University of Sydney mental health research study

At TAL, we view health holistically. We are committed to understanding all aspects of mental health so we can help our customers prevent, detect and manage mental health conditions. This means, we work closely with the health community and support research through accredited organisations that will benefit all Australians.

We’ve recently teamed up with researchers at The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre to better understand predictors for mental health conditions. This is an ongoing study with employers across various industries across Australia and we believe clients with life insurance can offer a unique view. When it comes to health, we like to be in the know and research studies such as these allow us to evolve our product and services based on insights and trends to help us support our clients.

Participation in Sydney University’s study

In June, we’ll be inviting all TAL Accelerated Protection customers giving them the option to participate in the study. Participation is voluntary, and if your client decides to take part in the study and then changes their mind, they are free to withdraw at any time. Study findings may be published by Sydney University but clients will not be identifiable in these publications. 

What’s required?

Participants will be asked to complete an online questionnaire three times over a 12-month period. The online questionnaire will ask about common risk factors, wellbeing and distress, mental health help-seeking and sickness absence. If your client has elected to participate in the study, they will be contacted via email or phone to complete the questionnaires again, 6 months and 12 months later. The questionnaire shouldn’t take them longer than 20 minutes to complete each time. All clients must sign a consent form prior to participating in the study.

Should a participant score a high level of distress, they will be provided with options to seek help.

Cost

Aside from participants giving up their time, we do not expect that there will be any cost associated with taking part in this study.

Will participation in the study affect my client’s insurance cover or claim? 

No. TAL will not know that your client has chosen to participate in this study. Therefore, their participation cannot impact their insurance policy or claim in any way. Any personal and sensitive information supplied for the study will be stored securely and kept strictly confidential by The University of Sydney. 

What is TAL’s involvement in the study?

TAL will receive an aggregated de-identified report about the research  findings in our study group as well as the broader study to help us better understand the risk predictors of mental health and sickness absence. TAL are funding the study, but we will not receive information specific to any individuals who participate. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local Sales Development Manager.