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Research
Group mindful self-compassion training to improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young adults: Rationale and protocol for a randomised controlled trialYoung adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse genders and sexualities (LGBTQIA+) are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and are at significantly elevated risk of substance abuse, self-harm and suicide, relative to their heterosexual, endosex and cisgender peers. There is a need for effective mental health interventions for LGBTQIA+ young adults. Mindful Self-Compassion training is a promising approach; among LGBTQIA+ individuals, self-compassion accounts for more variation in mental health outcomes than bullying, victimization, and adverse childhood experiences combined. Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ individuals with high self-compassion report more positive identity and happiness, less self-stigma, and lower suicidality than those with low self-compassion.
Research
Trans and gender diverse young people's attitudes towards game-based digital mental health interventions: A qualitative investigationThis paper reports on trans and gender diverse young people's attitudes towards digital games and game-based digital mental health interventions
Research
They Told Me “This Isn’t a Hotel”: Young People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Care When Presenting to the Emergency Department with Suicide-Related BehaviourIn Australia, the number of young people presenting to the emergency department with mental health concerns, in particular, suicidal behaviour (defined here as suicidal ideation, thoughts, intent and attempts) is increasing.
Research
Researching the researchers: psychological distress and psychosocial stressors according to career stage in mental health researchersAlthough there are many benefits associated with working in academia, this career path often involves structural and organisational stressors that can be detrimental to wellbeing and increase susceptibility to psychological distress and mental ill health. This exploratory study examines experiences of work-related psychosocial stressors, psychological distress, and mental health diagnoses among mental health researchers.

Gender dysphoria is experienced differently by everyone. Here are some ideas that could help trans and gender diverse young people cope with dysphoria.


News & Events
The Kids researchers named as finalists in 2023 Premier’s Science AwardsFive The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers working across diverse and highly impactful areas of child health research have been named as finalists for the 2023 Premier’s Science Awards.

News & Events
Youth mental health researcher named joint Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the YearYouth mental health researcher named joint winner of the Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year category at the 2022 Western Australian Premier’s Science Awards.

News & Events
Self-Compassion in the wake of COVID-19 lockdownWith COVID-19 restrictions starting to lift and families resuming some level of ‘normal life’, it is natural to have mixed feeling during this time, says The Kids mental health researcher.
Research
Optimise+Optimise+ is a research project designed to build on the best parts of LGBTQ+ community-controlled mental health and AOD services across Australia, with the aim of further enhancing service options.