Postgraduate Research Opportunities

The Parenting and Family Support Centre (PFSC) within the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland offers numerous opportunities to students seeking postgraduate training in all aspects of parenting and family development and intervention. A range of projects are conducted at the PFSC including examining aspects of parenting and family related to child development and adjustment, use of methodological tools, and the development, piloting and conducting of clinical trials of parenting interventions based on the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program a unique multilevel system of parenting intervention. Students undertaking research at the PFSC work as part of a research team, and have the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals.

Research projects can be undertaken as part of a Masters, PhD or professional psychology degree program (Master or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology). Students can expect to receive advanced level training in the following areas:

1. Designing and implementing evidence-based parenting interventions.
2. Examining the use of a range of methodologies to assess parenting and family factors, and intervention outcomes.
3. Designing and conducting studies that rigorously test the efficacy of interventions including use of randomized controlled trials and where appropriate intra-subject replication designs.
4. Experience in working with a research team specializing in evidence based intervention.
5. Writing competitive grant submissions to support parenting research.
6. Experience in conducting research on the dissemination of evidence based parenting programs.

Eligibility

Applicants who have a strong bachelors degree with honours in psychology will be considered for the research program at the PFSC. Applicants should have a sound understanding of behavioural or cognitive behavioural principles, child or adolescent development and have specific interests in field of parenting, and family relationships. Some relevant experience with children and families would be an advantage.

Possible Project areas: The following areas are presently being considered as potential projects, but applicants should feel free to identify other potential projects:

1. Cultural diversity and parenting: This project area examines the cultural relevance, acceptability and effectiveness of parenting interventions Indigenous and CALD families. The project also aims to assess the effectiveness of professional training programs for practitioners in order to ensure that practitioners are well prepared for working with families with diverse backgrounds and needs.
2. Childhood illness: This project aims to assist parents in effectively managing chronic childhood illness and associated adjustment difficulties. The project will assess the needs of families with ill children and develop and test parenting interventions designed to address lifestyle and illness management.
3. The role of media and technology in parent training: This project area examines the role of media and the web as a delivery vehicle for parenting information and advice.
4. Engagement & the process of change: This project aims to establish key factors related to engagement of parents with parenting interventions and the mechanisms of change throughout parenting programs.

Funding Support

Applicants will be expected to apply for scholarships to support their candidature and the research team will be involved in securing funding support from a variety of sources to fund specific projects.

Expressions of Interest

For further information contact Dr Alina Morawska by email in the first instance,