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    • Dr Stephen Bright
      https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0008/742580/stephen-bright.jpg
    • Dr Stephen Bright

      Dr Stephen Bright

Dr Stephen Bright

Senior Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 863042597
Email: s.bright@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO31.471R  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9001-032X

Dr Bright oversees the development and delivery of curriculum pertaining to the use of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) in the context of society.

Background

Stephen has worked as a psychologist within the Mental Health & AOD field for the past 15 years. He is currently Senior Lecturer of Addiction at Edith Cowan University. Stephen is a strong advocate of harm reduction and an evidence-based approach to AOD legislation. He is also interested in the role of certain substances (entheogens) to facilitate spiritual experiences, and their role in psychotherapy.

His PhD related to the public perceptions and media portrayal of AOD use and the implications of this for drug-related harm, including the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances. This has led to the development of a project that aims to make the Australian media more accountable when reporting on AOD issues: www.aodmediawatch.com.au

Stephen is a leading Australian voice on the role of drug policy on emerging drug trends such as synthetic cannabis and darkweb marketplaces.

Professional Associations

  • Founding member and vice-president of PRISM, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to fund positive AOD research.
  • Elected member of the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) board since 2015
  • Member of the AOD Media Watch Reference Group
  • Peninsula Health's Human Research Ethics Committee since 2012

Awards and Recognition

  • 2012: Awarded a Gold Medal in the Victorian Public Health Awards
  • 2011: Awarded best late breaking paper at the APSAD conference

Research Areas and Interests

  • Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) policy.
  • AOD and the media
  • Emerging drug trends.
  • Psychedelics.
  • Synthetic cannabis.
  • MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
  • Harm reduction.
  • Role of stigma among people who use drugs
  • Older adults and alcohol.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Curtin University of Technology, 2015.
  • Bachelor of Arts Psychology With First Class Honours, Edith Cowan University, 2006.

Research Outputs

2024

Journal Articles

  • Engel, LB., Thal, S., Bright, S., Low, M. (2024). Psychedelic trip sitting, dosages and intensities: Supplementing clinical studies with anecdotal reports. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 2024(Article in press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00377.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Thal, SB., Wieberneit, M., Sharbanee, JM., Skeffington, PM., Bruno, R., Wenge, T., Bright, S. (2023). Dosing And Therapeutic Conduct In Administration Sessions In Substance-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematized Review. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2023(Article in Press), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678231168516.
  • Nicholas, J., Mills, B., Hansen, S., Bright, S., Scott, J., Ridout, I., Watson, J., Boyd, H., Brook, L., Hopper, L. (2023). Sideffect GamePlan: Development of an alcohol and other drug serious game for high school students using a systematic and iterative user-centred game development framework. Computers in Human Behavior, 145(Article in press), Article number 107774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107774.
  • Thal, SB., Baker, P., Marinis, J., Wieberneit, M., Sharbanee, JM., Bruno, R., Skeffington, PM., Bright, S. (2023). Therapeutic frameworks in integration sessions in substance-assisted psychotherapy: A systematised review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2023(2023), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2945.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Thal, S., Engel, L., Bright, S. (2022). Sober sitter or coconsumer? Psychedelics, online forums and preferences for interpersonal interactions. Addiction Research & Theory, 2022(Article in Press), 9p. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2022.2065268.
  • Thal, S., Engel, L., Bright, S. (2022). Presence, Trust, and Empathy: Preferred Characteristics of Psychedelic Carers. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2022(Article in press), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678221081380.
  • Paterniti, K., Gringart, E., Bright, S. (2022). The Relationship Between Psychedelic Use, Mystical Experiences, and Pro-Environmental Behaviors. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2022(article in press), 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678221111024.
  • Barratt, M., Bright, S., Blackwell, A. (2022). Community-led guerrilla drug checking in response to deaths from adulterated MDMA in Victoria, Australia. Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, 23(3), 258-262. https://doi.org/10.1108/DHS-01-2022-0006.
  • Engel, L., Thal, S., Bright, S. (2022). Psychedelic Forum Member Preferences for Carer Experience and Consumption Behavior: Can “Trip Sitters” Help Inform Psychedelic Harm Reduction Services?. Contemporary Drug Problems, 49(4), 356-368. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914509221121420.
  • Nicholas, J., Mills, B., Hansen, S., Bright, S., Boyd, H., Brook, L., Watson, J., Hopper, L. (2022). Developing an alcohol and other drug serious game for adolescents: Considerations for improving student engagement. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 46(5), 682-688. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.13287.
  • Thal, S., Maunz, L., Quested, E., Bright, S., Myers, B., Ntoumanis, N. (2022). Behaviour Change Techniques in Physical Activity Interventions for Adults with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2022(article in press), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000842.
  • Thal, S., Wieberneit, M., Sharbanee, J., Skeffington, P., Baker, P., Wenge, T., Bright, S. (2022). Therapeutic (sub)stance: current practice and therapeutic conduct in preparatory sessions in substance-assisted psychotherapy-a systematized review. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(11), 1191-1207. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811221127954.

