School and family participation research group

This research group is focused on projects investigating family, children and adolescents adaptation and transition, in families who have a member with a disability or chronic illness; family and individual transition to community, pre school and mainstream schooling; mental health and well-being.

Research Group Convenor:

Other researchers in the group:

Current Research Projects

An investigation of parenting by mothers with a neurological disorder, and their children: determining needs and strategies for determining positive outcomes

A/Prof Anne Passmore
Associated agency: Neurological Council WA
Funding agency:OT Registration Board of WA

There is little information regarding the effects a disability or chronic illness has on a mothers’ ability to parent, or on the consequences for their children. A pilot study conducted by this research group shows strong indicators of a range of concerns reported by mothers with a neurological disorder about parenting, and of the detrimental effects on their children, including concern about their emotional well-being and added responsibilities in home activities. The overall aim of this project is to develop a preventive program in collaboration with the young people themselves, to promote mental health, coping and competence in children and adolescents who have a mother with a neurological disorder, through the design and implementation of a program. The program will serve as a preventative and early intervention strategy for these young people who are at risk of mental and developmental problems.

Utilisation of ICT by children in the performance of daily occupations

Ms Marina Ciccarelli
Funding agency: Division of Health Sciences, Curtin University of Technology

A funded research project is exploring the ways in which school aged children (10-15 years) use ICT to participate in daily activities in the school, home and community environments. Participating children completed time-use diaries to indicate duration on tasks, the types of ICT used, level of enjoyment experienced, postures used and any associated discomfort experienced.

Does the use of new information and communication technology influence variation in posture among adults?

Ms Marina Ciccarelli
Funding agency: OT Registration Board of Western Australia

In this study, variation in muscle activity and joint position is monitored over a 12-hour period via surface electromyography and electrogoniometers. Participants are monitored and a detailed task analysis is recorded by the observer. Variation in postures/muscle activity is matched to recorded tasks and the type of ICT used for task completion.

Current Research Student projects

The relationship between sensory perceptual abnormality, stereotype behaviours, and self-injurious behaviours in autistic children
Student: Ms Eynat Gal (PhD Candidate)
Supervisors: Associate Professor Anne Passmore, Professor Murray Dyck
Associated agency: Disabilities Services Commission

Factors influencing the social, participatory and academic success of young children with vision impairment in mainstream education in Australia
Student: Ms Cherylee Lane (PhD Candidate)
Supervisor: Professor Tanya Packer
Associate Supervisor: Associate Professor Anne Passmore

Efficacy of cognitive and behavioural intervention programs for the social and academic outcomes in persons with Autism: A meta analysis of the current literature
Student: Ms Sharmila Vaz (PhD Candidate)
Supervisor: Associate Professor Anne Passmore
Associate Supervisor: Professor Tanya Packer

The efficacy of a specialised camp for siblings of children with cancer
Student: Ms Ranita Sidhu (Masters by Research Candidate)
Supervisor: Associate Professor Anne Passmore
Associate Supervisor: Professor David Baker
Associated agency: Princess Margaret Hospital

An investigation into the peer culture of adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa
Student: Ms Lisa Ferraro (Masters by Research Candidate)
Supervisors: Associate Professor Anne Passmore, Associate Professor David Forbes (UWA)
Associated agency: Princess Margaret Hospital

Continuity of life: Further development of a lifestyle instrument
Student: Ms Alyssa Lee (Masters by Research Candidate)
Supervisors: Associate Professor Anne Passmore, Professor A Janca (UWA)
Associated agency: Mental Health Research WA

Preparing children with disabilities for mainstream classrooms
Student: Ms Libby Hood (Honours Candidate)
Supervisor: Professor Tanya Packer

Embedding therapy goals in everyday routines: Analysis of maternal-child activity patterns
Student: Ms Foong Tham (Honours Candidate)
Supervisor: Associate Professor Anne Passmore

Investigating a support program for young people who have a parent with a neurological disability
Student: Ms Doyel Khaleque (Honours Candidate)
Supervisor: Associate Professor Anne Passmore

Transition to school: A program for parents of young children preparing to enter inclusive classrooms
Student: Ms Gillian King (Honours Candidate)
Supervisor: Professor Tanya Packer

Video modelling: Implementing contextual IADL and ADL intervention programs for children with an intellectual disability
Student: Mr James Lyra (Honours Candidate)
Supervisor: Associate Professor Anne Passmore

Recent Publications

Sidhu, R., Passmore, A., & Baker, D. (2005) (In Press). An investigation into parent perceptions of the needs of siblings of children with cancer. Journal of Paediatric Nursing.

Passmore, A. (2004). A measure of perceptions of generalised self-efficacy adapted for adolescents. OTJR Occupation, Participation and Health, 24(2), 64-71.

Passmore, A. (2003). The occupation of leisure: Three typologies and their influence on mental health in adolescence. OTJR Occupation Participation and Health, 23(2), 76-83.

Passmore, A., & French, D. (2003). The nature of leisure in adolescence: A focus group study. British Journal of Occupation Therapy, 66(9), 419-426.

Wise, M. (2000). Sitting down on the job: The ergonomics of working postures and seat design, In T. Barrett and D. Cameron (Eds.) Safe business, good business. Perth: Vineyard Publishing.