Mark Boyes
Associate Professor at Curtin University | Mental Health Domain Co-Lead
Professional Area: Mental Health
My research focuses on
- Understanding and improving mental health among children and young people.
- Working with community partners to identify and address research needs and priorities.
My research aims to
- Improve mental health and educational outcomes for children and families experiencing a range of difficulties.
I work closely with
- Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation.
- Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia.
Mark’s Story
I am a mental health researcher with a particular interest in understanding and promoting youth mental health. As a dad to two Boyes boys, I am consistently amazed by the enthusiasm, creativity, openness, and resilience of kids. As researchers, I think we have a lot to learn from children’s genuine curiosity and desire to question anything and everything.
My research focuses on the social and emotional wellbeing of youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including children affected by HIV/AIDS, children struggling with language and literacy, and youth who self-injure. Much of my work is with youth who are stigmatised and silenced. My research aims to develop effective evidence-based interventions promoting mental health and wellbeing for these youth and their families.
Here in WA, I have been fortunate to develop excellent relationships with the local community. My research into the mental health impacts of language and literacy difficulties has been co-developed with the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation (DSF) and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, and I ensure research findings are fed-back directly to families, principals, teachers, and clinical service providers. I have also been fortunate to have the opportunity to consult on the DSF language disorder and self-esteem guides for parents and teachers.
Beyond WA, I work with international stakeholders to ensure my research makes a difference to communities globally. My research on HIV-affected youth has been used in South African and international policy, and has supported the rollout of social welfare packages benefiting millions of children and their families. Supporting mental health is important if our children are to grow into self-confident adults and future leaders in our communities. Research helping us better understand and promote youth mental health will have important benefits for individuals, families, and their communities