Katrina Gersbach

Proposed Title

Perceptions and definitions of social and emotional wellbeing: Supporting children in a Western NSW public school to develop strategies which enhance resilience and positive mental health

Supervisors

Principal Supervisor: Dr Monica Short
Co-Supervisor: Dr Emma Rush

Research

The proposed research will explore how students in a Western NSW government primary school perceive and define well-being. Additionally, this research will support the children involved to develop strategies to implement at their school to enhance resilience and wellbeing. Narrative methods such as; conversations, photo voice, drawing/ construction activities, group discussions and textual analysis will be used within this research. This research blends social work practice approaches for working with children and young people with participatory research methodologies.

It is intended that this PhD will be completed by publication, with research outcomes disseminated throughout the period of candidature.

Why I chose Charles Sturt

After working in the field of child and family social work, I commenced a teaching focussed role in the School of Social Work and Arts based on the CSU Dubbo campus in 2016. Over the last 8 years I have been engaged in research projects with colleagues, developing my research skills and knowledge. I am passionate about child welfare and wellbeing and have always wanted to complete my research in rural NSW. CSU was a good fit for me, due to the Universities rural focus, as well as the flexibility offered by online learning.

Engagement and Memberships

I am a member of the Social Equality, Intersectionality and Inclusion Research group, as well as the International Network of Co-Operative Inquirers.

Publications

CRO

ORCID

Current candidate profiles