Dr Jane Cocks

My research has broadly focused on two areas: stress, resilience, and positive psychology, alongside interactive technologies, media, and games to promote health and wellbeing. I completed my PhD as part of the Engage Research Lab at the University of the Sunshine Coast in June 2020. I used a multidisciplinary mixed methods approach to integrate psychology theory with game design practice, to develop a framework for designing games which foster positive health behaviour change.

Previously I have contributed to research at the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies at the University of Adelaide including examining the mental health and wellbeing of the Australian Defence Force, examining long term impacts of childhood exposure to bushfires, and examining predictors of resilience following the Eyre Peninsula bushfires.

I am currently contributing to research focussed on developing a mental health and wellbeing framework for young adult fire and emergency service volunteers. I am passionate about conducting research and creating new technologies which foster resilience and positive health outcomes.