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Current research projects

If you are interested in participating in members research projects and surveys, please follow the instructions provided. Questions should be directed to the contact listed for each project. Please do not contact the APS directly.

Please note

The APS in no way endorses, has no involvement in, and is not responsible for the research projects listed. Your participation in any of the projects listed is entirely voluntary.

Relational factors in shared decision making

Closes 10 April 2026

You are invited to participate in a study examining relational factors in Shared Decision Making (SDM) in patient-clinician communication by completing a short, 15-minute survey.   

The results from this study aim to inform future research and educational and organisational interventions to enhance health clinicians’ support of clinician-patient communication and person-centred care. 

Eligibility
This study is open to Practising Psychologists and / or Provisional Psychologists and Practising Oncologists and / or Doctors in training (Oncology Trainees) registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA). 

Ethics Approval
This research has been approved by Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee HREC Reference No: 520251998365224 

Interested in Participating?
Please click the "Start the survey" link below. 
For more information, questions or concerns, please email Caroline Skipper at [email protected]

Start the survey

The fear of self-compassion as a mediator between neuroticism, burnout and secondary traumatic stress in Australian psychology

Closes 30 September 2026

Are you currently completing a Master of Psychology and seeing clients as part of a practicum? 

My name is Kayla Grant from the School of Psychology & Counselling at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). I am completing an Honours research project that explores the associations between fear of self-compassion, neuroticism, burnout, and professional quality of life among Australian psychology trainees (students completing a Master of Psychology, such as a Master of Clinical Psychology or Master of Professional Psychology). 

I would like to invite students who are currently enrolled in a Master of Psychology program in Australia and who are currently seeing clients on practicum (internship - i.e., placement internal to university or externship - i.e., placement external to university) to complete a 10-15 minute online survey. 

To recognise your contribution, should you choose to participate, the research team is offering you the opportunity to enter a prize draw for a chance to win one of four $50 Woolworths vouchers. Please note that the opening date for entries is 24/11/2025, and the closing date for entries is 30/09/2026.  The Terms and Conditions of the prize draw can be located here.

Please note that this study has been approved by the QUT Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 10248).

To participate or for further information, please go to the "Start the survey" link below. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [email protected]

Start the survey

Treatment planning judgements in psychology

Closes 25 April 2026

Psychologists working in everyday clinical practice usually offer clients evidence-based treatment strategies that match the psychologist's understanding of the client’s problems. Although much importance is placed on treatment planning, very little is known about how psychologists reach such decisions.

We invite psychologists with five or more years of experiencing in administering cognitive-behaviour therapy to participate in this research project to validate a new instrument – the Treatment Options Measure (TOM). 

Participation involves completing an online survey that takes about 10 minutes to complete. Participants are asked to choose the intervention strategy that would be most effective in addressing hypothesised maintaining factors of the client's difficulties. It is hoped that TOM will be used in future research to evaluate treatment planning decisions.

To participate click on the "Start the survey" link below.

If you would like further information about the project, please contact:
Professor Sunil Bhar ([email protected]).

Start the survey

Contemporary relational psychodynamic treatment of complex trauma or C-PTSD: A qualitative exploration of perspectives of mental health practitioners

Closes 31 January 2026

Recruitment for research study into psychodynamic psychotherapy for complex trauma or C-PTSD

  • Are you a registered mental health clinician residing in Australia? 
  • Are you trained and practice in Contemporary (Relational) Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
  • Treat complex trauma disorders &/or C-PTSD?

You are invited to take part in a Qualitative project exploring your perspectives & experiences on diagnostic systems and therapeutic practice using Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy approaches for treatment of complex trauma disorders &/or C-PTSD.

This research is conducted by Ms Stacey-Kim Coleman under the supervision of Dr. Lynlee Howard-Payne of the Discipline of Psychological Science at the ACAP University College. Stacey-Kim is completing her research as part of her BPsychSc(Hons) degree at ACAP University College.

You can take part in this research if you: 

• Are a registered psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or other allied health clinician. 
• Have trained at minimum at a master’s level clinical training in any psychodynamic/psychoanalytical modality; or post grad, for a 1-year relational psychodynamic psychotherapy training program; or a 2-year relational psychodynamic registrar program; or a full four to five-year psychoanalytic training program for psychoanalysts; or anything in-between.
• Work with complex trauma &/or C-PTSD.
• Reside in Australia.
• Have no personal relationship with the researchers.

