Health, Clinical and Social Psychology Group

Research programmes currently in progress include studies of the following: the diverse factors that contribute to drug misuse and addiction; the causes of anxiety disorders and how fear-related beliefs and behaviours are acquired; the nature of social anxiety and its etiology; the links between emotion and anxiety; people's beliefs and experiences concerning facial appearance and disfigurement; impulsivity and risk-taking in clinical and non-clinical groups; the psychological consequences of early pregnancy loss; and the impacts of sexual abuse and poverty on mental health. Research is conducted in purpose-built laboratories at the PRU or in the field (at clinics, hospitals, sports facilities or schools as appropriate).