The Health & Wellbeing Research Cluster comprises the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre (BPNRC) as well as state-of-the-art research facilities including bespoke cognitive and stress testing, psychophysiology assessments, and a wet lab for endocrine and immune assays. The cluster includes chartered Health, Clinical and Occupational Psychologists; and has internationally recognised expertise in the areas of psychobiology, stress, sleep, behaviour change, developmental disabilities, psychopathology and nutrition. Staff contribute to research groups with distinct expertise, and work across disciplines to enhance health and wellbeing through research, consultancy and knowledge exchange with a diverse range of stakeholders
Latest posts from the Health and Wellbeing Group
Read about our research here!
The Big 5 S2 Ep 15: Georgia Punton on Sleep Deprivation and Brain Function
On this episode, Georgia Punton tells us about her PhD work on how sleep affects how we are able to control our thoughts. Her work links sleep deprivation and hallucinations and posits that hallucinations may be more likely for everyone when we are sleep deprived. Show notes: To find out more about Georgia’s work you…
The Big 5 S2 Episode 7: Harry Clelland on the Importance of Communicating Statistics Accurately
On this episode of The Big 5 Dr. Harry Clelland tells us about his work on using different types of language to communicate statistics. His work has the potential to inform medical professionals and health communicators about the best way to communicate risk to patients and the public. Show notes: To find out more about…
The Big 5 with Anna Maughan on Medical Conspiracy Theories
On this episode, Anna Maughan tells us about her work on conspiracy theories and how emotions may play a role in who is susceptible to them. We also discuss the possible negative effects of medical conspiracy theories. Show notes: You can follow Anna’s work on Twitter @annafmaughan. You can read one of Anna’s papers on…
Tackle loneliness with a little help from your friends
To mark #LonelinessAwarenessWeek one of our PhD students, Alexandra Thompson, tells us about her work on preventing loneliness in older adults
A plant-enriched diet for a healthy mind (and a longer life!)
Its Nutrition and Hydration Week! In this blog, Dr Philippa Jackson tells us about the beneficial effects plants can have on our mental and physical wellbeing, and the exciting research of our Brain, Performance Nutrition Research Centre #NHWeek
The Big 5 Episode 9: Nicki O’Brien “Developing visual communication methods for health challenges” (Funded PhD opportunity)
On this episode of The Big 5, Dr. Nicki O’Brien tells us about her innovative work using animated GIFs to teach people about COVID-19 health behaviors like mask wearing and hand washing in Guatemala. She also discusses a funded PhD project starting October 2022. Applications due February 18, 2022. Show notes: To follow Nicki on…
The Big 5 Episode 8 Alyson Dodd “Measuring student well-being in line with student priorities” (PhD opportunity)
On this episode, Alyson tells us about her research on student well-being and what students struggle with during their transition to university. She also tells us about a funded PhD studentship opportunity! (See link below.) Shownotes: Find Dr. Alyson Dodd: on Twitter @alysondodd and on her staff profile. You can learn more about SMaRteN and…
Funded PhD Opportunity: Understanding persuasive effects of message framing for vaccination uptake in university students
In this post, Dr Angela Rodrigues and Dr Nicki O’Brien discuss their current vacancy for a PhD programme investigating vaccination uptake in university students.
The Big 5 podcast: Episode 7 Sarah Docherty “I wondered for over 70 year olds, what would you want to improve in your life.”
This week PhD student, Sarah Docherty, tells us about her research on the pandemic’s effect on elderly adults and her surprising results on what health means to older adults. Sarah also has some advice for PhD students on being successful during your studies.
Funded PhD Opportunity: Languageless visual messages to prevent Covid-19 transmission
In this post, Dr Nicki O’Brien, Dr Santosh Vijaykumar, Dr Michael Craig and Ellie Land discuss their current vacancy for a PhD programme to develop GIFs to promote Covid-19 preventive behaviours in Latin America and the UK
The Big 5 episode 3: Dr. Nick Neave on Digital Hoarding “We keep possessions and form attachment to possessions. That’s what humans do.”
On #CleanYourVirtualDesktopDay, Dr. Nick Neave tells us about his research on Digital Hoarding. We learn more about how humans anthropomorphise their possessions and why we have such a hard time throwing things away. Show notes: You can find the transcript of this episode here: Episode 3 Nick Neave transcript.docx For more information on Nick’s research,…
Understanding Menopause
Its World Menopause Day. In this post, Professor Crystal Haskell-Ramsay explains the basics of menopause and tell us about her teams current research projects.
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Northumbria University Psychology Department 