If you are interested, you would complete a 45 – 60-minute interview with Stacey via Zoom with wait room and passcode enabled. 

If you would like more information please e-mail Stacey-Kim Coleman [email protected] and I will send you an information pack! 

This research has been approved by the ACAP University College Human Research Ethics Committee (EC00447) (Approval Number: 959281025). For concerns about ethical aspects of this research, please contact the ACAP University College HREC: [email protected]

Exploring the effectiveness of coaching as a resource for work and life

Closes 30 April 2026

What is this study about?
Coaching helps address work and life challenges that may arise for individuals at some point in their lives. This study aims to survey individuals who have received coaching and those who have not. The study will explore the type of coaching that is provided to individuals, whether this is done at a personal or team level, and explore the tools, approaches, techniques, and models that coaches use when interacting with their clients. 

Who can participate?
Individuals are invited to participate if they:

  • have or have not received coaching
  • are employed for 2 days or more per week and
  • are 18 years and older.

What is involved?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey that will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes of your time. 

To participate or for further information click on the "Start the survey" link below.

Start the survey

IMPROVE-SCA: Improving outcomes and survivorship following sudden cardiac arrest in the young

Closes 30 January 2026

Healthcare Professional Survey

Invitation to complete a survey regarding care after sudden cardiac arrest in the young (<50 years).

You are invited to join our research study IMPROVE SCA; Improving outcomes and survivorship following sudden cardiac arrest in the young. This study aims to understand the current services available to individuals and families after sudden cardiac arrest regardless of the outcome.

We invite you to complete a survey for healthcare professionals to identify current clinical pathways and any potential barriers to services.

The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

If you are interested in participating, please click the "Start the survey" link below which will take you to the online participant information sheet and electronic consent form prior to the survey. 

If you have further questions, please contact Laura Yeates at [email protected].
Thank you in advance.

Start the survey

Exploring psychologists' experiences of implementing digital psychological interventions for people with chronic non-cancer pain

Closes 31 December 2026

We are inviting clinicians involved in the prescription or implementation of digital psychological interventions (e.g., mobile applications, online modules, virtual reality, AI chatbots) for people with chronic pain, to share their experiences as part of a research study.

We hope these findings will help us better understand how these treatments can be of value to clinicians and be effectively integrated into routine care.

Interested in taking part? Please complete the short screening questionnaire via the "Start the survey" link below, or feel free to contact me if you'd prefer to discuss it over the phone: [email protected] 

Start the survey

Understanding power in mental health service provision

Closes 31 December 2030

Seeking participants for a research study exploring power in the access and provision of mental health services. Mental health service users frequently report a need for greater authority over their treatment. However, to date, there has been little research on how power dynamics manifest in the clinician and service user therapeutic relationship. Through this research we hope to better understand how power dynamics operate in psychological services from the unique perspective of people who have experience of being both a mental health service provider and a mental health service user.

We are looking for participants who:
• Are an AHPRA registered psychologist (with or without an area of practice endorsement) 
• Are currently working directly with clients 
• Are willing to fill in an online survey taking up to 10 minutes and participate in a 30 to 60 minute interview at a time and place of your convenience 
• Are willing to be audio-recorded throughout your interview 
• Have previous and/or current experience accessing a mental health service in a voluntary and/or involuntary capacity. Access of a mental health service involves contact with one of the following services to address a mental health need: a) admitted patient care in hospital and/or other residential care, b) community mental health care services, c) consultations with specialist medical practitioners, general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, peer workers and/or other allied health practitioners.
• Identify racially as non-white

Participation would involve completing a survey about your experiences accessing mental health services and participation in an interview exploring your experiences and perspectives of power in the access and provision of mental health services. The survey is approximately 10 minutes in length and the interview will be 30 to 60 minutes. Participation in the study would take place online through Qualtrics and via video conference.

Participants in this study will receive a $50 prepaid debit card as a token of appreciation for your time and energy.

Contact Leanna Azoury ([email protected]) with any enquiries, which will remain confidential. 

