Research

We wanted to find a proven way to protect mental health… so we did the research.

Before building Mindarma we performed a meta-analysis and systematic review of the existing resilience research. We then created a pilot program for Australian emergency service workers and ran a randomised controlled trial.

Results from this successful trial showed the program produced significant improvements in resilience, as well as optimism, mindfulness, support-seeking behaviour and the use of healthy coping strategies.

Since then, we have continued measuring. Across all our client groups, the data we have collected demonstrates just what a difference Mindarma can make.

Pre and post-training resilience profile

Increase resilience and reduce risk.

Pre and post-training data collected across all client groups demonstrates what a difference Mindarma makes (999 Mindarma learners).

* Per 100 workers. Data extracted from the Mindarma database on 9 August 2023, analysed using GNU PSPP 1.6.2.

Developed by psychologist Dr Sadhbh Joyce, Mindarma draws from a range of psychological therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Compassion-focused Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Mindarma conducts ongoing research and evaluation. To discover more about our research, please contact us.

Conference presentations

Research papers

Paper 1

Joyce S, Shand F, Lal TJ, Mott B, Bryant RA, Harvey SB.

Resilience@Work Mindfulness Program: Results From a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial With First Responders. J Med Internet Res 2019;21(2):e12894 DOI: 10.2196/12894

Overview: This paper outlines the main results from our randomised controlled trial with 143 full-time active first responders. The study found that compared to the control group, firefighters who complete the training reported greater levels of adaptive resilience (CDRISC_10) at 6-months follow-up. They also reported enhanced resilience resources including increased optimism, mindfulness and active/instrumental coping (i.e. post-training, learners were more likely to ask for input/support/advice from others).

Paper 2

Joyce, Sadhbh; Tan, Leona; Shand, Fiona; Bryant, Richard A.; Harvey, Samuel B.

Can Resilience be Measured and Used to Predict Mental Health Symptomology Among First Responders Exposed to Repeated Trauma? Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: April 2019 - Volume 61 - Issue 4 - p 285-292 DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001526

Overview: In this paper we examined whether psychological resilience, measured using the Connors Davison Resilience Scale (10 item) and Brief Resilience Scale, can predict future mental health outcomes. At 6-month follow-up, low baseline adaptive resilience as measured by the CDRISC-10 successfully predicted increased PTSD and Depression symptomology among firefighters previously exposed to trauma.

This finding supports previous research by Wild et al. 2016 (Oxford University) that low baseline resilience among new graduate paramedics (London Ambulance) predicted a future episode of depression at 2 year follow-up.

These findings highlight the importance of proactive earlier interventions that target resilience training in high-risk groups such as first- responders, healthcare workers, teachers and other high-stress occupations.

(please email Sadhbh@mindarma.com for paper).

Paper 3

Counson, I., Hosemans, D., Lal, T.J. Mott B., Harvey S.B., Joyce, S

Mental health and mindfulness amongst Australian fire fighters. BMC Psychol 7, 34 (2019).

Overview: The BMC Psychology paper examined the relationship between mindfulness and mental health symptomology among first responders (n=114). The study found higher levels of mindfulness were significantly associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression and greater levels of wellbeing. This lends support to similar findings in cross-sectional research among first responders in Europe and the USA. It also supports the broader mindfulness research that highlights the mental health benefits of this practise.

Paper 4

Joyce S, Shand F, Bryant RA, Lal TJ, Harvey SB.

Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training in the Workplace: Pilot Study of the Internet-Based Resilience@Work (RAW) Mindfulness Program J Med Internet Res 2018;20(9):e10326 DOI: 10.2196/10326

Overview: A pilot study of the original RAW program with NSW firefighters.

Paper 5

Joyce S, Shand F, Tighe J, et al.

Road to resilience: a systematic review and meta-analysis of resilience training programmes and interventions, British Medical Journal Open 2018; 8:e017858. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017858

Overview: This systematic review includes a meta-analysis examining the evidence around resilience-training currently available and helped to inform the development of the RAW pilot program and the updated version; Mindarma. In terms of interventions that target adaptive resilience, the best evidence currently exists for programs that incorporate both cognitive strategies and mindfulness training.

Paper 6

Petrie K, Joyce S, Henderson M, Johnson A, Nguyen H, Modini M, Groth M, Glozier N, & Harvey SB.(2018).

A Framework To Create More Mentally Healthy Workplaces: A Viewpoint. Australian And New Zealand Journal Of Psychiatry. 52(1), 15-23. DOI: 10.1177/0004867417726174

Overview: This framework paper resulted from a larger literature review study completed for the Australian Mental Health Commission. It identifies employee resilience as a key factor in developing mentally healthy workplaces.

Awards & Grants

South Australian Mental Health and Wellbeing Program Grant (2024-25)

Issued by: The Office for Small and Family Business, South Australia.

Supports statewide access to the Mindarma program, Brain Food platform and webinar events for small and family business owners and their employees.

Victoria Small Business Mental Health Grant (2022-23)

Issued by: Business Victoria (Department of Jobs. Precincts and Regions)

Supported statewide access to the Mindarma program for small business owners and employees, plus the delivery of webinar events focused on CALD and Indigenous business owners.

Division of General Psychological Practice Significant Contribution Award (2021)

Issued by Australian Psychological Society

Awarded to Mindarma co-founder Dr Sadhbh Joyce for the impact of her translational research and work in the field of psychology.

Ray Ball Prize (2020)

Issued by Australian Journal of Management

AJM 2020 Ray Ball Prize Winner: “A review and agenda for examining how technology-driven changes at work will impact workplace mental health and employee well-being” by Anya Johnson, Dr Shanta Dey & Helena Nguyen (University of Sydney), Markus Groth (UNSW Business School), Dr Sadhbh (Sive) Joyce (The Black Dog Institute/UNSW Medicine) & Leona Tan (The Black Dog Institute), Nick Glozier (University of Sydney Brain and Mind Centre) & Samuel B Harvey (UNSW)

Highly Commended: Resilient Australia Awards (2019)

Issued by NSW Government

Mindarma was recognised for our work in creating tailored evidence-based resilience training programs for first responders at Fire + Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute and UNSW Medicine.

Leading Practice in Mental Health Award (2019)

Issued by Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC)

Fire and Rescue NSW received the Leading Practise in Mental Health Award from AFAC for the implementation of a customised version of the Mindarma program (previously RAW Mind Coach) for their first responder workforce.

Mental Health Matters Award ~ Mental Health Promotion Workplace Award (2018)

Issued by NSW Mental Health Commission & NSW Mental Health Association 2018

Mindarma (previously RAW Mind Coach) received the Mental Health Matters Award for ongoing work with NSW Ambulance, Australia, where our customised program had been completed by more than 6,000 employees.