This research explores how chronic stress reshapes the brain through genetic mechanisms. By studying the stress-regulating gene MeCP2 in mice, the work shows how early-life stress can lock the brain into a heightened anxiety state, revealing biological pathways that may inform future treatments for stress-related mental health disorders.

This research examines how multiple sclerosis disrupts meaning and identity beyond physical symptoms. A nurse-led, group-based intervention helps people with MS rebuild purpose and quality of life. By targeting meaning alongside medical treatment, the project addresses the often-overlooked psychological impact of chronic illness and offers a scalable model for holistic care.

This research examines depression screening practices among physiotherapists treating back pain. Findings show screening is rare, indirect, and hindered by stigma, time pressure, and system constraints. The work highlights the need for validated tools, training, and policy change to normalise mental health screening and improve patient safety.

My PhD explores children’s well-being at ages 10–11 by integrating children’s voices with parent and teacher perspectives. Using child-centred methods, it identifies key influences during a critical transition. The research prioritizes children as experts, informing better measurement, intervention, and long-term understanding of how well-being evolves over time.

This thesis uses theatrical horror to confront the “superwoman schema” that discourages Black women from seeking mental health care. By breaking theatrical contracts to induce unpredictability and empathy, the work mirrors the societal rupture Black women face when pursuing therapy, motivating audiences toward understanding and systemic change.

This research applies the concept of hormesis—where low doses are beneficial but high doses harmful—to pornography use. Since excessive porn use is associated with mental-health problems, the project seeks to identify the “healthy limit” of use. Participants will complete daily smartphone surveys over a month, allowing the researcher to model how porn consumption affects well-being and how moral beliefs modify these effects. The goal is to build a personalised app that guides individuals toward safe levels of use and reduces polarisation in debates about pornography.

This study tests whether CBD genuinely reduces anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. Fifty participants will receive either pharmaceutical-grade CBD or a placebo before a stressful mock interview. Researchers will measure subjective and physiological anxiety and scan participants’ brains to detect CBD’s effects, providing the first clinical evidence for or against its effectiveness.

This research tests whether psychedelics improve adaptability in mice. After learning reward rules, mice with a single psychedelic treatment relearned new rules faster and used more information—learning not only from rewards but also from missed rewards. The findings suggest psychedelics enhance behavioral flexibility, offering clues for developing future mental health treatments.

Small business owners face high rates of anxiety, burnout and financial stress. This research shows business advisors—accountants, bookkeepers, consultants—can effectively support clients’ mental health when trained. Evaluating a large-scale advisor training program, the study finds advisor-led support improves owner well-being and offers a scalable solution to Australia’s small-business mental-health crisis.