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
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.
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