Health Psychology staff, students and graduates present their research at the 2016 MHPN Conference

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

Staffordshire University has once again illustrated why we are the #HomeOfHealthPsychology at the Midlands Health Psychology Network Conference. The event, held at Kings Hall in Stoke-on-Trent on the 25^th February 2016, was attended by 3 members of staff and over 20 current students and graduates from Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health Psychology. Our Health Psychologists and trainees made a huge impact at the conference presenting in half of the talks and displaying several research posters.

Our current MSc in Health Psychology students enjoying the MHPN Conference

Aimee Cooke with her poster at the MHPN Conference

Contributors included: current MSc Students, such as Aimee Cooke who presented her poster on vestibular rehabilitation interventions; Professional Doctorate students, including Katrin Hulme who presented the experience of chronic cough; and graduates, including Rebecca Rushton who presented on her MSc research exploring the effectiveness of personality and the theory of planned behaviour for predicting intentions to attend for cervical screening. Rebecca found the conference a fantastic opportunity to put into practice the skills developed during her time studying for the MSc Health Psychology: “Having the opportunities to develop my presentation skills during the MSc prepared me to present at the conference. Although I was apprehensive it has provided me with invaluable experience”.

Rebecca Rushton presenting her research in the Kings’ Hall, Stoke

A trip to the conference was built in to the MSc Health Psychology teaching programme to ensure all current students had the opportunity to attend. MSc student Suha Ahmed really enjoyed the experience: “I learnt a lot from the conference and particularly enjoyed learning about all the different areas where Health Psychologists work and conduct research. I also found it useful to watch the presentations and pick up tips to help me develop my own presentation skills and enjoyed having the opportunity to talk to other health psychologists in person and ask questions about their research. I absolutely loved it!”.

Rebecca Lawrence-Higton presenting her research at the MHPN Conference

The MSc students also valued the opportunity to learn about research conducted by our own Professional Doctorate students. For example, Mike Oliver particularly enjoyed the presentation by current Professional Doctorate student Alison Killen: “I thought Alison’s presentation was really thought provoking. The points about gratitude as a means to promote wellbeing was interesting, and the ‘gratitude diaries’ sounded like a practical way to take the theory into practice. Set in the context of ageing and loneliness which are receiving more and more attention, I think the work provides an example of how health psychology could make a big difference in society”.

Some of our current and past Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology students

Our MSc Health Psychology Course Director, Dr Amy Burton, was impressed by the professionalism, confidence and health psychology knowledge shown by our current and past students: “three of my current and graduate project students presented at the conference this year and all were passionate about their research. They used skills developed throughout the MSc to network with, and answer questions from, other health psychologists and trainees from throughout the Midlands – I’m confident they all have an exciting career in Health Psychology ahead of them”

Current MSc Student presentations:

Cooke, A., & Burton, A. Vestibular Rehabilitation: Impact upon Quality of Life and Physical Daily Tasks. A Mixed Methods Approach. (Poster)

Current Professional Doctorate Student presentations:

Killen, A., & Macaskill, A. Using a gratitude intervention to enhance well-being in older adults.

Highton, F., C., O., & Clark-Carter, D. The experience of vision impairment diagnosis and its prognosis on health related quality of life.

Hulme, K., Dogan, S., Parker, S., & Deary, V. “Chronic cough, cause unknown”: A qualitative study of patient perspectives of idiopathic cough.

Sumodhee, D., & Payne, N. Healthy eating beliefs and intentions of mothers and their adult children: An intergenerational transmission perspective. (Poster)

Health Psychology MSc Graduates and Staff presentations:

Higgins, S. J., & Semper, H. The effects of nutrition label format on healthier dietary choices: A forced choice eye-tracking study. (Poster)

Hope, K., & Sherman, S. Perceptions of cervical cancer and screening among older women – A work in progress. (Poster)

Hughes, M., Burton, A., & Dempsey, R. Using photo elicitation to explore quality of life in people with paraplegia and chronic pain.

Rushton, R., & Dean, S. Predicting cervical screening intentions using personality and the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Lawrence-Highton, R., & Burton, A. Looking at things from a positive point of view: an IPA on the exercise experience of individuals with positive body image

The Midlands Health Psychology Network

The MHPN hold a one day conference in February every year which is attended by around 100 members from across the Midlands and is a forum for health psychologists to share clinical and research experiences, information, knowledge and training. Existing members include MSc students, doctorate students, chartered health psychologists based at local NHS sites and regional universities, third sector employees, senior and early career academics, health practitioners and pharmacists. To learn more about the MHPN please visit the website: www.mhpn.co.uk.