This research project has been approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Self-Regulation and Media Multitasking

Closes 8 March 2026

Do you find your child is watching television while playing on their iPad?
Or Using an iPad while completing their homework?
Do you worry that engaging with many digital devices impacts your child’s learning and focus?

This study aims to understand how factors, such as a child's level of self-control, can influence their use of digital devices and impact their ability to carry out school-based tasks.

By carrying out this study, we will attempt to identify what influences a child’s engagement with screens to better support their development and learning within their environment.

I am currently seeking participants in grades 3-6 in Sydney. 

For further information go to the "Start the survey" link below or contact Ella Tremaine (0430 044 705) or [email protected] or [email protected]

Start the survey

Efficacy of scalable approaches to reducing alcohol and other drug use among traumatised young people

Closes 17 September 2026

The University of Sydney is conducting a trial of a psychological treatment for co-occurring posttraumatic stress and substance use issues in adolescents and young adults aged 12-25 years.

• Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive therapy in person or via telehealth.
• Both methods of treatment delivery involve up to 16, one-on-one sessions with a psychologist.
• Sessions are once a week and take about 60-90 minutes and all sessions are provided free of charge.
• In person sessions are delivered at the University of Sydney in Darlington. Telehealth sessions are delivered via video conferencing using the participant’s device.
• Participants can continue seeing their regular health care providers while in the trial when indicated.
• All information provided will remain anonymous and confidential.

To be eligible, participants:

• Must be aged 12-25 years
• Had a lifetime exposure to at least one traumatic event
• Meet criteria for subthreshold or full PTSD
• Have used alcohol or other drugs in the past month and have a history of problematic use
• Be fluent in English
• Be able to travel to attend sessions in Sydney
• Have access to a device for video conferencing

To register click on "Register your Interest" below.

For further information or if you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact us.

Call or text 0494 394 093 or email [email protected]

Register your Interest

Sociology of health data for sexuality and gender diverse people

Posted 28 May 2024; Closes 31 December 2026

This project aims to investigate the sociological dimensions of digital health data for sexuality and gender diverse people with complex health needs. It employs qualitative and co-design methods to engage with sexuality and gender diverse people, advocates, clinicians, decision-makers, and health data designers.

The project involves an interview and expects to generate much-needed knowledge about the participation of sexuality and gender diverse people in health data systems, with respect to trust, disclosure, stigma and prejudice.

Expected outcomes include insight for enhancing health data systems for sexuality and gender diverse people. This project should provide significant benefits for the promotion of inclusive, safe and useful health data systems. The research is funded by the Australian Research Council (DP230100245).

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn more about this study, please contact A/Prof Mark Davis at [email protected].

Remote stepped care treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A feasibility study

Posted 26 March 2024; Closes 15 February 2028

We are seeking participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to participate in a study investigating the acceptability and feasibility of a stepped care cognitive-behavioural treatment.

The treatment involves two steps. In the first step participants complete an 8-week cognitive behaviour therapy workbook with email support from a psychologist.

Participants whose symptoms do not improve will progress onto the second step of the stepped care treatment. In the second step participants will receive 8 weekly cognitive behaviour therapy sessions with a psychologist delivered in real-time via a videoconferencing platform.  

To be eligible participants must be:

  • Australian resident
  • English speaking
  • Aged 18 years or older
  • Have regular access to the internet and a computer with a camera
  • Meet criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The treatment is provided free of charge.

For more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton via email: [email protected]

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH22-7391. Valid to: 15/02/2028

Start the survey

Using technology to assess cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults: Opinions, preferences and experiences of Australian clinicians

Posted 20 February 2024; Closes 29 January 2029

Seeking clinicians working with middle-aged and older adults: Help us better understand the role of telehealth in cognitive assessment.

The study is being conducted by researchers at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University.

If you are a clinician (psychologist, allied health worker, nurse, or medical specialist) who has experience in the use of telehealth with middle-aged to older adults and/or the provision of cognitive assessment with this demographic, we would love to hear from you.

Participation involves the completion of a short (10 minute) survey and it is hoped that the results of this study will help us to better understand the barriers and facilitators impacting the use of remote cognitive assessment with middle-aged and older adults.

For more information, including a full description of the project, or to participate in the survey, please click on the survey link below.

If you have any questions about this research project please contact us via email: [email protected].

This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC Project ID 41057).

