Doctor Janette Perz

Doctor Janette Perz

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,
Centre for Health Research

Personal

Qualifications

  • PhD University of Sydney
  • BA University of Sydney

UWS Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • Centre for Health Research

Contact

Email:J.Perz@uws.edu.au
Extension:3954
Mobile:
Location:3.G.06
Campbelltown
Website:

Biography

Janette Perz is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Health Research at the University of Western Sydney. She researches in the field of reproductive and sexual health with a particular focus on gendered experiences, subjectivity and identity. Her research encompasses three related programs of research:

  • Firstly, a significant research program in psycho-oncology including the evaluation of gendered experiences and interventions for cancer carers; research on sexual experiences and interventions for couples facing cancer; and an examination of changes to fertility across a range of cancer types.
  • Secondly, a program of research in sexual and reproductive health including the experience of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in heterosexual and lesbian relationships; the development of and evaluation of a couple-based psychological intervention for PMS; sexual wellbeing and reproductive needs in CALD populations; and sexual and psychological wellbeing during menopause and midlife. 
  • Thirdly, research in mental health, early intervention and primary care models including cognitive-behavioural interventions for disadvantaged groups; Interventions for post-partum depression; and gender and therapy referrals in general practice.

She has demonstrated expertise in research design and analysis, and mixed-methods research.

This information has been contributed by Doctor Perz.

Publications

Chapters in Books

  • Ussher, J., Perz, J., Gilbert, E., Hawkins, Y. and Wong, W. (2012), 'Sexuality and Intimacy in the Context of Cancer', Topics in Cancer Survivorship, InTech 9789533078946.
  • Ussher, J., Perz, J., Gilbert, E., Hawkins, Y. and Wong, W. (2012), 'Sexuality and intimacy in the context of cancer', Topics in Cancer Survivorship, InTech 9789533078946.
  • Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2010), 'Disruption of the Silenced Self: The Case of Premenstrual Syndrome', Silencing the Self Across Cultures - Depression and gender in the social world, Oxford University Press 9780195398090.
  • Perz, J. and Ussher, J. (2009), 'Connectedness, communication and reciprocity in lesbian relationships: implications for women?s construction and experience of PMS', The Story of Sexual Identity - Narrative perspectives on the gay and lesbian life course, Oxford University Press 9780195326789.
  • Perz, J. (2004), 'Navigating the Menopausal Experience: A Model of Climacteric Sensitivity', 14th International Conference of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Genaecology - International Proceedings, Medimond Publishing Co 8875870446.

