Anneli Cassel, Michelle Kelly, Skye McDonald

Social cognitive deficits are prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite this, few remediation studies exist. This study aimed to demonstrate ‘proof of concept’ for a novel group treatment that comprehensively targeted the core processes of social cognition. The design was a pre-post case study with two participants, “Greg” and “Aaron”, living with severe TBI, with three assessment time points and a 14-week group treatment program (SIFT IT). Both participants described procedures as acceptable, although suggested more group participants could be beneficial. They both demonstrated reliable improvements (RCI > 1.96) on relevant social cognitive measures. Qualitative feedback corroborated findings: Greg reported generalization of therapeutic gains, Aaron reported increased self-awareness but nominal generalization. Feasibility and limited efficacy outcomes established ‘proof of concept’ of SIFT IT. Findings will inform the study protocol for a larger randomized-controlled trial. For more information, see the full publication here.

Simon Mierendorff, Michelle Kelly

Dementia is a serious health concern amongst an increasing proportion of the population. Detecting the early indicators and risk factors for dementia is very important, as late detection can mean poorer outcomes, lower quality of life, and a higher burden of disease. The proportion of older adults living in rural areas is increasing, and consequently dementia is becoming more prevalent in rural areas. Flexible approaches to assessment are crucial to address limited resources in rural areas. Telehealth makes resources available to rural and remote areas. This study tested the acceptability and feasibility of telehealth assessment of the Brief Assessment of Social Skills (BASS). Results indicated high acceptability and feasible of this medium and provides preliminary evidence of the reliability of this assessment via telehealth. This research is currently in preparation for publication.

Kristen Kerslake, Kaylene Kilham, Michelle Kelly

This research aimed to discover if vicarious ostracism can be used as a measure of empathy. To do this, we had a player play two games, one where they were included equally in the game, and another where they were excluded for most of the game. In theory, the observer should recognise the social exclusion and experience an empathic reaction. Results showed that players felt that their needs to belong, have a meaningful existence, be in control, and their self-esteem needs were met significantly more when they were included in the game, compared to when they were being excluded. Observers were able to recognise this and inferred lower levels of needs met when players were being excluded compared to being included.

Kimberley Wallis, Luke Brock, Michelle Kelly

Recent research suggests that specific sub-populations are more at risk to the effects of ostracism than others. Younger adults have been found to be more effected by ostracism than older adults, but the mechanisms behind this are unclear. We have found that ostracism negatively affected participants’ basic needs and mood; however, the magnitude of the effect was larger in the younger group compared to the two older groups. We also found that this effect was not affected by quality of life or perceived social support. These results suggest that people in early adulthood may experience increased sensitivity to ostracism relative to their old counterpart. However, more investigation is needed into the protective mechanisms in play for older adults.

Ellen Erskine, Michelle Kelly, Stefania Paolini

Gordon Allport’s contact hypothesis suggests that contact between members of different groups can improve negative attitudes and increase people’s willingness to engage in future contact. However, people tend not to actively seek out this intergroup contact. In our research, we are investigating intergroup contact between young and elderly people, and more specifically, the motivators that lead to young people seeking or avoiding contact with elderly people (‘intergroup contact motivators’). This study designed questionnaires to measure young people’s personality traits, past intergroup experiences and situational variables that may influence how willing they are to engage in contact with elderly people. For further information about this study, please contact Dr Michelle Kelly.

Jayde Noble, Michelle Kelly

Current statistics and research show that challenges faced by people diagnosed with dementia, their families and carers are projected to affect an increasing number of Australians. This highlights the need for ongoing updates and growth within the health care system to maintain the best possible care for the affected individuals. The 2016 clinical practice guidelines for dementia combined expert opinion and evidence based research to provide recommendations to achieve this. While these guidelines have been created and encouraged, how can we ensure they are being followed? This research surveyed psychologists who work with people with dementia in order to determine their level of adherence to the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia in Australia. For further information about this study, please contact Dr Michelle Kelly.

Cinthia Galvez Moralez, Michelle Kelly, Stafania Paolini

Younger adults often tend to perceive emotional expressions of older people more negatively, reflecting a negative age related stereotype. For example, when young adults had to judge facial emotions in older adults, they were inclined to misattribute emotions, labelling the older ‘neutral’ faces as expressions of anger, and sadness. It has also been shown that older adults tend to be perceived as being more angry, anxious and sad. Hence, the age of the face negatively affects the interpretation of the emotion expressed, which can lead to significant implications of younger-older adult interactions. In this study, participants made a choice of attending one of two comedy acts (older or younger comedian). It was then examined if these two groups differ in their perception of neutral older and younger facial expressions. For further information about this study, please contact Dr Michelle Kelly.