Development and validation of a psychometric assessment tool for work difficulties in people with Parkinson’s disease

About the research project

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition associated with a diverse range of motor, cognitive, and psychological symptoms that can substantially affect everyday functioning. As PD is frequently diagnosed during working age, many people continue to participate in employment while managing the condition. Difficulties with movement, fatigue, cognition, mood, communication, and other non-motor symptoms may interfere with an individual’s capacity to meet workplace demands and maintain employment. However, there is currently no comprehensive, PD-specific assessment instrument designed to identify and quantify the work difficulties experienced by people living with PD. The absence of such a measure limits our capacity to identify individuals at risk of adverse employment outcomes, understand the factors contributing to work difficulties, and develop appropriately targeted workplace interventions and supports.

This PhD project will develop and validate a new measure of work difficulties specifically for people with PD. The project will comprise four interrelated studies.

• First, a systematic review will synthesise evidence from existing studies that have measured work difficulties across acquired brain injury groups including Parkinson’s, MS, traumatic brain injury so as to characterise and compare the manner in which work difficulties are measured.
• Second, candidate items for the new measure will be developed through consultation with a lived experience advisory group and relevant clinical and research experts, ensuring that the instrument captures work difficulties that are meaningful and relevant to people with PD.
• Third, the psychometric properties of the measure will be evaluated and refined in a large sample of people with PD who are currently employed or have recently left employment.
• Finally, the project will examine the capacity of the new measure to predict important employment outcomes and investigate whether these relationships are influenced by potentially modifiable factors, such as mood and work-related self-efficacy, informal supports and relationship quality.

The project will provide a novel, evidence-based tool to support research and clinical assessment of work functioning in PD and ultimately inform interventions aimed at helping people with PD remain in meaningful employment.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Cynthia Honan

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Undergraduate degree in psychology with Honours.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in psychology. 

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Cynthia Honan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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