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Hopper, L., Nicholas, J., Watson, J., Brook, L., Hansen, S., Scott, J., Bright, S., Mills, B. (2022). Sideffect Gameplan: A gamified, branching narrative experience for alcohol and other drug education. [Online gamified branching narrative]. ECU Simulation and Immersive Digital Technology Group, Sideffect Australia. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworks2022-2026/2631.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Wilkinson, C., Clark, K., Sambell, R., Dare, J., Bright, S. (2021). The health of older Western Australians: the role of age, gender, geographic location, psychological distress, perceived health, tobacco and alcohol. Advances In Dual Diagnosis: Policy, Practice And Research In Mental Health And Substance Use, 14(2), 36-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-12-2020-0026.
  • Underwood, M., Bright, S., Lancaster, L. (2021). A narrative review of the pharmacological, cultural and psychological literature on ibogaine. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 5(1), 44-54. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2021.00152.
  • Thal, S., Bright, S., Sharbanee, J., Wenge, T., Skeffington, P. (2021). Current Perspective on the Therapeutic Preset for Substance-Assisted Psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(July 2021), Article number 617224. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617224.
  • Murphy, S., Bright, S., Dear, G. (2021). Could a drug-checking service increase intention to use ecstasy at a festival?. Drug and Alcohol Review, 40(6), 974-978. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13259.
  • Bright, S., Gringart, E., Blatchford, E., Bettinson, S. (2021). A quantitative exploration of the relationships between regular yoga practice, microdosing psychedelics, wellbeing and personality variables. Australian Journal of Psychology, 73(2), 134-143. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2021.1882266.
  • Engel, L., Bright, S., Barratt, M., Allen, M. (2021). Positive drug stories: possibilities for agency and positive subjectivity for harm reduction. Addiction Research and Theory, 29(5), 363-371. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2020.1837781.
  • Dressler, H., Bright, S., Polito, V. (2021). Exploring the relationship between microdosing, personality and emotional insight: A prospective study. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 5(1), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2021.00157.

