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This study investigates, in an Australian university student sample, the score equivalence of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV) norms for which are based on the US standardization sample versus the Woodcock Johnson III (WJ III) cognitive test battery, normed for the Australian population based on a standardisation sample aged between four and twenty-one. Mean IQ scores in the two instruments were compared in sample scores of all and those restricted to 21 years or younger. Additionally, corresponding broad ability scores were compared. Tests were assigned in blocked random order to 164 (141 aged 21 years or younger) participants (M = 20.38, Mdn = 19, SD = 5.19). Thirty-eight (32 aged 21 years or younger) undertook both tests. Scores from all, and the subset aged 21 years or less were analysed. The mean WAIS-IV FSIQ were significantly higher than mean WJ III GIA in both independent and repeated measures analyses. Effect sizes, measured with population SD of 15, were d = 0.34 and d = 0.53 in the independent and repeated measures study. Considering the potential impact of the observed effect sizes in high-stakes decision for the Australian population, we appeal for further research on local norming. KEY POINTS What is already known on this topic: When used in Australia, the WAIS-IV scores are based on the US standardization data, while the WJ III has been normed for the Australian population. Local and current norming of tests is essential for valid and fair use of a cognitive abilities test. WAIS-IV scores are routinely used to make high-stakes decisions in Australia. What this paper adds: Empirical evidence that the current WAIS-IV scores and WJ III scores in Australia are not equivalent in a sample of university students. If the observed effect sizes were to hold in the critical cut-off regions used for making high-stakes decision, a substantial number of eligible beneficiaries will be affected. Though the samples in this study are restricted, the partial random sampling, consistency, and effect size warrant more comprehensive study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of reliable and valid neuropsychological measures, accurate assessment of culturally diverse groups is a challenge facing the Australian neuropsychological community. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity and to develop specific reference group norms using the WAIS-IV Greek adaption (WAIS-IV GR) for Greek Australian older adults. A convenience sample of 90 healthy older Greek Australians (M = 77.14 ± 4.46; range = 70–85; 39 males & 51 females), with a primary school level of education (M = 5.60 ± 0.68; Range = 4–6) were recruited throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area. Regression modelling showed that age was the most significant predictor, therefore, subtest normative data were stratified according to three age bands. Normative data for all WAIS-IV GR subtests and indices were calculated, in addition to values for the 90% and 95% confidence levels. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a four-factor solution consisting of the WAIS-IV GR Index Scores displayed a superior fit with significant parameters of acceptable magnitude. Findings support the application of the traditional WAIS-IV factor structure to a Greek Australian sample. Utilising specific reference group norms for Greek Australians with limited education will facilitate and improve access of cognitive assessment within this population. What is already known on this topic:(1) The use of existing norms can lead to underestimating cognitive function in culturally diverse groups. (2) Access to culturally appropriate norms and tests for the assessment of culturally diverse groups in Australia is limited. (3) Neuropsychological test results are influenced by age, education, and culture. What this topic adds:(1) This is the first study to validate and provide WAIS-IV norms for a culturally diverse group in Australia. (2) Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the internationally recognised WAIS-IV factor structure was appropriate for Greek Australian older adults. (3) Development of these resources will facilitate and improve access of cognitive assessment within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological disorders are associated with very high rates of depression and anxiety, which significantly increase disease burden, but remain an area of considerable unmet need. Psychological therapies, especially those based on the principles of cognitive and behavioural therapy, appear to be efficacious for improving both mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety) and functional outcomes (e.g., sleep, fatigue) in patients with a variety of neurological disorders. However, access to these therapies is limited. Neuropsychologists rarely have the capacity to deliver ongoing psychological therapy and there appears to be a lack of community psychologist that specialise in this area. This commentary argues that these barriers need to be addressed and psychologists should play a greater role in reducing the burden of neurological disorders. One step towards this is building the confidence and competence of psychologists to effectively work with patients with neurological symptoms, especially common cognitive difficulties (e.g., inattention, poor memory, slower processing speed). Thus, this commentary provides a practical guide for modifying psychological therapies for adults with neurological disorders, including principles of compensatory cognitive rehabilitation. It aims to provide principles to help maximise engagement, learning and retention of psychological concepts and ultimately to encourage more psychologists to work with this under-served group. What is already known about this topic: Depression and anxiety are common in neurological disorders but often go untreated. Psychological therapies can improve mental health and functional outcomes across neurological disorders, but access to these interventions is very limited. Neuropsychologists report a lack of confidence providing ongoing psychological interventions for mental health, and identifying community psychologists specialising in neurology is challenging. What this topic adds: A discussion of the mental health burden of neurological disorders and role of psychological therapy. A guide to modifying psychological therapies for adults with neurological disorders, especially for cognitive difficulties. Tips for maximising engagement, learning and retention within therapy to support effective work with people with neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Drunkorexia is a trend on the rise within the young adult population with significant physical, psychological, and social health implications. Many studies have investigated the link between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) and both eating disorders and substance misuse. To date, no studies have specifically focused on EMS amongst those with Drunkorexia behaviours. The main objectives of this study were to further investigate the prevalence of Drunkorexia behaviour amongst Australian young adult females, and to elucidate the pattern of EMS and behaviours associated with Drunkorexia amongst young adult female Australian students. Methods: This study used a cross‐sectional, between groups, correlational design. Participants were Australian university students, aged 18–24 years old. Results: In excess of 28% participants reported engaging in characteristic Drunkorexic behaviours to specifically offset ingested alcohol calories while not engaging in such behaviours routinely