CHP PhD Completion Seminar – Stefanie Dimov

Title: Lost in Transition: Post-School Transitions and Mental Health for Young People with Intellectual Disability

Location: Seminar room 410, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville or via Zoom Password: 039304

Abstract:

Post-school transitions represent a critical yet under-examined period for young people with intellectual disability. While existing research focuses predominantly on educational and employment outcomes, mental health and wellbeing remain peripheral. This thesis addresses that gap through a mixed-methods investigation comprising a scoping review, quantitative analyses of national population data and a participatory photovoice study. Findings demonstrate that post-school inequalities are persistent and multidimensional, and that wellbeing is shaped through relational and structural experiences, with implications for research, policy and practice.

Bio:

Stefanie Dimov is a PhD candidate and research fellow at the University of Melbourne whose research focuses on post-school transitions and mental health for young people with intellectual disability as well as lived experience inclusion in research. Her work integrates quantitative population data with participatory and lived-experience-informed approaches. Stefanie works within the Disability and Health Unit and the Research Alliance for Youth Disability and Mental Health, and is committed to inclusive research that strengthens research, policy and practice.