Reports

  • Hopper, L., Watson, J., Nicholas, J., Hansen, S., Bright, S., Ridout, I., Cashman, S., Mills, B. (2021). The Development of On line Substance Awareness Educational Content. Australia. Sideffect Australia.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Bright, S., Milroy, J., Walsh, K., Blatchford, E. (2020). Medication use among older Australians seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 39(3), 287-291. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12756.
  • Blatchford, E., Bright, S., Engel, L. (2020). Tripping over the other: Could psychedelics increase empathy?. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 4(3), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2020.00136.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Banister, S., Adams, A., Kevin, R., Macdonald, C., Glass, M., Boyd, R., Connor, M., McGregor, I., Havel, C., Bright, S., Vilamala, M., Lladanosa, C., Barratt, M., Gerona, R. (2019). Synthesis and pharmacology of new psychoactive substance 5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA, a scaffold‐ hopping analog of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists 5F‐CUMYL‐PICA and 5F‐CUMYL‐PINACA. Drug Testing and Analysis, 11(2), 279-291. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2491.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Bright, S., Williams, C. (2018). Evaluation of Australia’s first older adult-specific early intervention for reducing alcohol-related harm. Australian Health Review, 42(6), 676-679. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH17013.
  • Bright, S., Williams, M. (2018). Should Australian Psychology Consider Enhancing Psychotherapeutic Interventions with Psychedelic Drugs? A Call for Research. Australian Psychologist, 53(6), 467-476. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12345.
  • Bright, S., Walsh, K., Williams, C. (2018). Point Prevalence and Patterns of Mental Health Comorbidity Among People Accessing Australia's First Older Adult-Specific Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Service. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 14(1), 70-75. https://doi.org/10.1080/15504263.2017.1380247.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Bright, S., Williams, C. (2017). Development of Australia’s first older adult-specific early intervention for alcohol-related harm: Feasibility and proof of concept. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 36(1), 52-55. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12366.

2015

Journal Articles

  • Bright, S., Fink, A., Beck, J., Gabriel, J., Singh, D. (2015). Development of an Australian version of the Alcohol-Related Problems Survey: A comprehensive computerised screening tool for older adults. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 34(1), 33-37. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12098.

2014

Journal Articles

2013

Journal Articles

  • Bright, S., Bishop, B., Kane, R., Marsh, A., Barratt, M. (2013). Kronic hysteria: Exploring the intersection between Australian synthetic cannabis legislation, the media, and drug-related harm. International Journal of Drug Policy, 24(3), 231-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2012.12.002.
  • Bright, S., Kane, R., Marsh, A., Bishop, B. (2013). Psychometric Properties of the Locus of Control of Behaviour Scale (LCBS) among Australians Seeking Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Treatment. Australian Psychologist, 48(3), 172-177. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-9544.2012.00094.x.

Research Projects

  • Therapeutic Use of MDMA among People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Reset Mind Sciences, Scholarships to support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2022 ‑ 2027, $70,000.
  • A longitudinal study of the needs, impacts and effects of aftercare support for people leaving residential alcohol and other drugs treatment services in Western Australia, Palmerston Association Inc, Grant, 2024 ‑ 2026, $48,375.
  • Exploratory trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) involving family-members compared to standard PAP, in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRMDD), Reset Mind Sciences, Grant, 2023 ‑ 2025, $163,057.
  • A longitudinal study of the needs, impacts and effects of aftercare support for people leaving residential alcohol and other drugs treatment services in Western Australia, Palmerston Association Inc, IE PhD Scholarship, 2022 ‑ 2024, $21,625.
  • Implementation and pilot evaluation of the Sideffect alcohol and other drug education game, Sideffect Australia, Grant, 2021 ‑ 2023, $191,517.
  • Can the quality of life of young adults with Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis [CIA] be improved through participation in a DRUMBEAT© program?, Healthway (WA Health Promotion Foundation), Health Promotion Project Grant, 2019 ‑ 2020, $5,000.
  • An Open Label Pilot Study of MDMA-Assisted Manualised Psychotherapy among Australians with Chronic, Treatment-Resistant Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Edith Cowan University, School of Medical and Health Sciences Research Grant Scheme 2018, 2018 ‑ 2019, $8,498.
  • Systematic review of chain analysis research for suicide prevention, Edith Cowan University, ECU Grant in Aid Scheme, 2018 ‑ 2019, $4,947.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, A Witches’ Rite: A phenomenological study of Wiccan Ritual

Completed Supervisions

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Science (Medical Science), DRUMBEAT© for arthritis “a shared purpose” rather than a “lonely struggle”
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