Department of Psychology
Research Projects
Combined alcohol and social phobia treatment program (CASP).
Many shy people drink alcohol as a way of coping with their anxiety. When alcohol use problems and social anxiety occur at the same time the problems are more severe, treatment is less effective and quality of life is worse. Alcohol use and social anxiety tend to feed each other in a vicious cycle, so it makes sense to tackle these two problems together.Given that many people experience both problem drinking and social anxiety, the CASP team has received NHMRC funding to test two treatments to help reduce drinking and anxiety. Both treatments involve 10 individual sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy, with a focus on learning practical skills and strategies to help manage problem areas and improve quality of life. The results of this important research will help us to understand more about how these two problems interact, and will provide vital information regarding the most effective treatment approach to help future sufferers.
Music, Sound and Performance Lab
In our laboratory we are investigating the cognitive processes involved in the production, perception and enjoyment of music performance. Our recent research focuses on how facial expressions are used to convey structural aspects of music, as well as emotional meaning. This communication is accomplished in music performance by balancing acoustic cues arising from the music with visual cues associated with facial expressions and body movements. Motion capture allows us to investigate the biomechanics of production, advanced motor planning, and motor synchronisation.
PATPA
Parental Age and Transition to Parenthood Australia (PATPA) is a topical research study investigating the physical, psychological and social impact of parenting. Recent Australian figures confirm an ongoing trend towards postponement of the first birth. This study will provide contemporary Australian evidence on the experience of first-time pregnancy and parenthood at different ages and will explore what predicts positive adjustment to pregnancy and first time parenthood as well as identifying areas where first-time parents may need more support.