2024 RTP round - Language and literacy difficulties and child mental health

Status: Closed

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

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Language and literacy difficulties are the most common learning difficulties in Australia, and children with language and literacy difficulties are vulnerable to mental health problems. Literacy difficulties are also associated with youth suicide, delinquency, and incarceration. However, why these difficulties are associated with poor psychosocial outcomes is unclear. If we are to develop effective interventions promoting mental health among children who struggle with language and literacy, it is essential to identify mechanisms explaining psychological outcomes, which can become intervention targets. The proposed research aims to extend understanding of associations between language and literacy difficulties and youth mental health, and identify modifiable factors explaining why children with language/literacy problems are at elevated risk. 

Our Research Group focuses broadly on youth mental health and wellbeing. The overarching aim is to develop and evaluate evidence-based interventions promoting mental health among youth and their families. A particular focus is on understanding links between language and literacy difficulties and child psychosocial well-being. 

Three example studies are outlined below, but the final PhD project will be developed with the candidate’s input.
1) Prospective associations between language and literacy ability and child mental health
                
Analysis of data from existing cohorts, which have tracked language, literacy and wellbeing and wellbeing indicators over time. These studies also included data on risk (e.g., bullying victimisation, poor family functioning, difficulties in emotion regulation) and protective (e.g., self-esteem, coping skills, and social skills) factors is also available. The candidate could test associations between language/literacy difficulties and mental health over time, and test if these associations are moderated and/or mediated by potential risk/protective factors.
2) Living with language and literacy difficulties: Perspectives of children, parents, and educators
The candidate could conduct in-depth interviews with children, parents, educators, and other stake-holders (e.g., service providers). Interviews could be thematically analysed, with the aim of identifying factors associated with mental health among children with language/literacy difficulties. Interviews could also identify facilitators and barriers to mental health services for children with language/literacy difficulties and their families.
3) Co-design and evaluation of mental health programs accessible to children with language and literacy difficulties 
Funded by the NHMRC and Healthway, over the next few years, we will be co-designing and evaluating mental health programs designed to be accessible for children with language and literacy difficulties. There is scope for multiple PhD studies within this broader program of research. For example, assessing the language and literacy demands of current mental health programs, or conducting workshops with children with language/literacy difficulties, their families, and service providers to identify barriers to accessing current services and their own needs and priorities in terms of mental health services.
   
Additional example studies could include examining associations between language/literacy ability and mental health over the transition to high school (a transition that is particularly difficult for children with language/literacy difficulties due to increased academic expectations and reduced classroom support), or language/literacy and mental health among children disengaged from mainstream education. 
However, these are all just examples of the types of studies that could be conducted, but the PhD will be developed in conjunction with the successful candidate. 

This research conducted as part of this PhD will further understanding of associations between language/literacy difficulties and child social and emotional wellbeing and identify factors that can be targeted in future intervention efforts. Our research in this area has been developed in direct collaboration with clinicians and service providers, who have identified psychosocial support for children with language/literacy difficulties as a rapidly growing area of need, with increasing demand for services. 

This project may provide an Internship opportunity. 

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 self-motivated PhD candidate with and undergraduate degree in Psychology, or another related field (e.g., Speech Pathology, Education), excellent organisation, problem-solving, and project management skills. The candidate must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin. 

Application process

If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. ahead of the closing date. Please note you should apply as soon as possible, as once a suitable candidate has been identified this opportunity will no longer be available to receive an EOI.

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

To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead, Mark Boyes via the EOI form above.

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