The Home of Health Psychology – Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health Psychology is a centre of excellence for teaching and research in Health Psychology, and is home to Staffordshire’s BPS Accredited Stage 1 MSc in Health Psychology. The Centre for Health Psychology is part of the School of Psychology, Sport and Exercise, one of the leading research-active academic schools for Psychology and Sport degrees situated in the heart of England.

For further information about Health Psychology courses and research at Staffordshire University please visit the following webpages:

MSc Health Psychology Graduate wins National BPS Prize!

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

We are very pleased to announce that our own MSc in Health Psychology graduate Sarah Higgins has won the UK-wide award for ‘Outstanding MSc Thesis’ awarded by the British Psychological Society’s Division of Health Psychology. The competition for this award is stiff with course leaders from across the UK nominating the best MSc thesis from their cohort of students.

Sarah Higgins‘ thesis was entitled ‘The effects of nutrition label format on healthier dietary choices: A forced choice eye-tracking study’ was nominated by her supervisor Dr Heather Semper and course leader Dr Amy Burton as she achieved the highest mark in the 2014-15 cohort, and the work was of exceptional quality. Sarah completed her MSc in Health Psychology alongside a full time job as a Psychology Technician at Staffordshire University, and achieved a Distinction overall for her Masters’ degree.

Sarah Higgins presenting a poster version of her study at the Midlands Health Psychology Network conference in Stoke-on Trent on February 25th 2016.

Sarah’s thesis explored whether hybrid labels, which combine text values and traffic light colours, could improve the selection of healthier dietary choices and the attention to health-related nutrients. She used an eye tracker to investigate the label formats with 48 healthy participants. The analyses showed significantly lower correct selections of healthier dietary choices for colour-only vs. hybrid label formats. The colour-only and hybrid label formats were processed faster than the text-only label formats, with reduced fixation counts and fixation dwell times. For all label formats the percentage fixation dwell time was significantly greater for fats and sugars than other nutrients.

Supervisor Dr Heather Semper said “Sarah’s thesis was exceptional, and we are very pleased that she has won the award and very proud of her. She clearly worked very hard on the project and the topic is novel and interesting. We are currently in the process of writing this study up for publication in a peer reviewed publication. She has a very bright career in health psychology ahead of her”.

The award will be presented at the Division of Health Psychology’s Annual Conference in Aberdeen in August 2016 (http://ehps2016.org/) where she has been invited to present the paper in an oral presentation.

For further information about Health Psychology courses and research at Staffordshire University please visit the following webpages:

Psychology Careers Fair 2016: Improving Students’ Employability!

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

The Psychology department are pleased to announce that the Annual Psychology Careers Fair will take place on Wednesday 9th March 2016, 12-4pm, in the Science Centre Foyer.

Students and exhibitors at last year’s Careers Fair

Attending this event will be a number of graduate employers and organisations including Saltbox, In Mind, Douglas Macmillan, and Think Ahead, amongst others. Each of these exhibitors will be able to discuss volunteering opportunities, potential job vacancies and information on careers with their organisations.

In addition to these external organisations, the Staffordshire University Careers team will be available to talk to students about the services offered by the University’s Careers Network including the use of E-Coach, CV writing, and job hunting. There will be also be stalls with information on postgraduate opportunities in Psychology at Staffordshire University with current postgraduate students willing to chat to attendees to provide insight from the students perspective on studying at postgraduate level at Staffordshire University.

Dr Heather Semper, Employability lead for Psychology.

The School of Psychology, Sport and Exercise at Staffordshire University is a leading School in the UK for Psychology degrees and is situated in the heart of England. We produce internationally recognized research which is driving knowledge in this area forward and we work with a variety of healthcare providers, charities, international sports teams and private sector organisations.

For more information or details of the wide range of Psychology degrees on offer at Staffordshire University please visit our website and our courses page.

Student Blog – Iram: International Travel, Employability & Business Psychology

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

Hi, my name is Iram and I am a final year Single Honours Psychology student here at Staffordshire University. Below is a post introducing a new module I will be undertaking as part of my degree studies:

During Business Week at the University I attended a talk by Louise Holland from Holland Alexander, who is also a Staffordshire University Graduate. She explained what challenges you would face when starting and running your own business and what individual skills and qualities are required. During the talk I was wondering how psychology would relate to business.

