Young people needed for illness and disability survey

Young people whose parents have a disability or illness are being asked to take part in a survey to gather information to develop better services and intervention programs for them.

The School of Psychology at The University of Queensland is conducting the project in collaboration with Griffith University and the Queensland Council of Carers.

People aged between 10 and 25 whose parent or parents has an illness such as cancer, an intellectual or physical disability, an alcohol or drug problem or mental illness are needed for the survey.

"It will help us gain a better understanding of the experiences and support needs of young people and their families," said project co-ordinator Dr Ken Pakenham.

"The survey asks about young peopleÍs perceptions of themselves, such as their feelings, attitudes, and coping skills. We also ask questions about their perceptions of their families."

Dr Pakenham said he was confident the project would make an important contribution to the understanding of how young people thought about themselves and their families.

"This will lead to the development of better services and intervention programs for young people who have a parent with an illness or disability," he said.

A questionnaire, which will take 30 to 40 minutes to complete, will be sent to participants.

Their names will not be recorded on the questionnaire, and all information provided will be kept confidential.

To participate in the survey contact Miwa Okochi (phone 0413 733 578; e-mail: okochi@psy.uq.edu.au), or Dr Ken Pakenham (phone 07 3365 6677).