Bronwyn Morris

Qualifications: BArts (Visual Arts), BPsych, PhD

Job title: Senior Research Officer

Email: BronwynMorris@cancerqld.org.au

Background: Bronwyn’s PhD research focussed on posttraumatic growth, or positive life change, that can be perceived after struggling with a diagnosis of cancer and treatment. Bronwyn’s professional background includes lecturing and tutoring in undergraduate Psychology courses, particularly in the areas of Health Psychology. Prior to that she was a project co-ordinator, at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, managing large-scale twin studies investigating addictive behaviours.

Research interest: Bronwyn’s research areas include psychosocial factors promoting adjustment to cancer diagnosis and treatment for both patients and support persons. She is particularly interested in posttraumatic growththat can be perceived after a diagnosis of cancer. Her research incorporates identification of factors that reduce post-diagnosis distress and promote posttraumatic growth.

Current research projects:

• Beating the Blues after Cancer – evaluating the efficacy of support options for distressed callers to the Cancer Council Helpline; including self-managed care and therapist-delivered care.
• Amazon Heart Thunder – exploring the process of personal growth and transformation that many breast cancer survivors experience as a result of taking part in this motorcycle adventure.