Aim

The Centre for Wellbeing, Resilience and Recovery is led by Associate Professor Justine Gatt.

The aim of the Centre is to improve the mental wellbeing of the general population from childhood into older age. We want to understand the factors that predict optimal wellbeing and resilience to stress and adversity using state-of-the-art neuroscience and genetics research.

 Using this knowledge, we also aim to translate these outcomes to evidence-based wellbeing interventions and education programs. This will include the design, testing and delivery of interventions and programs that would be useful for both healthy and clinical populations. These programs are designed to educate and promote increased wellbeing and resilience in the general public, as well as in individuals undergoing various forms of treatment where wellbeing promotion could assist in physical or mental recovery.

Research focus areas

• Neuroscience and genetics of wellbeing and resilience
• Heritability of wellbeing in twins
• Wellbeing measurement across children, adolescents and adults
• Wellbeing in individuals undergoing treatment for mental, developmental and physical health issues
• Wellbeing and social media use
• Wellbeing education
• Organisational wellbeing programs (e.g., Thrive in healthcare workers)
• Smartphone wellbeing apps (e.g., ReNeuWell®)
• Animal models of wellbeing and resilience

Why this research matters

Mental illness is a leading global burden of disease. Because of this, most psychiatric research is focused on understanding mental illnesses and how to treat them. Whats often overlooked is understanding the science behind wellbeing, resilience and flourishing states. 

High mental wellbeing is a defining characteristic of optimal mental health. It encompasses happiness and life satisfaction, and underpins our ability to experience a meaningful life and resilience to stress. The promotion of wellbeing is a promising yet under-researched avenue for optimal mental health, particularly as we know that wellbeing and illness are very different constructs. The absence of one does not necessarily suggest the presence of the other.

Our Centre strives to address this gap and to be a leader in the field of wellbeing and resilience research, collaborating with leading multi-disciplinary scientists, healthcare professionals, and organisations to advance this space towards a thriving and productive society.