Start the survey

Assessment and Remote Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted 20 July 2023; Closes 28 March 2028

We are seeking participants to take part in a treatment study investigating the effectiveness of remote psychological treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder.

The treatment is delivered in real-time via an online videoconferencing platform.

To be eligible participants must be:

  • Living in Australia
  • Aged over 18
  • English speaking
  • Have regular access to the internet and a computer with a camera
  • Have symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

The treatment is provided free of charge and involves 8 weekly sessions with a therapist.

If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton at [email protected].

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH22-7803. Valid to: 28/03/2028.

Register your interest

Sexual Harm in Australian Nightlife Venues

Posted 18 July; Closes 4 November 2026

This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of sexual harm in Australian nightlife venues. The project will investigate factors and correlates related to physical and verbal sexual harm victimisation in these venues. The study will examine the relationship between substance use and sexual harm, and also investigate the consequences of experiencing sexual harm within the nightlife context.

The current study will use an online survey design targeted at Australian nightlife patrons, venue workers and live music performers. The information gathered through this project will contribute to the limited knowledge of the area, particularly in relation to venue workers experience of sexual harm. Further, the findings from the proposed study will also likely be used to inform prevention and response strategies within Australian nightlife venues.

Start the survey

One Day Expedited Treatment for Anxiety Disorders: A Feasibility Study

Posted 6 July; Closes 23 June 2027

Study description

We are seeking participants to take part in a treatment study evaluating the effectiveness of a one-day cognitive behavioural treatment for anxiety disorders. The treatment is manualised and delivered individually and in person at the University of Technology Sydney. We are pleased to offer free access to this treatment for eligible participants.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible participants must be:

  • Australian resident
  • Aged 18 or older
  • Able to read and write English
  • Meet criteria for an anxiety disorder

The treatment is provided free of charge and involves an 8 hour session with a therapist.

Participants will also be asked to complete some online questionnaires before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and one- and three-months after the treatment. These questionnaires will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Participants will also be required to complete a diagnostic assessment to ensure that they are suitable for the study. This diagnostic assessment may take 1-2 hours (however, some participants require more time than this).

Interested participants can read more about the study here: https://redcap.link/onedayCBT

If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton at [email protected].

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH23-8102. Valid to: 23/06/2028

Register your interest

A qualitative investigation of parentification experiences in men

Posted 30 November; Closes 12 March 2026

Seeking men (18+) to share their story about looking after their parent/s, whilst growing up. The following statements may apply to you:  

  • One or both parents brought their problems to you.
  • One or both parents relied on you for guidance, assistance and/or support.
  • You were treated by your parents as a ‘spouse’ and/or ‘mate’. 
  • Your parent/s expected you to take sides, or resolve their arguments.
  • You organised the household; performing house duties and/or looking after siblings, in excess.

If any of the above statements describe your experiences and you are: a male who looked after either your mother and/or father; a female or male who looked after their father. You qualify to participate in an online interview. 

You will receive a $20 gift voucher for your participation. 

If you answer yes to one or more of the above, and you are interested in participating in an online interview please contact Melanie Thomas on [email protected]
 

The Experiences of Therapists Working within Session-Limited Models

Published 17 June 2020; Closes 16 July 2027

In attempting to address the problem of increasing mental health issues, session limits on counselling have been imposed by governments, agencies and insurance companies. There has been some research on the impact of session-limited therapy on the therapeutic process and client outcomes, however, no studies to date have focussed on the experiences of therapists working within such a model.

The aim of this study is to give voice to the subjective experiences of therapists providing session-limited therapy, for the purpose of gathering rich, meaningful data to inform future planning and research.

If you are a psychologist, counsellor or social worker, and have membership of a professional body, we would love to hear from you. You must have worked or currently work with clients in a session-limited model. If you decide to participate in this study, you will be asked to volunteer for an interview, which will take 60 minutes of your time. The interview will be conducted online, using Skype, Zoom, Microsoft teams or a similar application.

To participate in this survey, please click on the button below.

Start Survey

If  you have any questions, please contact the researchers Sallyann Richards (email: [email protected]) or Charmonique Leber (email: [email protected]).

This study has been approved by Murdoch University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. If required, verification of approval can be obtained from Dr Hugo Gonzales on 08 9360 6442.