Health Professional Research Study
Researchers at Macquarie University are conducting a study on SMS-based mental health support for Australian health professionals.
Fast Facts
Health Professional (Practicing or in Training) Who Has Symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety
Learn Helpful Skills
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Virtually in Australia
Study Background
The things we do each day can have a powerful impact on our mental health.
This study, the SMS Wellbeing Trial, is being run by researchers at Macquarie University’s eCentreClinic. It aims to understand whether daily actions like practicing gratitude or following the “Big 5” wellbeing habits are more helpful for mental health than other approaches.
Health professionals in Australia often face challenges accessing mental health support. By testing the benefits of different types of SMS messages, this study will provide valuable insight into what kinds of actions best support wellbeing. The findings may inform future public health campaigns and new tools designed to help health professionals take care of their own mental health.
Study Background
The things we do each day can have a powerful impact on our mental health.
This study, the SMS Wellbeing Trial, is being run by researchers at Macquarie University’s eCentreClinic. It aims to understand whether daily actions like practicing gratitude or following the “Big 5” wellbeing habits are more helpful for mental health than other approaches.
Health professionals in Australia often face challenges accessing mental health support. By testing the benefits of different types of SMS messages, this study will provide valuable insight into what kinds of actions best support wellbeing. The findings may inform future public health campaigns and new tools designed to help health professionals take care of their own mental health.
Additional Information
The study is being conducted to find out whether some daily actions (like practicing gratitude) are more effective for improving mental health than others. This will help researchers design better mental health resources for Australian health professionals.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18+ and living in Australia
- Health professional (practicing or in training)
- Have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety
- Not currently receiving psychological treatment
- No severe symptoms of depression or anxiety or self-harm
Complete a short screening questionnaire online to check eligibility
If eligible, be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Gratitude, Big 5, or Control
Receive an email with instructions and complete a brief lesson online (depending on your group)
Get daily SMS nudges for 4 weeks encouraging you to practice specific actions
Complete short online questionnaires before, during, and after the study (around 10 minutes each)
Participants in Gratitude and Big 5 groups will also complete a 3-month follow-up questionnaire
The Control group will complete the program starting in week 5
Participants will receive:
A Prezzee gift voucher valued at AUD $50 for completing the initial, mid-point, and final questionnaires
An additional AUD $30 gift voucher for completing the 3-month follow-up
A total of up to AUD $80 in gift vouchers
In addition to compensation, participants will learn practical strategies to support their own mental health and well-being.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.