Graduate Research Degree Awarded - Jacinta Molini Pennacchia

Congratulations to Jacinta Molini Pennacchia - Graduate Research Degree Awarded 27th January 2026

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Supervisors: Prof Christine Imms, Prof Dave Coghill, Prof Mats Granlund
Advisory Committee: Prof Jonathan Payne, Prof Angela Morgan

Thesis Title: Assessing the mental health of young people with complex communication needs

Thesis Summary:

Young people with complex communication needs are unable to use speech to meet their daily communication requirements, often relying on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Driven by a desire to promote equitable access to mental health support for young people with complex communication needs, the aim of this PhD was to develop an approach for assessing mental health in AAC-users aged 10-24 years. This PhD was guided by the dual continua model of mental health and underpinned by the involvement of co-researchers with lived experience of communication needs. Multiple methods were used across three studies to address the aim of this PhD.

Synthesis of findings across three studies led to the proposal of a “collage” approach to mental health assessment for young AAC-users, whereby a range of clippings (data from various sources) are arranged and held together by thumbtacks (facilitators) to produce an overall picture of an individual’s wellbeing. Conversation with the AAC-user is prioritised as a data source for the collage, and strategies for having quality conversations with AAC-users are offered. This approach to mental health assessment might be used to improve AAC-users ’ current wellbeing and plan for their good wellbeing in the future.

Date awarded: 27th January 2026