Researching resilience in western Melbourne youth

Researchers from the College of Arts are seeking participants in a study on resilience of teens who are marginalised or at-risk of poor outcomes (e.g., education, delinquency) in western Melbourne.

This research will contribute to the growing international data about at-risk and disadvantaged youth and pathways to positive outcomes. This project will also provide important information about local communities’ most vulnerable young people.

About the project

– Resilience is the process of achieving positive outcomes in the face of significant adversity.

– Positives outcomes could include educational expectations and aspirations and psychological wellbeing.

– An essential aim of this study is to be culturally sensitive to diverse populations in this region of Australia.

– Several aspects of resilience will be examined including:

• peer support
• social skills
• parent/caregiver support
• cultural identification
• response to stigma
• and adult mentors.

– Outcomes will include educational expectations and aspirations, and psychological wellbeing.

– This project has approval to proceed from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee.

– The study has commenced and will run until September 2015.

Our researchers

Our researchers conducting this research are both from the College of Arts at Victoria University. They are:

• Dr Laurie Chapin, who is a Lecturer in Psychology with a special interest in researching risk behaviours and resilience of children and adolescents from various populations.
• Dr Carolyn Deans, who is an experienced clinical psychologist and senior academic. She is also the Director of VU’s Psychology Clinic.

Eligibility & consent

We’re approaching schools and community services to help recruit young people for our study.

• We’re looking for more than 130 participants aged from 14-19 years of age (Year 9-12). Participants will go into a draw to win a voucher prize.
• For youths 17 years of age and under we require parental/guardian consent to participate.
• Youth 18 years and older will be encouraged to gain parent/guardian consent but it will not be mandatory.
• All participants will also sign a youth consent form.

Information for schools

Schools will:

• help to determine a time and place for researchers to explain the project to adolescents
• be given the option to arranging for researchers to meet with youth during class periods, during lunchtime, or during free periods
• expect  teachers/staff to be present to supervise
• not need to assist
• be asked not to influence potential participants.

Researchers will:

• be present during the sessions
• provide potential participants with information packets and consent forms to take home
• be available for questions immediately.

(Source: Victoria University)