One of the great things about psychology is it can be applied to many different areas such as Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Counselling, but I had not heard a lot about psychology in the business area. But this was about to change when I attended a talk by Lesley Drumm, the award leader for BSc (Hons) Applied Computing. She introduced a new module: Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Application for Transforming Education in High Technologies, otherwise known as IDEATE High Tech. This module offers a unique opportunity for students from four different European countries; Finland, Lithuania, Slovenia and United Kingdom to work as a team and develop a business idea whilst building an entrepreneurial attitude.

Turku, Finland

The aim of this module is to understand how to overcome contemporary challenges, environmental issues such as social equality and health and use important skills such as creative thinking and decision making for innovative business solutions. Students are required to work together online and travel to Turku, Finland as well as Vilnius, Lithuania to work together face-to-face. Even though most of the challenge information will be provided when we travel to Finland, we have been told the topic revolves around ‘technology addiction’.

Vilnius, Lithuania

I was lucky enough to be one of the four students selected for this exciting module and I feel this will be a great opportunity to expand my psychological knowledge and work in a completely different subject. I am nervous as I have not studied or worked in the business area but being a Psychology student I understand how much of a growing topic ‘technology addiction’ is. So it will be beneficial to see how we can work together and use previous research to build new technologies with care to prevent negative health behaviours. I am also looking forward to placing my quantitative skills to gather appropriate market research. As well as of course enjoying the course, the travelling and working alongside international students and seeing how our ideas and work fit together.

The other fellow students selected for this module are:

Will, L5, BSc (Hons) Applied Computing: “I am nervous about the tasks ahead, but the experience of working in a different country is making me feel more excited.”

William, L5, BSc (Hons) Applied Computing: “I am excited to see how people from different cultures look and react to internet and technological addiction.”

Elizabeth, L6, BSc (Hons) Animal biology and Conservation: “I am really looking forward to studying in a different country and learning how students from other countries approach their work.”

Iram will be writing regular blogs as she works on the IDEATE module over the next few months – keep checking back for the latest updates on Iram’s business venture!

For more information or details of the wide range of Psychology degrees on offer at Staffordshire University please visit our website and our courses page.

From the body to the self: How body signals contribute to self-consciousness (#StaffsVSS, Thurs 11th Feb 4pm)

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

Dr Paul Jenkinson

The School of Psychology, Sport & Exercise is pleased to welcome Dr Paul Jenkinson (Senior Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire) who is giving the Visiting Speaker Series talk on Thursday 11th February, 4pm, in the LT003 Lecture Theatre in the Ashley Building (Leek Road campus).

Paul will be speaking about his neuropsychological research which explores the underlying mechanisms and relationship between the mind, body and self. He employs various methods including experimental neuropsychology, and cognitive, behavioural, and psychodynamic neuroscience. His work examines the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying body awareness, ownership, and interoceptive signals in neurological patients and healthy subjects.

All staff, students and members of the public are welcome to attend these free Visiting Speaker talks – join in our live tweeting from the talk using the #StaffsVSS event hashtag. We hope to see you there!

The Visiting Speaker seminars are a regular series of free talks hosted by the School of Psychology, Sport & Exercise. Psychologists from across the country are invited to speak at these events to share their research and discuss their findings with staff and students from Staffordshire University. The Visiting Speaker series is also open to anyone from the general public with an interest in psychological research.

No need to book a place – just turn up!

Student Blog: “Don’t worry, there’s always help available”

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

Hi there, I am a current second year Psychology student at Staffordshire University. I began my Undergraduate degree in the year 2012, however I encountered a series of unfortunate distractions along the way. With the help from my personal tutor, the Student Enabling Centre and the Student’s Union I was able to return to my studies as a full-time student. The purpose of this blog is just a gentle reminder and encouragement to other students to ‘speak out’ if you are experiencing difficulties.

The Access to Higher Education course offered at Stoke-on-Trent College’s Cauldon campus was my gateway into further education, I have no background of A level qualifications aside from a few certificates from a local community college. Prior to starting my first year at university, I endured a history of depression, exclusion and tasted the bitterness of emotional and psychological abuse and also domestic violence. University life for me would be the ultimate fresh start and a potential future ambition for my two children. It was almost too good to be true, I was accepted onto a course which I desired, I felt optimistic and this gave me a great sense of achievement.

University’s requirements are tremendously demanding, especially when you are solely responsible for two young dependants and struggling to fight the dreaded symptoms of depression. My moods would sway back and forth like the waves of the ocean. At times I felt physically numb and just rolling out of bed was progress. I sought help, desperate to be fully engaged in my studies.