Journal Articles

  • Rose, V., Perz, J. and Harris, E. (2012), 'Vocationally oriented cognitive behavioural training for the very long-term unemployed', Occupational Medicine, 3.
  • Ussher, J., Rhyder-Obid, M., Perz, J., Rae, M., Wong, T., Wong, W. and Newman, P. (2012), 'Purity, Privacy and Procreation: Constructions and Experiences of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Assyrian and Karen Women Living in Australia', Sexuality and Culture, 19.
  • Ussher, J., Perz, J. and Gilbert, E. (2012), 'Changes to Sexual Well-Being and Intimacy After Breast Cancer', Cancer Nursing, 10.
  • Rose, V., Perz, J. and Harris, E. (2012), 'Vocationally oriented cognitive behavioural training for the very long-term unemployed', Occupational Medicine, 3.
  • Ussher, J., Perz, J. and Gilbert, E. (2012), 'Changes to sexual well-being and intimacy after breast cancer', Cancer Nursing, 10.
  • Ussher, J., Rhyder-Obid, M., Perz, J., Rae, M., Wong, W. and Newman, P. (2012), 'Purity, privacy and procreation : constructions and experiences of sexual and reproductive health in Assyrian and Karen women living in Australia', Sexuality and Culture, 19.
  • Perz, J., Ussher, J., Butow, P. and Wain, G. (2011), 'Gender differences in cancer carer psychological distress: An analysis of moderators and mediators', European Journal of Cancer Care, 10.
  • Smith, C., Ussher, J., Perz, J., Carmady, B. and de Lacey, S. (2011), 'The effect of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility: A pilot randomized controlled trial', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8.
  • Ussher, J., Wong, W. and Perz, J. (2011), 'A qualitative analysis of changes in relationship dynamics and roles between people with cancer and their primary informal carer', Health, 18.
  • Gilbert, E., Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2011), 'Sexuality after gynaecological cancer: A reviw of the material, intrapsychic, and discursive aspects of treatment on women's sexual wellbeing', Maturitas, 16.
  • Gilbert, E., Chessor, D., Perz, J. and Ussher, J. (2010), 'The Classroom Project: An Australian Intervention Programme Working with Students 'At Risk' of School Disengagement', The International Journal of Learning, 14.
  • Gilbert, E., Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2010), 'Sexuality after breast cancer: A review', Maturitas, 11.
  • Gilbert, E., Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2010), 'Renegotiating Sexuality and Intimacy in the Context of Cancer: The Experiences of Carers', Archives of Sexual Behavior, 12.
  • Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2010), 'Gender Differences in Self-Silencing and Psychological Distress in Informal Cancer Carers', Psychology of Women Quarterly, 15.
  • Gilbert, E., Ussher, J., Perz, J., Hobbs, K. and Kirsten, L. (2010), 'Positive and negative interactions with health professionals: A qualitative investigation of the experiences of informal cancer carers', Cancer Nursing: An International Journal for Cancer Care, 9.
  • Ussher, J., Perz, J., Hawkins, Y. and Brack, M. (2009), 'Evaluating the efficacy of psycho-social intervention for informal carers of cancer patients: a systematic review of research literature', Health Psychology Review, 23.
  • Hawkins, Y., Ussher, J., Gilbert, E., Perz, J., Sandoval, M. and Sundquist, K. (2009), 'Changes in sexuality and intimacy after the diagnosis and treatment of cancer', Cancer Nursing: An international journal for cancer care, 10.
  • Wong, W., Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2009), 'Strength through adversity: Bereaved cancer carers' accounts of rewards and personal growth from caring', Palliative and Supportive Care, 10.
  • Ussher, M., Mount, C., Greenberg, S., Goodair, C. and Perz, J. (2009), 'Perceived effects of menopause among women masters swimmers', International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 10.
  • Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2008), 'Empathy, egalitarianism and emotion work in the relational negotiation of pms: The experience of women in lesbian relationships', Feminism & Psychology, 25.
  • Mooney-Somers, J., Perz, J. and Ussher, J. (2008), 'A complex negotiation: Women's experiences of naming and not naming premenstrual distress in couple relationships', Women & Health, 21.
  • Chessor, D., Gilbert, E., Perz, J. and Ussher, J. (2008), 'Celebrity football players as teacher's aides to enhance the learning of children displaying challenging behaviours', The International Journal of Learning, 8.
  • Perz, J. and Ussher, J. (2008), 'The horror of this living decay: Women's negotiation and resistance of medical discourse around menopause and midlife', Women's Studies International Forum, 7.
  • Ussher, J., Perz, J. and Mooney-Somers, J. (2007), 'The experience and positioning of affect in the context of intersubjectivity: the case of premenstrual syndrome', International Journal for Critical Psychology, 22.
  • Perz, J. and Ussher, J. (2006), 'Women's experience of premenstrual syndrome: a case of silencing the self', Journal of Reporductive and Infant Psychology, 15.
  • Ussher, J. and Perz, J. (2006), 'Evaluating the relative efficacy of a self-help and minimal psycho-educational intervention for moderate premenstrual distress conducted from a ritical realist standpoint', Journal of Reporductive and Infant Psychology, 16.
  • Rose, V. and Perz, J. (2005), 'Is CBT useful in vocational rehabilitation for people with a psychiatric disability', Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 3.

Conference Papers

  • Smith, C., Ussher, J., Perz, J. and Carmady, B. (2012), 'The effect of acupuncture on post cancer fatigue and wellbeing for women recovering from breast cancer: a feasibility randomised controlled trial', International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and health, Portland, oregon.

