BPsych (Honours), BBus

PhD Candidate, School of Psychology

Contact details for Ms Rebecca Eaton r.eaton@griffith.edu.au

Research topic title

The Impact of Positive Psychology-Based Interventions on Coping and Wellbeing among Chronic Illness Sufferers

Supervisors

Dr Graham Bradley / Dr Shirley Morrissey

Description

In Australia, the prevalence of chronic illness has steadily increased over the last decade, with the onset of illness occurring at younger ages than ever before. The onus is on the health professions to investigate new ways to assist those living with chronic physical illness to live healthier and happier lives. The most comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment programs have traditionally focused on treating the illness itself or helping individuals alter the way they think about or cope with the illness. This past ‘illness’ focus, although essential, has not fully considered the many potential benefits that may be gained from emphasising positive aspects of daily life, such as gratitude, forgiveness, courage and meaning. The current research therefore aims to address this imbalance by investigating the efficacy of newly emerging, positive psychology-based approaches to treatment, with specific emphasis on evaluating their impact on coping and wellbeing among a sample of Australian chronic physical illness sufferers.