Lauren Breen
Professor at Curtin University | Mental Health Researcher
Professional Area: Psychology
My research focuses on:
- Understanding grief and loss experiences across the lifespan.
- Improving palliative and end of-life care.
- Developing interventions to support individuals and families experiencing grief and loss.
- Promoting grief literacy in the community.
My research aims to:
- offer innovations in theory, measurement, and methods that will underpin the development of a connected, compassionate, and caring society where the provision of quality support is a routine response to loss.
I work closely with:
- Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
- Australian Psychological Society
- Lionheart Camps for Kids
- Cancer Council WA
- Relationships Australia WA
- Palliative Care Australia
- Palliative Care WA
Lauren’s Story
I am a psychologist and researcher specialising in grief and loss. I am passionate about translating research into practice and practice into research. My collaborative approach and extensive partnerships with stakeholders and end-users enable me to conduct research that address major challenges and needs. My research has led to several important discoveries about preparedness for death; the impact of end-of-life caregiving on grief, quality of life, and general health; how social factors influence grief expectations, expressions, public and self-stigma, and social support intentions; and the definition and illustration of grief literacy. Several organisations around the world have used my research to help support people experiencing grief and loss. I love having the opportunity to talk about my work with community groups, health professionals, and students. I have worked at Curtin Universe since 2011 and am a Program Lead in the Mental Health Domain.