Social and emotional wellbeing

social and emotional wellbeing
 
One in six children is affected by a mental health problem. 
 
Depression is not only more common, but the average age of onset has become progressively earlier in recent decades. 
 
Our research is tracking the range of risk and protective factors that affect mental health and behaviour. 
 
One major area of interest is whether the changing diet of Australian children is impacting on their mental health.
 
Our research is looking at the consumption of alcohol in pregnancy and how this affects child behaviour later on. Read more>>
 
Our studies show that quitting smoking in the first 4 months of pregnancy greatly reduces the likelihood behavioural problems in children. Read more>>
 
We are piloting a new program called ARBOR (Active Response Bereavement OutReach) to support those newly bereaved by suicide. Read more>>
 
We are looking at the link between maternal stress during pregnancy and the risk of developing behavioural and emotional problems.  Read more>>
 
Our researchers are examining stress and brain development in teenagers to gain a better understanding of how cortisol levels relate to the development of mental health and physical diseases.  Read more>>
 
We are investigating how breastfeeding for longer than six months can have positive effects on mental health in later childhood. Read more>>
 
Our research results show that a high quality breakfast is linked to better mental health in teenagers. We are also investigating how dietary patterns may affect emotional stability. Read more>>
 
We have been working on an Indigenous Mental Health Textbook. Read more>>

Last updated 7 July 2010