Transcript Document
The Family Interaction Program (Centre for Developmental Research, Programs and Policy) Griffith University – Gold Coast Campus Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck, PhD, Director Senior Lecturer School of Psychology Purpose of The Family Interaction Program • • • • • Developmental scholarship Community focus and societal impact Children and adolescents with their support persons Evidence-based programming and policy Quality evaluations / Outcomes research – Informative – Utilized – Program development driven • Best practice information / dissemination Services and Research • Currently 2 services are provided within The Family Interaction Program – Focus on maltreated children • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) • Sexual Abuse Program for children and caregivers • Evaluation of the programs (PCIT - Rae Thomas, Sexual Abuse Program - Kristy Pinter) PLUS… Services and Research • PLUS… – Examination of effectiveness within subgroups (Mark Scholes) – Observational investigations of interactions in families • Emotions (Rae Thomas) • Coercion and escalation of negative interactions (Kate McCarthy) – Studies of children in other contexts outside the family (Angela Anthonysamy) – Examinations and summaries of evidence (Melanie ZimmerGembeck, Rae Thomas) Current Work • A research centre first and foremost – Trial programs and disseminate • Make effective programs available • For example, PCIT in 2006 – Basic research (Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck) • Development of antisocial behaviour/aggression (Nicki Crick, Byron Egeland, Tasha Geiger, Tracey Hunter, Rhiarne Pronk, Melissa Williams) • Stress and coping in children and adolescents (Danielle Sutton, Alison Bocquee) • Child obesity, exercise and health (Jillian Joyce) • Stress and coping in young adults and other groups (Carolyn Vickers, Karen White) • Sexual behaviour and relationships (Byron Egeland, Sharon Horne, Jillian Petherick, Jess Siebenbruner, Tammie Wilkinson) • Relationships and well-being / depression (Karen Dacre, Tracey Hunter, Carolyn Vickers) • Development of the self (Michelle Hanisch) Future Directions • A research centre first and foremost – Assist with program development and evaluation • Can there be improvements in current programs? • Mechanisms of change – For whom is a program effective and why? – Evidence-based Policies depend on useful information • Assist policymakers to make decisions – – – – – Best practice reports Analyses/summaries of the evidence Recommendations Responsive to policymakers needs Also proactive