Wellbeing Resource Guidebook
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External research
This page highlights external research projects that explore the health and wellbeing of first responders and their families.
External
research
From mental health and trauma recovery to workplace culture and early intervention, these studies offer valuable insights into the experiences and needs of those on the frontline.
Whether you’re a first responder, policymaker, or researcher, explore what’s being learned – and how it’s helping shape better support and stronger systems.
Please note that these research projects are conducted independently of Fortem, and have not been endorsed by Fortem.
If you would like to discuss having your research project included on this page, please email us at info@fortemaustralia.org.au
Current research projects
Is PTSD impacting your relationship?
Monash University is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate a new online intervention for couples called Couple HOPES.
Couple HOPES is designed to give you and your partner tools to improve PTSD symptoms and enhance your relationship.
They are seeking any current or veteran police officers, firefighters and paramedics with symptoms of PTSD and their intimate partner, who would like to improve their PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationship satisfaction. Couples who participate will receive FREE access to Couple HOPES.
Are you eligible to participate in this study?
First responders with symptoms of PTSD and their intimate partner may be eligible. To participate, you will need access to high-speed internet, be able to complete the modules together as a couple and be willing to have coaching sessions video recorded.
We welcome any first responders who are active, on leave or have retired from their role.
How it works
Participation in all aspects of the study will involve:
- Meeting with one of the research team via Zoom to discuss your eligibility
- Random allocation to receive either immediate or delayed access to Couple HOPES
- Completion of 7 x 30min Couple HOPES modules, including practice assignments between sessions and attending coaching sessions with your coach
- Completing 7 online surveys, each approximately 15-20 minutes in duration
- Participation in an online interview via Zoom (optional)
Participation in this research is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you do not have to.
Contact
If you would like to find out more about the study or submit an expression of interest to get involved, you can visit: http://couplehopes.med.monash.edu
Feedback sought on mental wellness app developed for first responders
Are you a first responder looking at ways to help manage stress, restore calm, and sharpen focus, whenever you need it?
BeTuned is a mental wellness app built for first responders, designed to provide immediate support and shift the nervous system from sympathetic activation back to regulation and task focus. BeTuned is now looking for first responders to use and provide feedback on it.
Are you eligible to participate in this study?
All serving and past first responders are welcome to download and use BeTuned for free. You are not required to participate in feedback, but those who do complete feedback will receive free lifetime access to the app, even as BeTuned develop it further.
How it works
Current and former first responders are invited to play BeTuned over 30 days and complete the feedback requirements.
Feedback requirements include:
- Optional: Take part in 15-minute call to provide open feedback (this is not a requirement for free lifetime access)
- Complete the website registration and download the app (5 minutes)
- Complete a 10-minute email survey after 7 days
- Complete a 10-minute email survey after 30 days
All data collected is anonymous and secured. BeTuned is not a crisis service or a replacement for clinical care.
Note that the program will close once BeTuned receive sufficient feedback, however, the app will remain available and free for use to anyone who has downloaded it.
Contact
For general questions or app support please email: info@betuned.io
How does mindfulness influence the relationship between police-specific stress and mental health?
Are you an Australian police officer?
Researchers at James Cook University Australia are conducting an Australian-first study on policing-related stress, mental health, and mindfulness, and we need your insights. Your participation will help researchers better understand stress among Australian police officers, and uncover under what conditions mindfulness may be most beneficial.
Are you eligible to participate in this study?
Sworn Australian police officers, or police recruits/trainees currently employed by an Australian state, territory, or federal policing organisation.
How it works
Complete an online anonymous survey, where you will be asked a series of questions about policing-related stress, your stress levels, mental health, sleeping patterns, alcohol use, and levels of mindfulness.
The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete, and can be completed on a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
You can also express your interest in participating in a group-based and online mindfulness-based intervention, which forms the next phase of this research. You can express your interest at the end of the survey.
Contact
This project is being undertaken by Jennifer Gaskin, as part of her PhD with James Cook University, Australia. If you would like further information before deciding to participate, or about the research more generally, please contact Jennifer on (07) 4781 4111 or email address: jennifer.gaskin@my.jcu.edu.au, or Associate Professor Wendy Li on (07) 4781 6850 or email address: wendy.li@jcu.edu.au.
Recovery Matters. Understanding Recovery when a Police Officer’s Return to Work Post-Injury is Complicated
Have you previously served as a sworn police officer in any Australian state?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in an anonymous survey to understand how injured police officers experience recovery from a work-related injury. The anonymous survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
Are you eligible to participate in this study?
Yes, if you meet all of the following criteria (each dot point below) and you have read the Participant Information Sheet, which includes information about survey participation, you:
- previously served as a sworn police officer in any Australian state for a minimum of six months (may include while suffering the injury), and
- sustained a work-related injury between the period January 2015 to December 2025, and
- were on medically restricted duties as a result of the injury for a period of no less than three months and no more than five years, and
- not involved in ongoing litigation related to your work injury.
- Please read the Participant Information Sheet which includes information about survey participation and the research.
How it works
The study is being conducted in two stages, the survey is the first stage of the project and focuses on questions aimed at understanding what recovery means to you, the support that assisted you, and any challenges affecting your recovery. If you are interested in participating in Stage 2 only, an interview, please contact the researcher (if you complete the survey, information is provided at the end about indicating interest in participating in an interview). There is no obligation to participate in Stage 2 if you complete Stage 1.
Survey closes midnight Friday, 19 September 2025.
Contact
The project is undertaken for a Charles Sturt University PhD by Priscilla Renoux. If you would like further information before deciding to participate, please contact Priscilla on 02 6272 6218 or email address: prenoux@csu.edu.au or the Primary Supervisor, Dr Anna Corbo Crehan via email: acorbocrehan@csu.edu.au