19683 research outputs found
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Final Report on the Research Outcomes of a Positive Psychology Approach to Support Teacher Wellbeing and Teachers’ Work with Students Displaying Behaviours of Concern in Regional Victoria
No full textThis report, the result of a significant research partnership with La Trobe University, shines a light on the wellbeing of our teachers and the impact of positive psychology strategies in supporting their professional and personal growth. Nearly 600 educators participated in this study, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the teaching community. The findings are both affirming and challenging: when teachers consciously apply strategies such as finding meaning in work, building micro-connections, using strengths and values, and reflecting on what went well, they experience measurable improvements in wellbeing, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction. These gains are not just numbers—they represent renewed purpose, stronger relationships, and a more positive climate for both staff and students.</p
Loss-of-function mutations in <i>ASIP</i> and <i>MC1R</i> are associated with coat colour variation in marsupials
No full textPigmentation in mammalian hair follicles is governed in part by interactions between agouti signalling protein (ASIP) and the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). The most common coat colours in mammals result from alternating bands of dark eumelanin and light phaeomelanin within individual hair shafts. However, coats dominated by a single melanin have arisen several times. Here, we examine the genetic basis of two instances in marsupials: a melanistic morph of the eastern quoll (
Dasyurus viverrinus
) found at high frequency in the wild, and a rare case of fixed xanthism in the marsupial moles. In eastern quolls, we identify a deletion encompassing the
ASIP
start codon which was found to be homozygous only in the melanistic animals examined. This mutation appears to be convergent with that recently discovered in its dark-coated relative, the Tasmanian devil (
Sarcophilus harrisii
). Conversely, we show that a non-sense mutation which severely truncates
MC1R
in the southern marsupial mole (
Notoryctes typhlops
) is a candidate driver of its pale-yellow coat. Together with other recent findings, our results suggest that loss-of-function mutations have occurred repeatedly within the marsupials, representing a mechanism underpinning coat colour variation.</p
Indigenous language rights and the politics of fear in Asia
No full textThis briefing report explores the threats to Indigenous languages and the human rights challenges affecting efforts to protect them during the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032). Focusing on China, India, and Indonesia, it highlights how restrictions on civil society and attacks on human rights defenders undermine language preservation. The authors offer recommendations for governments, the UN, and global civil society to support the safe participation of Indigenous language advocates.</p
At the Intersection of LGBTQA+ Identity and Socio-Economic Status (SES): Insights on Mental Health and Suicidality in Australia
No full textSuicide is a global public health concern. Within Australia, suicide is also the leading cause of death among young adults (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023), with extant research showing that rates of suicidality are disproportionately higher within communities that experience systemic marginalisation (AIHW, 2023). Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, queer, asexual, and/or those with another diverse sexuality or gender (LGBTQA+) are particularly at risk for high suicidality. Compared with population-level estimates from general community members in Australia (e.g., 3.3% reporting recent suicidal ideation, and 0.3% reporting a recent suicide attempt; Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2022-2022), 41.9% of LGBTQA+ adults have reported recent suicidal ideation, and 5.2% have reported a recent suicide attempt (Hill et al., 2020). These disproportionately higher rates of suicidality among LGBTQA+ community members in Australia call for an urgent need to intervene against the factors that contribute to this risk.A key element of consideration when implementing and advocating for suicide prevention interventions is the understanding that LGBTQA+ communities comprise of individuals that vary in their lived experiences. That is, while both gender and sexuality can vary and intersect across all members of LGBTQA+ communities, so too can other demographic factors (e.g., ethnicity, cultural background, age, socioeconomic status, geographical contexts and regions), yet these important intersecting factors have seldom been emphasised in both research and policy settings. As such, the current data report aims to address this gap by providing insights on mental health and suicidality across LGBTQA+ communities in Australia, with a particular focus on exploring socio-economic status (SES) within this population.</p
Unraveling asymmetric connectedness: Board diversity, green energy and climate change combat: An asymmetry in economic dynamics
No full textNo description supplied</p
Exploring Australian midwives’ approaches to labour pain and workplace realities: Philosophies in practice
