2024 RTP round - Internet delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Grief in Young People: A co-produced intervention.

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Grief in young people (defined as 14 to 24 years) is common, with two-thirds having experienced the loss of a loved one.  Grief is strongly associated with higher anxiety and depression in young people. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) tailored for grief is effective for decreasing anxiety and depression in face-to-face settings, but such treatment is limited to a few, and in our previous research, young people have commented that they prefer online interventions. Therefore, research is needed to explore how to design and provide an initial evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of CBT for grief through an online platform. To date, there have been no studies which have evaluated online CBT for grief in young people.

The aim is to co-design with young people who have lived experience of grief, an online CBT for grief intervention. The research will involve development and testing in an initial feasibility and acceptability trial, a website-based intervention for grief in young people.  The aim is to make treatment more broadly accessible by disseminating and scaling it via the internet, and to reach young people who may not be able to access face to face interventions, including in rural and remote areas. 

The objective is to co-design a web-based intervention together with young people to enhance acceptability and relevance of the intervention in ways that are acceptable and appeal to youth.  The other major objective is to conduct a feasibility and acceptability trial including gathering quantitative and qualitative insights into the efficacy and acceptability of the new intervention.  A major component of the research will involve engaging young people in a lived experience youth advisory committee to guide all aspects of the research, from the initial design through to evaluation and dissemination. 

The topic addresses an important issue in mental health in an age range which has the peak onset for mental health difficulties, prevention/early intervention and improving access and outcomes for young people affected by grief.  Grief is a risk factor for the onset of anxiety and depression, and intervention for grief reduces anxiety and depression.  Therefore, intervention for grief may potentially help to prevent anxiety and depression and may also be useful as an early intervention for these mental health conditions.  Further, because the treatment is online and will not depend on any therapist support or access to face-to-face services, it can be accessed anywhere.  The research has the potential to improve outcomes for young people affected by grief who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression and have difficulty in accessing treatment, including in rural and remote areas. 

This project may provide an Internship opportunity within a grief education and intervention provider. 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Health Sciences

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6 month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023. 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

We are looking for a PhD candidate who has an interest in working with young people to design and evaluate an evidence-based psychotherapy.  Candidates with skills including experience and/or an interest in working with young people are desired for this project. Training or registration as a psychologist and prior experience working with people with mental health difficulties would be useful.  Must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin. 

Application process

This project has identified a preferred candidate and is no longer available.  Please review remaining scholarships projects .

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

The Project lead has identified a preferred candidate and is no longer accepting applications. Please click here to review remaining scholarships projects.

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