Psychology I find extremely interesting, in saying so during the first semester of my Foundation Year, was like opening a can of unwanted worms. So many locked away emotions immersed through exploring modules during lectures and seminars. To the point of my unexpected emotional outburst during one of the seminars.

From that point I began to open up to my Personal Tutor. I was an emotional wreck, but the option to trust my tutor and present myself as a diagnosed depressed single mother gave me an outlet and an opportunity. I was able to entrust my tutor with my personal circumstances by simply speaking out. “I feel as if I’m sinking”, “I’m drowning”, “I can’t focus on my assignments and I am struggling to fight these daunting emotions of depression”. After having a short discussion with my personal tutor from the Psychology Department, I then approached the Student Enabling Centre as advised.

Student Enabling Centre

It was there that I met with one of the Student Specialist Advisors, Elsa. The first time I met with Elsa was surprisingly positive. My moods of depression caused me to anticipate little or irrelevant help from the Student Enabling Centre or indeed from anyone. I was greeted with a very warm and sensitive embrace, I felt welcomed and encouraged to fully open up to Elsa. Elsa’s approach was impressively sensitive towards me. I was given an opportunity to expand on my personal circumstances and also talk about a painful past. Elsa was eagerly supportive and proved her capabilities as a Student Specialist Advisor. Elsa expressed her concerns and appropriately arranged a Learning Support Agreement in support of my academic learning. In support of my ill health Elsa arranged for me to start counselling sessions located at the Enabling Centre. This was exactly what I needed, in particular a fixed support agreement in which allowed me a separate room and extra time during exams, also a Dictaphone to record lectures. This was particularly useful as my depression resulted in my constant fluctuation of fatigue and dizzy spells (being one side effect of my antidepressants). Extra time and short breaks during exams gave me the opportunity to alleviate my anxieties related to exam assessments and also gave me time to refocus my thoughts and to stretch my limbs. Without this extra support I would have the pressure of constant worry, I would feel defeated and overwhelmed.

An Advisor at Staffordshire University’s Student Enabling Centre

In addition I was given a free laptop and a Personal Mental Health Mentor. I was so grateful for the laptop, as I could not afford one for myself, but more so that I was then able to access and continue to my learning at home. This meant that I did not have to travel to the University’s Library and have the trouble of finding a babysitter to care for my kids. The comfort of studying at home also ensured the comfort and safety of my young children. Also I was able to type notes during lectures and this improved my typing skills. As a student this made me feel more engaged with my studies. In addition to working with the Enabling Centre, I had repeated meetings with a Student Financial Advisor at the Student’s Union. My depression made me vulnerable, as a result I fell into financial debt and was seeking help via food vouchers and assistance with emergency energy tokens. I approached the Student’s Union and met with Mark and Martin, Student Financial Advisors. I was unaware of the financial help that the University could offer but the advisors informed me about the options which best suited my situation. I was advised to apply for a Financial Hardship Grant from the University and to my pleasant surprise after submitting the relevant evidence, my application was approved. This particular financial aid was so helpful and I had the freedom of not paying it back. This lifted my hopes as I had exhausted my emergency aid from the local council.

Some examples of the Learning Enabling technology available at the University

As mentioned I was assigned a Personal Mental Health Mentor, I was grateful that it was a female and also a qualified Mental Health Professional. I was offered the options of which date and time my mentor and I should meet. We met weekly and communicated quite often, via email, text and phone calls. This support was tremendous, Noreen, my mentor, was relaxed and non-judgemental, and I looked forward to our weekly meetings. This support made me feel more engaged in my studies and also I felt important, as my depression caused me to feel defeated, isolated and wasteful. I particularly struggled with my organisation and motivation. Noreen was able to guide me in constructing a study time table and an academic journal. This was particularly useful as I was challenged to set specific targets in working towards my assignments. I felt truly supported as Noreen was able to assist me in prioritizing my academic work , but also we spent time sharing thoughts and having light discussions on how I felt on the day, in terms of my mental health, while having a hot drink. This was excellent as I did not feel pressured or restricted to explain or not explain my fatigued expressions. I felt a sense of security in that Noreen knew and understood my circumstances.

