Our research focuses on improving physical and mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan. It explores biological, psychological and social factors in the development and maintenance of health and illness. We have a strong interdisciplinary and international focus, including health and clinical psychology, psychophysiology and the social sciences.
Our researchers seek to understand underlying mechanisms of stress and health conditions and the ways in which chronic illnesses are socially constructed, as well as to develop and evaluate new interventions to improve health and wellbeing.
We employ a wide range of methodologies and theoretical perspectives in our research, ranging from psychophysiological, ethnography and in-depth qualitative approaches to experimental studies and randomised controlled trials. Our projects centre on implementing user experiences as well as participatory and inclusive approaches to give voice to those from disadvantaged, marginalised or minoritised communities. We have funding from National Institute of Health (NIHR), Medical Research Council (MRC), ESRC, Department of Health, Welcome Trust and other charities.
Our current research includes:
- The development of digital, AI, apps and virtual interventions to support physical and mental health and wellbeing,
- Understanding and supporting self-management and self-care for patients and carers, including social prescribing,
- Risk and protective factors in self harm and suicide, including investigations of the gendered nature of suicidality,
- The development and evaluation of interventions to improve health and wellbeing, including yoga, nature exposure and physical activity,
- Understanding the mechanisms of motion sickness and spatial disorientation,
- The role of cortisol in stress, cognition, wellbeing and health,
- Uncovering the socially constructed nature of chronic health conditions with a view to improving population health and patient care,
- Informing ways to improve health and wellbeing and better health care for diverse groups, including minority groups.
We also have an established research group within this theme:
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group (PSRG): aimed at exploring the physiological relationships between psychosocial stress, wellbeing and health.
People researching within this theme: