ProfessorNicola Hancock

Nicola’s research focuses on making a positive difference in the daily lives and recovery journeys of people living with mental illness.

She developed a self-report measure of mental health recovery, Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages (RAS-DS), arguably the most psychometrically sound self-report measure of recovery developed internationally. The RAS-DS is used in +200 organisations/programs, across > 28 countries, and increasingly across all Australian mental health sectors. It has been translated into 21 languages to-date (www.ras-ds.net.au). Nicola now leads an MRFF grant to co-design and test a digital RAS-DS focused resource.

Predominantly a qualitative researcher, Nicola works to build deeper insights into the lived experiences of mental health recovery, specifically hopefulness, meaningful engagement, self-determination, connection and belonging. She also examines service models and initiatives that purport to enhance mental health consumer participation and inclusion. Just some of these initiatives include the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Recovery College, peer worker supported transition from hospital to community, and the International Clubhouse Model.

Employing co-production and participatory approaches, Nicola works in partnership with lived experience researchers, employs lived-experience research assistants and gains funding to facilitate lived-experience-led research. She prioritises the voice of lived experience and currently supervises two HDR students whose work is driven by personal experience of mental ill-health and recovery. Her teaching also reflects these co-design and production principles.