for any other reason or with any other type of food or drink. The EMS most predictive of Drunkorexia‐type behaviour were Insufficient Self‐Control, Emotional Deprivation, and Social Isolation. EMS significantly contributed to the variance in Drunkorexia‐type behaviours, over and above that explained by eating disorder and binge drinking symptomatology. Conclusions: Increasing numbers of individuals are endorsing symptoms of Drunkorexia‐type behaviour, increasing the risk of potential physical, psychological, and social health‐related problems. Addressing key EMS that may be associated with Drunkorexia‐type behaviours may strengthen future preventative and intervention programs. Given the exploratory nature of this research, further studies are required to clarify the relationship between EMS and Drunkorexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity or change, has undergone many varying conceptualisations, with the most recent consensus being that a combination of state and trait factors are relevant to the consideration of this construct. However, there currently exists no instruments that measure resilience with a state and trait approach, therefore this research aimed to develop and validate the state–trait assessment of resilience scale (STARS). Method: An online survey containing the STARS and cross‐validation measures was given to a sample of 274 adult members of the community (nmales = 34, nfemales = 238, ngender fluid = 2, Mage = 28.33, SDage = 10.59). Results: An item response theory approach to examining the psychometric properties of the STARS supported the measures, which suggested that the state and trait measures reliably estimated the resilience of individuals. The examination of convergent and concurrent validity with other theoretically associated measures provided further support for the validity of the STARS. Conclusion: The STARS may be a useful measure to track and predict an individual's resilience within a variety of demanding professional contexts, such as work within Allied Health, policing, or the military. Future research using the STARS in samples with different occupational and demographic characteristics to further examine the generalisability of the measure is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Parenting is a primary concern for patients with minor children facing palliative-stage cancer, yet psychosocial support addressing parenting concerns during end-stage cancer is not routinely provided in the healthcare setting. The purpose of this review is to: (a) identify evaluation studies describing psychosocial interventions for parents with incurable end-stage cancer; and (b) review the effectiveness evidence. Method This review was based on a rapid evidence assessment using transparent and comprehensive search terms and narrative synthesis. Inclusion criteria were broad and consisted of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies that focused on psychosocial interventions for parents with advanced cancer. Results Four studies were identified, but only one of these reported results specific to parents with end-stage cancer. A child-centred and family-focused approach was central to all program interventions. All programs encompassed a structured format with the majority being dedicated to providing both individual and family sessions. The studies varied in methodological quality and all used small, non-representative samples limiting the generalisability of the findings. There were no high quality quantitative studies that specifically address outcomes for this parent group and few qualitative studies that detail parents' intervention experience. Conclusions The findings suggest that targeted, child-centred, family-focused psychosocial interventions are sometimes used to support adult patients with parenting during end-stage cancer. These purport to promote child-parent communication and to contribute to parent psychosocial wellbeing. Further research using larger parent populations from diverse sociodemographic backgrounds is required. More importantly, comparative effectiveness studies are needed that test the timing, delivery, and content of these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Postsecondary educational attainment is the key for successful transition to adulthood, economic self-sufficiency, and good mental and physical health. Method Secondary analyses of school leavers' data were carried out to establish postsecondary educational trajectories of students on the autism spectrum in the United Kingdom. Results Findings show that students with autism who had attended mainstream secondary schools enter Further Education (post-16 vocational training) at lower rates and Higher Education (University) institutions at a similar rate to other students. They study the full range of subjects on offer. However, they are more likely to be younger, study at a lower academic level, and remain living at home with their parents. Conclusion While course completion data were not yet available, attainment data showed that prospects are improving, although more needs to be done to enable these young adults to achieve their full postsecondary educational potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed broadly by the theory of planned behaviour, this study used qualitative methodology to understand Australian adults' sun-protective decisions. Forty-two adults participated in focus groups where they discussed behavioural (advantages and disadvantages), normative (important referents), and control (barriers and facilitators) beliefs, as well as potential social influences and images of tanned and non-tanned people. Responses were analysed using the consensual qualitative research approach to determine the dominant themes. Themes of fashion and comfort were prominent, the important role of friends and family in sun safe decision-making was highlighted, as was the availability of sun-protective measures (e.g., in an accessible place or in the environment). Additional themes included the need to model sound sun-protective behaviours to (current and future) children, the emphasis on personal choice and personal responsibility to be sun safe, and the influence of Australian identity and culture on tanning and socially acceptable forms of sun protection. These beliefs can be used to inform interventions and public health campaigns targeting sun safety among Australians, a population with the highest skin cancer incidence in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine relationships between antisocial personality disorder ( APD) symptoms in adulthood and retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment, parental bonding, and teasing, and while controlling for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Four hundred eleven non-clinical participants (99 males, 312 females), aged 18-65 years, recruited from an Australian university and the general public, completed the questionnaire package. Findings indicated significant associations between childhood maltreatment, parental bonding, teasing, depression, and anxiety, and levels of APD symptomatology. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that physical abuse, physical neglect, teasing, and level of father care made the largest unique contributions to the prediction of APD scores after statistically controlling for comorbid depression and anxiety. Analysis of variance revealed higher levels of APD symptoms were reported by males and younger participants. This research contributes importantly to our understanding of factors influencing APD symptomatology, with clinical and early intervention implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]