Adult cancer survivors often experience psychological and physical challenges such as anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain. These factors can negatively impact their quality of life, highlighting the need for holistic care to improve mental and physical health.
Exercise and mindfulness-based interventions, when implemented independently, are proven to improve many of the challenges cancer survivors face. However, research on their combined effects on cancer survivors remains limited despite promising evidence suggesting they may work synergistically to improve outcomes.
Study Objectives
The successful applicant will design and conduct a pilot study investigating the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a combined exercise and mindfulness intervention for adult cancer survivors. Key objectives include but are not limited to designing the interventions in consultation with supervisors and stakeholders and assessing recruitment rates and treatment adherence. The study will also explore how this combined approach can support both cancer survivors and their caregivers, whose well-being is often affected by caregiving stress.
This research aims to provide valuable insights into a novel approach for improving cancer survivors' overall well-being and quality of life and to inform a more extensive study.
Eligibility
- The successful candidate must meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University full-time, which includes a second-class Honours degree (or above) or relevant research Master's degree in psychology, exercise or related field and be a domestic student.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
HDR Supervisors for the project
Primary Supervisor: Dr Belinda Barton, Psychologist and Secondary Supervisor: Associate Professor Kellie Toohey, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University.
Scholarship Value and Length: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. Tuition fees will be exempt.
Location: The student will be primarily based at SCU Coffs Harbour as study participants will be patients from the Coffs Harbour Health Campus Hospital.
For further information: please email Dr Belinda Barton at belinda.barton@scu.edu.au and see Higher Degrees Scholarships - Southern Cross University
Closing Date: 10 March 2025
Funding: This project is funded by Southern Cross University and the NSW Regional Cancer Research Network (through the a Cancer Institute NSW Translational Cancer Research Capacity Building Grant) in partnership with the Mid North Coast Local Health District.