Research

Janette has a strong track record in initiating research projects and in obtaining external funding. In the last 5 years she has been a Chief Investigator (CI) on 3 ARC grants totalling $2,029,283 and an Associate Investigator (AI) on an ARC project of $460,000.  This encompasses three related programs of research:

  • A significant research program in psycho-oncology including the evaluation of gendered experiences and interventions for cancer carers; research on sexual experiences and interventions for couples facing cancer; and an examination of changes to fertility across a range of cancer types.
  • A program of research in sexual and reproductive health including the experience of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in heterosexual and lesbian relationships; the development of and evaluation of a couple-based psychological intervention for PMS; sexual wellbeing and reproductive needs in CALD populations; and sexual and psychological wellbeing during menopause and midlife. 
  • Research in mental health, early intervention and primary care models including cognitive-behavioural interventions for disadvantaged groups; Interventions for post-partum depression; and gender and therapy referrals in general practice.

She has also been awarded $235,650 in external research contracts, and $126,000 in competitive UWS Internal Grants over the last 5 years. These include projects on acupuncture and infertility (UWS internal), menopausal experience (UWS internal), interventions for unemployed individuals (CHETRE), interventions for post-partum depression (Nepean Division of General Practitioners), gender and therapy referrals (Nepean Division of General Practitioners), reproductive needs of CALD populations (Family Planning NSW), and a project on cancer and sexuality (Australian Breast Cancer Network Australia).

In addition, Janette is a co-leader of the Reproductive Mental Health Group, at the Centre for the Study of Gender, Social Inequalities and Mental Health, located at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Funded by Canadian Institute for Health Research, 2010-2116, for $2,000,000 (CAD).

This information has been contributed by Doctor Perz.

Current Projects

Title:Young women's experiences of cigarette smoking: a qualitative examination of the intersection of gender, class, cultural and sexual identity
Years:2013-06-30 - 2016-06-29
ID:P00020828
UWS Researchers:Emilee Gilbert, Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Title:Evaluation of the relative efficacy and mechanisms of a couple-based intervention for Premenstrual Syndrome through a randomised control trial using mixed methods
Years:2009-01-01 - 2013-06-30
ID:P0016056
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Title:The construction and experience of fertility in the context of cancer: Patient, partner and health professional perspectives
Years:2011-10-05 - 2014-10-04
ID:P00019986
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher, Janette Perz and Emilee Gilbert
Funding:
  • CanTeen
  • The Cancer Council NSW
  • Family Planning NSW
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation (non ACRG)
  • Westmead Hospital
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
  • Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Title:Sexual Wellbeing and Quality of Life after Prostate Cancer for Gay and Bisexual Men and their Partners
Years:2013-02-01 - 2015-01-31
ID:P00021070
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

