Erin Dolan
Youth Mental Health Research
‘Investigations into genetic aberrations underlying recurrent ovarian cancer’
University of Melbourne, VIC
Awarded 2018
Co-funded by Rotary Club of Balwyn
“. The PhD will also investigate and develop a theoretical model to explain the presence of vicarious trauma/compassion fatigue in young people residing in rural environments.”
Researcher Profile
Over the past twenty years, I have challenged myself to become a knowledgeable and competent Clinical Psychologist through education, employment and running my own clinical practice in Warragul, Victoria. I am committed to furthering my knowledge, enhancing my skill-set, widening my perspectives and being exposed to new and innovative ways of understanding human nature.
I believe by completing my PhD it will be one of the most effective ways that I can make a contribution to the mental health of rural communities in a way that goes beyond the clinical care that I have provided throughout my career.
Project Summary
To date most of the research around health system reform has concentrated on high density urban centres with plentiful workforce, specialist on-referral pathways and low geographical barriers to access. Rural settings are faced with a different set of contingencies such as a lack of access to community care and professional assistance, fear of stigma associated with accessing support and isolation. Therefore, it is important that the health needs of young people residing in rural settings are understood.
This PhD will comprise of two studies:
Study 1 AIM: The primary aim of this study is to characterise the referral population and reasons for referral for young people residing in a rural setting. A secondary aim is to identify the specific local challenges faced in the clinical care of young people.
Study 2 AIM: Given the increased risk of being exposed to trauma in rural areas, the second study of the PhD will examine the issue of vicarious trauma/compassion fatigue in young people in rural areas supporting their peers. The lack of access to services in a rural setting, low levels of mental health literacy and the preference to rely on friends for help, can lead to young people supporting their peers with high risk and complex trauma in isolation. This exposure to trauma through supporting peers may lead to compassion fatigue/vicarious trauma in rural youths. Using the qualitative method of grounded theory, this study aims to create and develop and understand compassion fatigue/vicarious trauma in young people in rural environments.
Supervisors: Professor Eóin Killackey & Dr Kelly Allott