexual risk-taking behaviour. A sample of regular ecstasy users ( N = 220) from Sydney and Canberra, Australia, was recruited for structured face-to-face interviews. They also completed an Ecstasy Expectancy Questionnaire. Seven of eight subscales significantly differentiated regular users from non-users. Interestingly, light and heavier users held similar outcome expectancies, except that light users endorsed items on the sexual enhancement subscale more strongly than heavier users. Further investigation showed that the level of sexual risk taking observed in this sample was high, with the majority of participants reporting multiple partners, 'casual' sexual encounters, sex under the influence of substances, and inconsistent condom use. Using logistic regression analyses, a key finding was that positive sex-related ecstasy outcome expectancies were associated with involvement in disinhibited sexual behaviour under the influence of ecstasy. These effects persisted after statistically controlling for the frequency of ecstasy use. The findings suggest that sexual risk taking is related not only to the disinhibiting properties of ecstasy but also to beliefs that users hold about the effects of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study described was to capture student experiences in postgraduate clinical programmes across Australian universities. The data collected from the Directors of clinical programmes was used to further illustrate the training practices and constraints within the current Australian context. The data were collected through two survey instruments and were analysed by deriving themes via Leximancer as well as quantitative content analysis of percentage response to direct questions. The results indicate that while many students are happy with the training received, there are also many areas open to significant improvement both in the teaching and assessment of clinical skills and course content more generally. Students overwhelmingly prefer practical, interactive, and competency-based teaching and assessment to didactic, written and exam-based alternatives that are still used in most programmes. The responses from programme Directors further illustrate the concerns currently faced by clinical staff engaged in training programmes, with insufficient training places available in the community, fewer clients accessing training clinics, and concerns related to adequate supervision and the competency of students exited from programmes. The findings are discussed in light of limitations to the study and suggestions for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training in clinical psychology in Australia has become increasingly popular after coverage for psychological services under national Medicare was introduced. All regional universities in Australia offer clinical psychology training at the master's level, but little is known about how such training at these universities compares with training in larger, urban universities. Here, we report on results of surveys of clinical students and training directors at regional universities across Australia in order to contrast the perceived quality of training and various aspects of the nature of training. Responses from 190 students and all 35 directors of training show little difference in the perceived quality of training on several indices, with differences limited to the use of staff clinical research. Students at urban universities were less disposed to undertake a placement in a rural setting than those at regional universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]