Academic Publications

Westerman, T.G (2021). Culture-bound syndromes in Aboriginal Australian populations, Clinical Psychologist, 25(2): 1-17

This paper is the FIRST data driven, empirical study which validated culture-bound syndromes in Aboriginal Australian populations for this first time. Considered to be such an important paper by the Editors of Clinical Psychologist that FREE access was provided until August, 2021. You can download it here. 

Westerman, T.G & Sheridan., L (2020). Whole of Aboriginal Community Suicide Prevention Forums, Australian Psychologist, 55, pp. 363-374

This paper is the FIRST published paper in Australian demonstrating whole of community suicide risk reduction, improvements in knowledge base and intentions to help etc., It uniquely takes a ‘whole community’ approach. It is based upon Westerman (2003) Phd which determined a unique aetiology to Indigenous suicide. The program was developed based on these differences, making them the only EVIDENCE based programs developed specifically for Aboriginal people. These programs have been replicated across multiple states, language groups despite having ZERO funding for their development and delivery.

Westerman, T.G. (2010) Engaging Australian Aboriginal Youth in Mental Health Services, Australian Psychologist, Vol 45(3)

This paper describes the empirical validation of an engagement model for at risk Aboriginal youth as part of the PhD research of Adjunct Professor Tracy Westerman. This involved undertaking suicide risk assessment of 103 Aboriginal youth (13 – 17 years) determined ‘at risk’ via screening with the WASC-Y and validating a engagement process for clinicians working with at risk Aboriginal youth.

Vicary, D.A., & Westerman, T.G (2004). That’s Just the Way He Is: Some Implications of Aboriginal Mental Health Beliefs, Australian e-journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, Vol 3(3) 

SOME OF OUR ARTICLES IN PREPARATION

Westerman, T.G (in preparation). Determining the nature and extent of risk for depression, suicidal behaviours, impulse control, anxiety, and cultural resilience in an Australian Aboriginal youth (aged 13 – 17 years) sample using the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth

Westerman, T.G (in preparation). Validation of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth-Revised. A unique psychometric test for Aboriginal youth with a national data set.

Westerman, T.G (in preparation). Validation of the Aboriginal Mental Health Cultural Competency Profile. A culturally determined psychometric test to determine the predictors of mental health cultural competence

Westerman, T.G (in preparation). Validation of the Cultural Competency Profile – Child Protection. A unique psychometric test to determine the predictors of child protection cultural competency

Westerman, T.G (in preparation). Validation of the General Cultural Competency Profile. A unique psychometric test to determine the predictors of cultural competency

DR WESTERMAN’S PHD RESEARCH

Westerman, T.G (2003) The development of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist for Youth: A measure to assess the Moderating Effects of Cultural Resilience with Aboriginal Youth at Risk of Depression, Anxiety and Suicidal Behaviours. Abstract of Doctor of Philosophy Thesis. Curtin University.

Phd Abstract of Adjunct Professor Tracy Westerman involving the initial validation of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth (aged 13 – 17 years)

SELF HELP & PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES

Westerman, T.G. Grieving Aboriginal Way.
A resource for Aboriginal families experiencing sudden loss.

EXTERNAL VALIDATION OF DR WESTERMAN’S PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS

Bright, C., (2012). Initial Validation of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Adults (WASC-A)
Validation of the WASC-A scale: a screening tool for Aboriginal Adults (aged 18 and above) at risk of depression, suicidal behaviours, alcohol and drug use, impulsivity and anxiety. The scale also determines levels of cultural resilience as a moderator for risk. The WASC-A is based on the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth (WASC-A)

Bright, C (2012). Validation of the Aboriginal Mental Health Cultural Competency Test, Unpublished Masters Dissertation. Murdoch University

Little, J (2007). Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist, Youth (aged 13 – 17 years). The WASC-Y manual (2nd edition). The cultural and clinical validation guidelines for the administration of the WASCY, IPS, Perth (WA).