Mind, body and cognition

Research

We are conducting research across a broad range of topics including mental health, sleep and insomnia, ageing well, the neuroscience of attention and genes, post-traumatic stress, crime and justice, online gaming, the impact of media on body image, social change and democracy, and food and health.

Our research brings together expertise across the areas of psychology, wellbeing, physical activity and movement behaviour, and exercise and sport science.

Areas of research

Applied cognitive psychology
Social psychology
Clinical/health psychology
Developmental psychology
Physical activity and movement behaviour
Psychophysiology/neuroscience
Wellbeing

Hear from Associate Professor Emma Thomas about her research interests and opportunities for PhD students.

Featured projects

**We are why we eat**

One can of soft drink exceeds the maximum daily sugar intake recommended by the World Health Organization. And while the links between sugar and tooth decay and obesity are well known, the compulsion for consumption is showing no signs of decline.

Our researchers are looking to the brain to understand what cognitive biases may be coming in to play when we reach for a fizzy rush. This research paves the way for future interventions to reduce sugar intake for healthier communities.

Researchers:

Holding on to hurt

The way we forgive others and forgive ourselves has major impacts on our self-identity and relationships. Forgiveness is required in our home, at school and at work but not all “I’m sorry”s are created equal.

We are researching the dynamics of forgiveness, as well as self-forgiveness, and building more productive ways to repair after pain. We are building new knowledge to better inform relationship and workplace counselling.

Researchers:

Working with Tyler Okimoto (University of Queensland) and Everett Worthington Jr (Viriginal Commonwealth University).

Ageing well

It is well known that participation in meaningful activities at older ages has positive impacts on ageing.

We are examining which elements of existing activity programs contribute to their effectiveness.

In collaboration with key government, industry and research partners we will develop new person-centred activity programming, designed to align activity to the individuals' unique strengths, capabilities and values, ultimately promoting healthy and happy ageing.

Researchers:

Working with Trevor Mazzuchelli (Curtin University), Marleesa Ly (ECH), Robert Stawski (Oregon State University).

The reality of AR benefits

Augmented reality devices, such as wearable glasses, look to enhance the user's experience of the real world with added digital sights and sounds.

The defence force is among those quick to utilise AR technologies but the true effectiveness of AR is not widely understood. Our researchers are looking at the prevalence of stereo-blindness in 30-50% of the population, and its impact on the effectiveness of a technology that relies on stereo vision. We are also researching the impacts of cognitive performance, especially fatigue, to better understand AR benefits and enhance AR capabilities.

Researcher:

Professor Mike Nicholls (co-investigator on this project led by Associate Professor Ma Wyatt, University of Adelaide)

Augmenting military performance through diet and nutrition

Defence organisations are increasingly recognising the impact of diet and nutrition on physical and cognitive performance, particularly in situations of operational stress. The broad aim of this project is to investigate the relationships between dietary supplements and enhanced military performance.

A team of researchers in areas including psychology, neuroscience, physiology and nutrition are working on this new body of knowledge.

Researcher: