Mental Health Research
Through world-class research, we are working hard to combat mental health disorders and lessen their impact on society.
Mental Health Research Projects
Which hijab am I wearing today? Challenges of dual relationships for Christchurch Muslims working with the victims of the March 15 attacks
Status: In-progress Year: 2022 Funded: $109,557 Grant Type: Major Project Grant
Following the March 15 terrorist attacks, many initiatives providing support and treatment for victims have employed Muslims from the Christchurch community. These people are known and trusted, with appropriate cultural and linguistic skills; however dual relationships, where someone works in a professional role within their own social group, can be challenging. Muslim staff were also victims in a wider sense and therefore vulnerable to psychological impacts from re-traumatisation. This qualitative research project will examine some of the positive and negative impacts of these dual relationships on staff, helping to raise awareness of potential issues and inform future research and employment strategies.
Researcher // Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill – University of Otago
Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill is currently a Research Fellow in the Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch.
Evaluating a peer-led acute community residential service for severe mental illness
Status: In-progress Year: 2021 Funded: $95,049 Grant Type: Major Project Grant
Concerns have been raised about the clinical effectiveness and patient experiences of the current model of inpatient psychiatric care. Inpatient psychiatric environments are often busy and people receiving treatment may experience significant restrictions to their freedom, which can result in non-therapeutic outcomes. Peer-led community-based treatment is a new alternative model of care, whereby acute treatment is provided in a home-like environment, and the main mode of treatment offered is support and guidance from people with lived experience of mental illness. This project aims to evaluate one of these initiatives. It will compare the outcomes for people who were treated in the peer-led unit, with people who were admitted to hospital before the unit was established. Detailed interviews with people who have experienced admission to the unit will be used to understand their experience, and interviews with staff will examine what aspects of the service are effective for positive recovery outcomes. The findings will inform future service developments and expansions, which will enhance acute psychiatric service provision to people in Canterbury and ensure resources are allocated to high quality services that improve patient outcomes.
Researcher // Dr Jenni Manuel – University of Otago, Christchurch
