Dissertation
From Research to Practice: Shaping Adolescent Brain Health Through Health Enhancing Behaviour
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00907
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
The adolescent years are filled with paradoxes. Although described as the healthiest period of the lifespan with respect to the most measurable aspects of physical health, the adolescent years are marked by surges in overall morbidity and mortality, owing in large part to mental health difficulties. Adolescents represent a critical target population for evidence-based preventive health programs that place them on a positive trajectory of adopting healthy lifestyle factors and improved mental health outcomes into adulthood. There is growing evidence that adolescence is a dynamic period of learning and adaptation, yet many types of behavioural and educational interventions striving for behavioural change appear to be relatively ineffective during adolescence. This thesis seeks to reconcile aspects of these paradoxes. It aims to deepen our understanding of the relationship between health enhancing behaviours (HEBs), mental health and wellbeing across the adolescent continuum to identify modifiable targets for intervention efforts. It also leverages neuroscience to develop an evidenced-based health promotion program targeting multiple HEB through a neuroscience informed structure and content. In doing so, this research aims to match the right kind of intervention strategies to the most appropriate windows of learning and adaption to place adolescents on a positive trajectory for improved mental health now and into the future.
Details
- Title
- From Research to Practice: Shaping Adolescent Brain Health Through Health Enhancing Behaviour
- Authors
- Kassie Bromley - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, External
- Contributors
- Daniel Hermens (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteChristina Driver (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00907
- Grant note
- This research was supported by the Ngaire Roberts Youth Mental Health PhD Scholarship.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991107745402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
Metrics
2 File views/ downloads
125 Record Views