The Psychosocial Well-being of Rural and Regional Australians Research Group brings together the diverse expertise of the School of Psychology. This group investigates how individuals, groups, and communities from rural and regional Australia can achieve positive adjustment and outcomes in the context of their rurality and past and present adversities. Three dominant themes underpin this group: 1) rural and regional psychosocial well-being, 2) risk, protective and promotive factors of rural and regional people, and 3) interventions to improve the psychosocial well-being of rural and regional people. Combined with expertise in behavioural science, our research focus aligns with the university’s strategy – developing healthy and resilient people and flourishing communities. The group also has a focus on strengthening external partnerships prioritising areas of research where our partners have an identified need to maximise the impact of our research for policy and practice. A focus on applied research is consistent with government priorities, industry partnership, and co-design that produces impactful research for policy in key areas pertaining to rural and regional Australia.

 Group Leaders 

Dr Robyn Brunton (Associate Head of School Research) leads the research group and Professor Suzanne McLaren is a co-lead. Group membership consists of researchers from the School of Psychology