College of Healthcare Sciences
Lisa Shaw
- Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
- lisa.shaw@jcu.edu.au
Stephen Yu
- Senior Lecturer, Nursing and Midwifery
- stephen.yu@jcu.edu.au
Karen Smith
- Lecturer, Nursing and Midwifery
- karen.smith6@jcu.edu.au
Chae Rose
- Lecturer, Psychology
- chae.rose@jcu.edu.au
Helen Petsky
- Head, Nursing and Midwifery
- helen.petsky@jcu.edu.au
Lucy Bird
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- lucy.bird@jcu.edu.au
Matthew Yau
- Adjunct Professor
- matthew.yau@jcu.edu.au
Alyssia Merrick
- Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
- alyssia.merrick@jcu.edu.au
Louise Myles
- Adjunct Lecturer
- louise.myles@jcu.edu.au
Sandra Dash
- Lecturer
- sandra.dash@jcu.edu.au
Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for improving mental health and metabolic profile among diabetes patients: A randomized clinical trial
The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of MBSR for improving mental health and metabolic profile in diabetes patients living in regional and rural north Queensland using a RCT design. Our study will answer three research questions: 1) Is in-person MBSR efficacious for improving mental health and metabolic profile in diabetes patients? 2) Is online MBSR efficacious for improving mental health and metabolic profile in diabetes patients? 3) Are there mental health benefits observed after 4- and 6-week interventions?
Culturally Responsive Diabetes Prevention (CDP) Program for Children of First Nations in North Queensland –A Pilot Study (CI)
The CDP program aims to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) children in Townsville. It comprises of 6 months of a weekly 2-hour physical activity alternating with a weekly 2-hr nutrition/sports education in a storytelling format to be delivered by ATSI elders. Sixty ATSI children aged 8-17 years will participate. Clinical data will be collated at onset, 3 and 6 months and a questionnaire will be administered to determine changes in clinical markers of T2D including body weight, blood pressure, knowledge and attitude of heathy diet and daily physical activity.
Predicting treatment success based on physiological and psychological markers at baseline
this study examines whether physiological and psychological markers at baseline can predict treatment success of a stress intervention in 50 university students, 25 each from JCUA and JCUS. This project will provide the foundation for a larger study focused on predicting treatment efficacy based on individual differences at baseline, which may inform clinicians in choosing person-focused interventions to increase efficacy and reduce the burden and costs related to ineffective and delayed treatment.
Mindful Warriors Full-Day Retreat
The Mindful Warriors Full-Day Retreat at the Central Plaza, James Cook University, Townsville, is an initiative during the Queensland Mental Health Week, offering veterans and their family members a day to connect with nature, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace. Guided by a qualified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher, participants will practice mindfulness meditation away from daily distractions. This practice encourages being fully present and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. It is a powerful tool for emotional regulation and overall well-being for veterans
and community members. The retreat includes various meditation techniques (body scan, attention-focus meditation, lying down yoga meditation, standing yoga, meditation, sit meditation, walking meditation), and a mindful BBQ and eating session.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Group Intervention for Victim-Survivors of Violence against Women in Regional and Rural North Queensland
Violence against women (VAW) is a major public health problem in Australia. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2023 report, 23% Australian women experienced violence by an intimate partner and 12.6% women experienced sexual harassment in the past 12 months1. Women living in regional, rural and remote areas are more likely to experience VAW compared to metropolitan women3. VAW commonly results in post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)3 that is often a comorbid condition of depression and anxiety4. Prolonged exposure, cognitive processing and cognitive behavioural therapies are the most well-studied first- and second-wave psychotherapies, that have demonstrated effectiveness for individuals with PTSD4. However, about 30-60% individuals do not respond well to these treatments5, indicating a critical need for research into alternative treatments for PTSD among victim-survivors of VAW, such as third-wave psychotherapies. As a prominent third-wave psychotherapy, MBSR has been employed as a safe and effective treatment for victim-survivors of VAW in the past decade; but is predominately USA-based4. The proposed activity is to deliver MBSR to 30 victim-survivors of VAW in Townsville and evaluate its effectiveness for this population. This study is the first in Australia to evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR for this population.
Delivery of the Veterans’ Individualised Physical Education, Rehabilitation, Recovery and Reintegration (VIPER3) program
The Veterans’ Individualised Physical Education, Rehabilitation, Recovery and Reintegration program (VIPER 3) will pilot a novel approach to address the challenges faced by military veterans that have transitioned to civilian life, through a combination of exercise and mindfulness interventions. Utilising a "battle buddy" system, 20 veterans will participate in a 12-week regime of tailored exercise and mindfulness sessions, designed to provide the psychosocial, health and wellness framework to support their reintegration into the community. Greater compliance, positive participant feedback, and improvements in physical and mental health and quality of life will support wider implementation of the program and future funding support.
The identification and development of regional female rugby league players within an elite talent pathway. (Old ID 27917)
With the successful emergence of the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) elite competition comes a necessity to better understand and prepare young women for the physical requirements needed to achieve this highest level of competition. This project will provide support to a PhD Candidate to undertake research focussing on the pathways available for young girls to progress through the elite rugby league pathway: from local and state-based competitions through to the NRLW. With a focus on the talent development environment and practices, the Candidate will conduct research whilst embedded alongside professional coaches within an elite sporting pathway.
Becoming a soldier: A Qualitative Study into Construction of the Army Identity and its Impact on Mental Health
Student-led project (PhD) - agreement sought between JCU and DoD to allow access to current serving members (Army personnel) for the purpose of qualitative interviews and focus groups. Access to DoD policy documents including personnel manuals, Defence health policy/manuals, standard operating procedures
Becoming a soldier: A Qualitative Study into Construction of the Army Identity and its Impact on Mental Health
Student-led project (PhD) - agreement sought between JCU and DoD to allow access to current serving members (Army personnel) for the purpose of qualitative interviews and focus groups. Access to DoD policy documents including personnel manuals, Defence health policy/manuals, standard operating procedures
Becoming a soldier: A Qualitative Study into Construction of the Army Identity and its Impact on Mental Health
Student-led project (PhD) - agreement sought between JCU and DoD to allow access to current serving members (Army personnel) for the purpose of qualitative interviews and focus groups. Access to DoD policy documents including personnel manuals, Defence health policy/manuals, standard operating procedures
One nurse's experience with the effects of assumptions and judgements on practice.
- 2005
- Researchers:Pauline Calleja
Inca trail porters : the health of local tourism employees as a challenge for travel medicine
- 2003
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Irmgard Bauer
Health advice in Australian travel brochures
- 2002
- Decker Periodicals
- Researchers:Irmgard Bauer
Geographic information systems and travel health
- 2002
- Decker Periodicals
- Researchers:Irmgard Bauer
Influence of age and moderate-intensity exercise training on heart rate variability in young and mature adults
- 2003
- Human Kinetics
- Researchers:Anthony LeichtAndrew Hoey
Influence of intensive cycling training on heart rate variability during rest and exercise
- 2003
- NRC Reserch Press
- Researchers:Anthony LeichtAndrew Hoey
Health psychology: biopsychosocial interactions. An Australian perspective
- 2002
- John Wiley & Sons
- Researchers:Marie Caltabiano
Start Date:
01 Jun 2025
Start Date:
01 Jan 2025
Start Date:
01 Jan 2024
Start Date:
16 Feb 2024
Start Date:
01 Jan 2024
Title:
SARRAH
Start Date:
01 Jan 2021
Start Date:
01 Jan 2021