Our Research Initiatives
The Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Centre is dedicated to advancing the field of suicide prevention through innovative research initiatives. Our team of multidisciplinary researchers is committed to making a meaningful impact on understanding and addressing the complexities of suicide. We strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment to foster resilience and mental well-being.
As a centre embedded within the School of Psychological Science at the University of Western Australia, we are focused on establishing a strong network of researchers to drive forward the frontiers of suicide prevention research. Our work extends beyond traditional approaches, delving into the underlying factors contributing to suicide risk and resilience. We aim to leverage our expertise to develop evidence-based strategies and interventions that can make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Mental Health in the Construction Industry
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Our expert team includes mental health professionals that work with MATES in Construction to best support the mental health of construction workers in WA and nationally. In 2024, a specialist team was constructed to conduct the first survey of construction workers in Western Australia, and one of the few worldwide. The survey aimed to understand the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the industry, and identify key factors within workers' person lives, and within workplaces, they may affect their mental health. The survey is a critical piece in improving the mental health of workers in the construction industry.
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GP Depression Management ​
In 2024, WAPHA commissions the Rural Clinical School of WA to develop a new accredited course designed to enhance the skills of GPs in recognising, diagnosing and treating depression and suicidality. GPs are guided through six online modules and are invited to attend one of 36 rural and Perth-based workshops.
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The project is led by rural psychiatrist Dr Mathew Coleman and guided by a reference group of GP medical educators from RCSWA, psychiatrists, psychologists, an Aboriginal community cultural specialist, and people with lived experience.
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Pharmacogenomics - guided therapy for patients with mental illness - a WA study​
Using pharmacogenomics, the study of how a person’s genetic make-up influences how they metabolise medication, this trial analysed whether pharmacogenomics-guided treatment is more effective than today’s widely adopted ‘trial and error’ approach.
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Development of a Vulnerability Index to Predict Suicide​
In a collaboration between Psychology and Mathematics Experts at UWA, and a local psychiatric hospital Perth Clinic, SPARRC successfully developed a world-first self-harm prediction algorithm. This algorithm uses machine learning to predict short-term risk of self-injury and alert clinical staff hospital-wide to facilitate early interventions. Our Centre has teamed with the University of Sheffield to develop a multi-site cross-cultural validation of our algorithm and expand the impact of the research project.
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Reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviours in young people in Western Australia​​
This Stan Perron Foundation/Australian Research Council funded project is a collaboration with independent schools in WA to determine key markers for short-term risk of suicide and self-injury, and develop standardised, evidence-based responses to prevent incidents from occurring.​
Funded Research
Leveraging daily life physiology and behaviours to predict suicide risk states in an at-risk clinical sample
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Lead Investigator: Professor Kristin Gainey - School of Psychological Science
Leveraging Digital Insomnia Treatment to Target Depression and Suicidality in in Young Adults
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Lead Investigator: Dr Cele Richardson - School of Psychological Science
Re-wiring the brain: Safety and efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation for treating depression in youth.
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Lead Investigator: Professor Jenny Rodger - Perron Institute
Enhancing clinical coding for mental health and social and emotional wellbeing in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
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Lead Investigator: Emma Carlin - Rural Clinical School of WA
Lonely Today, Tomorrow, Next Week, or Next Month? The Temporal Dynamics of Loneliness
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Lead Investigator: Professor Stephen Houghton - Graduate School of Education
