James Cook University researchers are calling for the public to volunteer and participate in a new brainwave study, helping them to understand how workers manage stress and build resilience within high-stress workplaces.
The project's lead scientist and senior lecturer at JCU's College of Healthcare Sciences Dr Liza van Eijk said the research need's the public's support, especially from those who work in high-stress jobs.
Researchers hope to attract 150 Townsville adults who experience high levels of workplace stress to participate in the study over a 12-month period.
"Our project's number one priority is to help improve worker's mental health," Dr van Ejik said.
"Poor mental health in workers doesn't just affect the individual – it has flow‑on effects for families, workplaces, and right across society.
"Supporting resilience in the workforce is both a health priority and an economic one."
Many occupations involve high-stress situations, including doctors, nurses, teachers, police and defence personnel.
The mental techniques these workers use to manage stressful situations can provide researchers with new insights into ways to improve the community's mental health.
"These professions are essential to Australian society, but also associated with the risk of stress‑related mental health conditions," said Dr van Eijk.
"Individual differences in resilience play a critical role in managing that stress. This project is about understanding 'why' some people adapt and cope well, while others may need additional support.
"If we can detect early markers of vulnerability, we can intervene sooner and potentially prevent long‑term mental health problems and workforce drop‑out."
Volunteers will be asked to monitor their brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) in a one hour on-campus session, as well complete two short 15-minute follow-up surveys.
"Brainwaves give us a window into how efficiently the brain is functioning. Some patterns are associated with resilience, while others may signal increased vulnerability to stress," Dr van Eijk said.
The patterns identified in this study will ultimately be used to develop a low‑cost wearable device, capable of monitoring stress‑related changes in real time.
Participants who generously contribute their time will receive a $15 Prezzee gift voucher, redeemable at a range of major Australian retailers.
