Australian Institute of Family Studies

Recent publications

Health service use among children at risk of social‑emotional problems

Commissioned report— Mar 2020

This research brief investigates children’s use of health care services, the use of health and support services and children’s unmet service needs.

A teenage boy getting his heart checked by a doctor

Use of health services among children at risk of social‑emotional problems

Working Paper— Mar 2020

Examines the association of parents’ mental health, parenting behaviours, and alcohol use and smoking with the social-emotional wellbeing of young chi

Social-emotional wellbeing from childhood to early adolescence

Commissioned report— Mar 2020

This brief investigates the role of parenting, parents’ mental health and their health behaviours on the social-emotional wellbeing of their children.

Teenage girl speaking to her mother while holding hands

Children’s social-emotional wellbeing

Working Paper— Mar 2020

Examines health and support service use among Australian children, especially of at-risk children. Uses data from LSAC.

A multi-ethnic group of high school students are outdoors on a summer day. One girl is taking a selfie with the group.

Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) Annual Statistical Report 2018

LSAC Annual Statistical Report 2018— Dec 2019

This is the ninth volume in the LSAC Annual Statistical Report series, which uses data from the last seven waves of the study.

News

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: AIFS Conference postponed

We have postponed the AIFS 2020 Conference. This is in line with the Government’s advice to cancel non-essential gatherings of 500 people or more.

We are not able to confirm new dates yet, but we will keep delegates, speakers and sponsors informed of our plans. Until then, we will suspend new registrations.

How to stay married during coronavirus

March 2020 - With the practical challenges for individuals in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic can also come anxiety, financial insecurity and a loss of social connection. These can put a strain on even the best relationships.

In this news story on ABC News, Hayley Gleeson talks to psychologists and family experts, including our own Anne Hollonds, Director of AIFS, about the dangers for couples and ways to help them get through the crisis together.

Couples can have very different coping styles and this can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. They need to listen to each other without judgement, be kind and employ strategies to keep their own anxieties in check.

If couples can work together to get through this current crisis, they might even come out of it with a relationship closer and stronger than before.