No full textOBJECTIVE: This study explored midwives' views and experiences of supporting women to manage labour pain. This paper specifically examines midwives' philosophical underpinnings and the organisational factors that influence their ability to enact these approaches in practice. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey of Australian midwives was undertaken, incorporating both open- and closed-ended questions. Closed-ended questions were analysed using descriptive analysis, while open-ended responses were examined through thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 557 respondents, the majority reported a 'working with pain' philosophy in their approach to supporting women during labour. Perceived workplace support for practicing, in alignment with this philosophy, was more likely when working in a continuity of care model. Workplace context and structural positioning were critical to feeling supported. Many midwives described healthcare settings as constraining, often requiring them to relinquish their philosophical approach due to systemic factors - an experience that was frequently associated with distress. CONCLUSION: Midwives commonly prefer to support women to work with pain during labour, aligning with a philosophy that honours the physiological process of birth. However, system factors, particularly fragmented models of care, high intervention rates, and a culture that prioritises pain relief, pose significant barriers to practising in this way. Enhancing access to tools to facilitate birth physiology, as well as addressing unhelpful cultural beliefs surrounding labour pain, may not only improve women's birth experiences but also contribute to greater midwifery job satisfaction and retention.</p
To Make Another Goal or to Dream a Different Dream—A Mixed Method Study of Experiences of People Using Mental Health Advance Care Planning
No full textAdvance statements are instruments under the Mental Health Act (2014) (Vic) (the Act) in Victoria, Australia that support advance care planning, should a person become a compulsory patient under the Act. Advance care planning supports consumers to have their values and preferences known to the service and other decision makers. Uptake of advance statements in mental health has been poor, and minimal literature is available that explores direct experiences of these instruments by consumers. Feminist Standpoint theory was used in this study as it centres the experience of the marginalised person within the study. This study comprised four in‐depth interviews and a survey with 59 responses that explored consumers' direct experiences of using advance statements in Victoria. Results are consistent with past research identifying that many mental health advance statements were consenting documents, although some issues remained with locating the advance statement and identifying the most beneficial staff members to notify. Analysis of the interviews identified four main themes in people's experiences: not being read, working/not working, the use of advocacy and adjusting expectations. Consumers suggested how advance statements could be improved. Specific examples of advocacy by nurses were identified, and as the largest body of mental health workers, nurses have a key role in supporting consumers throughout their journey. Nurses are best placed to enact supported decision making, a key factor in advance care planning. With greater understanding of advance statements, and better resourcing of supported decision‐making mechanisms, there is potential for advance statements to contribute to an improved experience for consumers in mental health services.</p
Becoming a Father in a New Country and Culture: Lived Experiences of Vietnamese Perinatal Fathers in Australia
No full textThis study delved into the lived experiences of first-time Vietnamese fathers residing in Australia during the perinatal stage. Given the distinctions in parenting styles, gender norms, and cultural practices between Australians and Vietnamese, it was expected that challenges would be identified. Semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were used with twelve first-time fathers (average age 34.3 years). All participants and their partners were residents of Australia but had been born and raised in Vietnam. Eleven had babies (Mage = 8 months). One participant's partner was in the 7th month of pregnancy. Three prominent themes surfaced during data analysis: “Development of the Role as a Father – A New Father and Beyond”, “Negotiating the Changes – Evolving without Losing” and “Navigating Common Challenges – Applying the Old Teachings in a New Country”. Despite encountering several challenges in this important transitional stage, these first-time fathers had effectively adjusted and adapted to the new culture, employing diverse coping strategies. The findings also highlight the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in supporting this demographic. Effective support during the perinatal period goes beyond infant care, addressing both the cultural adaptation process and the challenges faced by fathers during this time.</p
Time Pressure in Employed Parents of Adolescents: The Role of Work and Family Drivers and Workplace Supports
No full textTime pressure is common among working parents with adverse consequences for parent and child mental health, yet few studies investigate time pressure beyond the early parenting years. This paper examined the work and family drivers of time pressure, and the work supports that ease time pressure, in employed parents of adolescents (youngest child aged 13–18 years). In 2016, 614 Australian parents of adolescents completed an online survey about work-family balance. Over half of fathers and three quarters of mothers reported feeling time pressed. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that fathers with managerial/professional jobs and single mothers had increased odds of time pressure. Greater family supportive supervisor behaviour was associated with decreased odds of time pressure, as was greater work-family enrichment (fathers only). Findings indicate that time pressure is a salient experience for parents of adolescents and that work-family support is needed beyond early parenting.</p
B. Traven: a vision of Mexico
No full textSubmitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Humanities, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.</p