Centre for Behavioural Sciences in Medicine
Head of Discipline
Associate Professor S Hayes
Location
6th level, Blackburn Building, University of Sydney
The Centre for Behavioural Sciences in the Discipline of Medicine began teaching in 1974. Its role is to teach and research in the behavioural sciences as they relate to medicine.
Areas of research
The Centre carries out research into a broad range of topics related to the interface between medicine and the social sciences. It has adequate computer systems for research and the capacity to handle complex databases. The following summaries of current and recent projects illustrate the range of research being undertaken:
Intellectual Disability and the Criminal Justice System
For many years, the Centre has conducted research on people with intellectual disabilities in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders. Past work investigated the incidence of intellectual disability amongst a cohort of people appearing before NSW lower courts. Follow-up projects are aimed at identifying factors which may be instrumental in reducing recidivism among offenders with intellectual disability. A screening test for intellectual disability in legal environments has been developed (Hayes Ability Screening Index - HASI) and is being validated in a number of research projects in Australia and internationally.
Juvenile Sex-Offenders
Recent research investigated the psychological profiles and psychopathy of juvenile sex-offenders using the Hare Psychopathy Index, the MMPI and the Rorschach.
Neonatal Death
A research project on the examination of shame and grief experienced by parents following the death of a newborn has been recently completed.
Current research
Current research projects include Asperger's syndrome, high functioning autism and self-efficacy. Other research has commenced in the area of assessment of the characteristics of sex offenders with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities who have been victims of crime are participating in another project.
Contact details
Associate Professor S Hayes
Head of Discipline;
Postgraduate Coordinator
Central Clinical School
Blackburn Building, D06
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9351 2776
Fax: +61 2 9351 5319
E-mail: