About Our Research

We conduct research into psychological, social and behavioural aspects of heart disease. We seek to understand the factors that help in recovery and that support the quality of life of people with a heart condition. We aim to identify how patients can be assisted to modify their cardiac risk factors and how they can be supported in their psychological, social and behavioural self-management.

We focus on translational research. We use our research findings to develop and evaluate programs to help patients and their families to assist with emotional and behavioural recovery after heart attack and heart surgery. Our research also informs our health professional training programs and, in turn, improves the quality of care offered to patients across Australia and internationally.  

Our major areas of research include anxiety and depression; cardiac blues; cardiac distress; cardiac rehabilitation; emotional and behavioural self-management; sleep and health; screening and assessment; physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

Our research participants include those who have had heart attack, heart surgery, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), cardiac arrest, ICD implantation, and those who have congenital heart disease, as well as their family members, parents, carers and health professionals.

For more information about our current research projects, click here. For more information about our past research projects, click here. If you have any questions, please contact Dr Barbara Murphy by email on barbara.murphy@australianhearthealth.org.au or by telephone on 03 9326 8544.