Biography
I’m passionate about mental health, health sociology, and mixed-methods.
As a current doctoral candidate in sociology with a multidisciplinary background in psychology and transdisciplinary research at the University of Newcastle, and more than a decade working in the public mental health and disability sectors, my current research focuses on better understanding the use and practice of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) for supporting mental wellbeing in Australia. TCAM concerns health-related social practices that exist in parallel to, but are not considered to be a part of, Western medicine (Gale, 2014; McCabe, 2005). While many sociologists have explored the use and practice of TCAM (or what is more commonly referred to as CAM in sociology), a literature review revealed no identifiable studies had exclusively focused on its use and practice regarding mental wellbeing (not to be mistaken with mental illness).
To achieve the overall purpose of this study, I applied a sequential mixed-methods design conducted in a constructivist research paradigm. First, I used cross-sectional surveys to identify the types of TCAM being used and practised within the context of supporting mental wellbeing, including consumer and practitioner profiles and usage/practice characteristics. Survey findings then informed a qualitative component of the study. Second, I used interviews and focus groups to explore TCAM consumers’ and practitioners’ motivations, perceptions and experiences regarding their use and practice of TCAM as a resource for supporting mental wellbeing. By way of applying Glaser’s (1965) constant comparative analysis for qualitative research, the codes and categories generated were noted to align with Antonovsky’s (1987, 1993) salutogenic model of health.
I look forward to conveying how Antonovsky’s (1987, 1993) salutogenic model of health may assist in better understanding the use and practice of TCAM as a resource for supporting mental wellbeing in Australia. I hope to generate knowledge that inspires future research and potentially influences policy decisions for improved outcomes regarding mental health in Australia.