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Researchers from the College of Arts are seeking participants in a study on resilience of teens who are marginalised or at-risk of poor outcomes (e.g., education, delinquency) in western Melbourne.
This research will contribute to the growing international data about at-risk and disadvantaged youth and pathways to positive outcomes. This project will also provide important information about local communities’ most vulnerable young people.
About the project
– Resilience is the process of achieving positive outcomes in the face of significant adversity.
– Positives outcomes could include educational expectations and aspirations and psychological wellbeing.
– An essential aim of this study is to be culturally sensitive to diverse populations in this region of Australia.
– Several aspects of resilience will be examined including:
- peer support
- social skills
- parent/caregiver support
- cultural identification
- response to stigma
- and adult mentors.
– Outcomes will include educational expectations and aspirations, and psychological wellbeing.
– This project has approval to proceed from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee.
– The study has commenced and will run until September 2015.
Our researchers
Our researchers conducting this research are both from the College of Arts at Victoria University. They are:
- Dr Laurie Chapin, who is a Lecturer in Psychology with a special interest in researching risk behaviours and resilience of children and adolescents from various populations.
- Dr Carolyn Deans, who is an experienced clinical psychologist and senior academic. She is also the Director of VU’s Psychology Clinic.
Eligibility & consent
We’re approaching schools and community services to help recruit young people for our study.
- We’re looking for more than 130 participants aged from 14-19 years of age (Year 9-12). Participants will go into a draw to win a voucher prize.
- For youths 17 years of age and under we require parental/guardian consent to participate.
- Youth 18 years and older will be encouraged to gain parent/guardian consent but it will not be mandatory.
- All participants will also sign a youth consent form.
Information for schools
Schools will:
- help to determine a time and place for researchers to explain the project to adolescents
- be given the option to arranging for researchers to meet with youth during class periods, during lunchtime, or during free periods
- expect teachers/staff to be present to supervise
- not need to assist
- be asked not to influence potential participants.
Researchers will:
- be present during the sessions
- provide potential participants with information packets and consent forms to take home
- be available for questions immediately.
(Source: Victoria University)
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