Previous Projects

Title:An analysis of the cognitive processing of food and body shape images amongst restrained and unrestrained eaters.
Years:2000-01-01 - 2001-12-31
ID:P0012548
UWS Researchers:Janette Perz
Funding:
  • University of Western Sydney
Title:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for people who are long-term unemployed
Years:2005-02-07 - 2011-08-30
ID:P0014707
UWS Researchers:Janette Perz and Jane Ussher
Funding:
  • Centre for Health Equity Training Research and Evaluation
Title:Pink Link: Pilot study evaluating the efficacy of access to allied psychological services for antenatal patients through general practice
Years:2007-04-01 - 2011-12-31
ID:P0015629
UWS Researchers:Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Nepean Division of General Practice
Title:'Local Answers' - A pilot study examining the effects and impact of a school community support program
Years:2007-04-27 - 2008-01-31
ID:P0015632
UWS Researchers:Janette Perz, Danuta Chessor, Emilee Gilbert and Jane Ussher
Funding:
  • Panthers On The Prowl Ltd
Title:Playing for Success - Tackle it Now: An examination of the effects and impact of a support program for children at risk of developing antisocial behaviour
Years:2007-09-10 - 2012-12-31
ID:P0015823
UWS Researchers:Janette Perz and Jane Ussher
Funding:
  • Panthers On The Prowl Ltd
Title:Panther Bytes: An examination of the effects and impact of a mobile healthy lifestyle program
Years:2008-03-18 - 2011-12-31
ID:P0016087
UWS Researchers:Janette Perz and Jane Ussher
Funding:
  • Panthers On The Prowl Ltd
Title:Development of the Link Project examining access to allied mental health services through general practice
Years:2004-06-15 - 2010-12-31
ID:P0014360
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Nepean Division of General Practice (old)
Title:An examination of the development, experience and construction of premenstrual symptoms: A comparative study of relationship types and contexts (DP0558831)
Years:2005-06-18 - 2010-01-31
ID:P0009982
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Title:The association between attachment style, levels of self-policing, relationship issues and women's premenstral distress: A comparative study of different relationship contexts
Years:2004-02-16 - 2005-07-31
ID:P0011656
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • University of Western Sydney
Title:The development and evaluation of a brief couples-based intervention for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Years:2005-12-21 - 2007-05-01
ID:P0014969
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • University of Western Sydney
Title:After hours general practice care: An investigation of patient access issues to the Nepean After Hours GP Clinic
Years:2007-04-01 - 2010-12-31
ID:P0015630
UWS Researchers:John Haw and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Nepean Division of General Practice
Title:Multiple perspectives on sexuality and intimacy post-cancer, leading to the development and evaluation of supportive interventions
Years:2008-08-19 - 2012-12-31
ID:P0015969
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher, Janette Perz and Emilee Gilbert
Funding:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
  • The Cancer Council NSW
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation (non ACRG)
  • Sydney West Area Health Service
  • Sydney West Area Health Service
Title:Factors in the development and maintenance of self help and support groups for people with emotional and mental health problems
Years:2000-03-21 - 2003-03-20
ID:P0012322
UWS Researchers:Meg Smith, Natalie Bolzan, Elizabeth Watson and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Title:Narrative Analysis of Gendered Health - An International Visiting Fellow
Years:2008-06-17 - 2009-06-16
ID:P00016158
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • University of Western Sydney
Title:A pilot pragmatic randomised controlled trial of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility
Years:2008-12-18 - 2009-12-17
ID:P00016507
UWS Researchers:Caroline Smith, Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • University of Western Sydney
Title:Support Skills for Cancer Carers [via Cancer Council of NSW]
Years:2005-12-06 - 2010-12-31
ID:P0015048
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Health Administration Corporation
Title:An evaluation of concerns, self-perceived needs, and supportive interventions, for informal cancer carers: A comparative study of female and male carers
Years:2005-06-15 - 2009-07-31
ID:P0012736
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
  • Westmead Hospital
  • The Cancer Council NSW
  • Carers New South Wales
Title:Sexual Wellbeing and Breast Cancer Research
Years:2010-12-14 - 2013-01-31
ID:P00020033
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher, Janette Perz and Emilee Gilbert
Funding:
  • Breast Cancer Network Australia
Title:A pilot study to examine reproductive mental health experiences in culturally and linguistically diverse women from an intersectional perspective; and the preparation of an external research grant application to further this research [via SFU]
Years:2011-07-01 - 2012-07-31
ID:P00020528
UWS Researchers:Jane Ussher and Janette Perz
Funding:
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Supervision

Doctor Perz is available to be a principal supervisor for doctoral projects

Current Supervision

Title:Cancer and Fertility
Field of Research:
Title:Men's Constructions and Experiences of PMS and their Partner's Premenstrual Changes
Field of Research:
Title:Facilitating Access to Fertility Preservation for Women with Cancer
Field of Research:
Title:Women's Experiences of Sexual Embodiment in the Context of Cancer
Field of Research:

Previous Supervision

Title:Gender Role Conflict and Self-Concepts in Men and Therapy Seeking and Preferences for Depression.
Field of Research:PSYCHOLOGY
Thesis:Masculinity and Depression: Men's Subjective Experience of Depression, Coping and Preferences for Therapy Types and Conditions
Title:The Development of Enhanced Psychological Health Through Traditional Martial Art Participation
Field of Research:PSYCHOLOGY
Thesis:The Development of Enhanced Psychological Health Through Traditional Martial Art Participation
Title:HETEROSEXUAL MALE SEXUALITY: REPRESENTATIONS AND SEXUAL SUBJECTIVITY
Field of Research:STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY
Thesis:HETEROSEXUAL MALE SEXUALITY: REPRESENTATIONS AND SEXUAL SUBJECTIVITY
Title:Force of Habit: The Construction and Negotiation of Subjectivity in Catholic Nuns
Field of Research:PSYCHOLOGY
Thesis:Force of Habit: The Construction and Negotiation of Subjectivity in Catholic Nuns

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