About the What Matters 2Kids study (WM2Kids) 

The What Matters 2Kids Research Program is led by Associate Professor Kate Anderson from The Australian National University
Email: kate.anderson@anu.edu.au

WM2Kids Pilot study will test an innovative adapted method for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in research. The Pilot study will be led by Dr Kate Anderson, a non-Indigenous Senior Research Fellow in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine at The University of Queensland. Dr Anderson will be guided and mentored by Professor Gail Garvey.

We are partnering with the Moriarty Foundation to conduct the WM2Kids project. 

A Pilot Study for the What Matters 2Kids study (WM2Kids) was conducted in 2021. This Pilot Study focussed on children aged between 3-11 years old. 

Including the views of children, family, carers and community members in developing this measure is important to getting a true understanding of wellbeing for children.  Appropriate methods for including the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in research are limited.

The ‘Draw, Write, Tell’ Method

The Pilot Study tested the ‘Draw, Write, Tell’ Method to collect children’s views.  This will involve small groups of children listening to a culturally-grounded story about wellbeing, told by a local Elder. Children were asked to draw pictures, with some words if they could, to show the things in their life that makes a good life for them. They were invited to Yarn one-on-one about their work to describe those parts of life they have drawn.

The WM2Kids Pilot Study team includes:

  • Dr Kate Anderson, The Australian National University

  • Professor Gail Garvey, The University of Queensland

  • Professor Kirsten Howard, The University of Sydney

Ethics and funding

WM2Kids is currently obtaining ethical clearances from HREC of the Northern Territory Department of Health
and Menzies School of Health Research and the AH&MRC.

This pilot study is supported by the Menzies School of Health Research Small Grants Scheme.

Watch this space as more information about WM2Kids becomes available.