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Research Questions/Objectives:
This project intends to explore mental health professional’s confidence and competence in supporting individuals during and after extreme weather events, through a quantitative approach.
Brief Description of the Project: As extreme weather occurrences intensify globally, the pivotal role of mental health professionals in community resilience becomes increasingly evident. Despite this, these professionals typically lack specialised training in addressing environmental trauma, relying instead on their general skill set to offer support in these contexts. Consequently, as these events increase in intensity and frequency, doubts arise regarding whether these professionals possess the required skills to effectively provide such crucial support. This project aims to investigate the specific support and training necessary for mental health professionals to deliver services tailored to these circumstances.
Background and Significance of the Research Question to drought risk, vulnerability, preparedness, or resilience: Amid crises like droughts, or floods, communities face immense stress, trauma, and emotional upheaval. The need for tailored psychological support during environmental crisis is crucial for communities to bounce back after extreme weather events. This research explores the importance in uncovering the support and training necessary for mental health professionals to effectively aid communities affected by drought and other extreme weather events. Enhancing professionals’ preparedness and competence in addressing these unique challenges can significantly contribute to building stronger, more prepared and resilient communities in the face of environmental risks.
Academic and research experience relevant to the honours project: My journey began with a goal to become a journalist, driven by a desire to change people’s perceptions of the world. I pursued media and communication studies at Goldsmith College in the UK from 2007 to 2010. After securing a position as a radio project manager in a radio sales house, I quickly realised that financial considerations dominated decisions in the media industry, leading to a growing skepticism about its impact.
Seeking a change and driven by a natural passion for the environment, I flew to Australia and transitioned into a role as a scuba dive instructor, drawn to teaching and connecting with people. This love for the underwater world naturally evolved into a role as an underwater photographer, aligning with my media background. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it prompted a deeper reflection. I recognised that my profound enjoyment of interacting with and teaching people was rooted in a curiosity to understand and empathise with them. This realisation fuelled my decision to study psychology, leading to the completion of a Graduate Diploma of Psychology at JCU.
Finding immense fulfilment in the field, I decided to extend my studies and pursue a 4th year to obtain a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Currently volunteering at the Undergraduate Research Internship, I am drawn to the project ‘Mental Health Professionals Weathering Climate and Environmental Challenges’ because it perfectly aligns with my core interests—environmental concerns, understanding people’s psychology, and contributing to the community for a tangible impact.
This endeavour not only aligns seamlessly with the TNQ Drought Hub priorities, encompassing drought and climate change adaptation, but also reflects my dedication to addressing the unique psychological challenges posed by extreme weather events in the Tropical North Queensland region. I am eager to leverage my diverse background, academic rigour, and passion for community well-being to contribute meaningfully to building resilience and making a tangible impact on the priorities set forth by the TNQ Drought Hub.
Principal Supervisor’s skills and experience in relation to this project topic:
Dr Pardon completed her PhD in environmental psychology and has a Bachelors degree in Psychology. Dr Pardon’s doctoral work examined at-risk communities perceptions of and response to water-related threats. This work resulted in a series of tailored recommendations to aid at-risk communities navigating through climatic disasters, specifically droughts and floods. Additionally, Dr Pardon has conducted research investigating the mental health needs of at-risk populations confronting extreme weather events in Australia.
I chose to study environmental psychology because it perfectly aligns with two passions close to my heart: understanding human behaviour and cherishing the natural world. My journey, marked by experiences as a scuba dive instructor and underwater photographer, deepened my connection to the beauty of our underwater ecosystems. However, this connection stirred within me a profound desire to go beyond mere admiration and actively work towards preserving it.
Recognizing the severe impact that climate change and environmental degradation have on human health and well-being, I naturally gravitated towards exploring the role healthcare professionals play in addressing the health impacts of extreme weather events. I firmly believe in the pivotal role healthcare professionals play as trusted advocates and communicators in confronting climate-related health risks.
Understanding and addressing health professionals’ challenges in dealing with environmental and climate-related health risks is crucial for empowering them to confront pressing societal issues. By examining how these professionals navigate the psychological impacts of extreme weather events, I aim to provide insights that can enhance their ability to navigate climate-related challenges and promote community resilience.
My research will delve into health professionals’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to environmental and climate-related factors. This endeavour not only aligns with my academic interests but also reflects my commitment to making tangible contributions towards addressing pressing global issues.
Future Career Goals:
In the future, I hope to combine my psychology degree with my passion for the environment to address environmental challenges and promote community resilience and well-being. I aspire to become an Environmental Psychology Researcher, focusing on the psychological aspects of climate change adaptation, environmental resilience, and community well-being. Alternatively, I am also interested in pursuing a career involving community education about environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable practices through behaviour change.
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