Project Coordinator
BHSc BSc MPH
Rena has worked as a Research Assistant since 2015 with her projects focusing on children with chronic conditions, their mental health and school experiences. Rena’s overarching interest is in enabling children and adolescents to reach their potential and equity.
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Projects
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Publications
June 2021
Bullying and psychosocial adjustment among children with and without asthma
Children with asthma face serious mental health risk, but the pathways remain unclear. This study aimed to examine bullying victimisation and perpetration in children with asthma and a comparison sample without a chronic health condition, and the role of bullying in moderating psychosocial adjustment outcomes for those with asthma. A sample of children with and without asthma, and their parents, were recruited from hospital clinics.
Asthma Published research Bullying Children's Lung Health School and Community WellbeingNovember 2021The psychosocial impact of rare diseases among children and adolescents attending mainstream schools in Western Australia
Living with a long-term medical condition is associated with heightened risk for mental health and psychosocial difficulties, but further research is required on this risk for children and adolescents with a rare disease in the educational setting. The aim of this study is to describe parents’ perceptions of the psychosocial impact of rare diseases on their school-aged children in Western Australia.
Published research Youth Health Youth Mental Health Youth mental health School and Community WellbeingJune 2020Chronic health conditions, mental health and the school: A narrative review
School-based social risk processes in the lives of young people with chronic health conditions are likely to contribute to risk of psychological problems
Published research Human Capability Ear Health Youth Mental Health School and Community WellbeingMay 2020Lessons from schools with high levels of support for students with type 1 diabetes: A qualitative study
This project aimed to investigate how schools provide support for the psychosocial wellbeing and disease management of students with type 1 diabetes
Diabetes (Type 1) Published research Diabetes and Obesity Youth Mental Health School and Community WellbeingMay 2017Mental health problems among 4–17-year-olds with hearing problems: results from a nationally representative study
Clinicians caring for children and young people with hearing problems should be alert for heightened risk of specific mental health problems based on age and the nature of hearing problems.
Published research Human Capability Ear Health Youth Mental Health School and Community Wellbeing -
Education and Qualifications