An impressive combination of a Learning Support Agreement, counselling sessions, a free laptop, a voice recorder, an assigned Mental Health Mentor, financial support and advice, altogether aided my progression in my degree studies. I felt eager to continue with my studies and accessed all the available support from the University. But first all I had to do was to speak out. I have no regrets and I feel grateful to have accessed the available help. I would like to encourage anyone who can relate or who is facing a challenging experience, in which is negatively affecting your studies or learning experience, to please approach your Personal Tutor, your Student Advisor or Course Leader. The sooner the better.

Counselling Open Evening, 6pm, Wednesday 10th February

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

The Psychology Department at Staffordshire University are hosting an Open Evening on Wednesday 10th February (6-8pm) for their counselling courses.

Counselling provides a safe space for people to talk about their experiences, explore feelings and make changes in a safe environment. Our Basic Skills and Certificate courses offer the opportunity to gain an excellent grounding in the use of counselling skills
in a variety of settings. Studying at Diploma level will allow you to become qualified to practise safely as a counsellor.

Our counselling team are highly qualified and experienced. They are counselling practitioners who work in a variety of settings and use a range of different therapeutic approaches. All of our counselling courses will help you to understand yourself and others better.

We offer a full suite of counselling awards from a ten week introductory course to a three year Masters in Psychotherapeutic Counselling award:

• Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills
• University Certificate in Counselling
• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling*
• Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling*
• MSc Psychotherapeutic Counselling

* Accredited by the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Further details about our Pg/Prof Diploma/MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling can be found via the below video:

Counselling Courses Open Evening

The Open Evening will include the opportunity to:

Learn more about our courses in Counselling (ranging from the Introductory 10 week course to the MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling)
Explore the counselling facilities in our multi-million pound Science Centre
Meet our friendly team of experienced tutors
Get advice about the application process

Time: 6-8pm, Wednesday 10th February
Venue: Staffordshire University Leek Road Campus, ST4 2DF
Room: R333 Science Centre

Places are limited so booking is essential. To book your place at the Open Evening please contact Dr Emily Buckley on e.j.buckley@staffs.ac.uk

MSc Health Psychology Open Afternoons 2016

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

The Centre for Health Psychology are running a series of popular open afternoons (click here for a flyer) for Psychology Graduates interested in completing the MSc Health Psychology at Staffordshire University.

Health Psychology is the study of psychological processes and their application to health, illness and health care. Qualified Health Psychologists work in a number of health and academic settings including:

Patient assessment and support
Clinical intervention and health behaviour change
Student and health care professional education
Health related research
Health promotion and public health

The MSc in Health Psychology at Staffordshire was the first MSc Health Psychology programme in the UK to be accredited by the British Psychological Society and maintains an excellent reputation nationally. Our students have access to a dedicated base-room within the multi-million pound Science Centre, a thriving psychology visiting speaker programme and journal club as well as high-level teaching from academics who are active researchers and Health Psychologists.

Staffordshire University's £30 million Science Centre, home of the Psychology Department

Staffordshire University’s £30 million Science Centre, home of the Centre for Health Psychology

We think our course is great – but you don’t have to take our word for it. Our students and external examiner think it’s great too! Our MSc achieved 100% student satisfaction in the latest Post Graduate Taught Experience survey and has been highly praised by our external examiner: “The quality of teaching shines though in the student performance. A range of teaching methods and assessments are used that will have a positive impact on the student experience, performance and transferable skills.”

If this sounds like the course for you, or if you just want to find out more about Health Psychology, then we’d love to meet you! We have Open Afternoons taking place in 2016 which are designed to provide you with a wealth of information about the MSc in Health Psychology. Learn more about the modules covered in the course, meet the registered Health Psychologists who teach on the course, get advice on the application process and have a look around our Centre for Health Psychology situated in our Science Centre.

Open Afternoon Dates:

Wednesday 3rd February 2016 (2-4pm)

Wednesday 6th July 2016 (2-4pm)

Wednesday 17th August 2016 (2-4pm)

Book your place: Please contact Dr Amy Burton, MSc Health Psychology Course Director (amy.burton@staffs.ac.uk). Note that places are limited so booking is essential.

Health Psychology is one of the latest branches of Psychology to be given professional status by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Completion of the MSc in Health Psychology is the first step towards gaining Chartered Health Psychologist status and registration with the HCPC as a Health Psychologist. For more details, see our Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology and the Division of Health Psychology web pages.

The role of Health Psychology in understanding death and dying (#StaffsVSS, Thurs 28th Jan, 4pm) CANCELLED

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Robert Dempsey

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED

The School of Psychology, Sport & Exercise is pleased to welcome Dr Paula Smith (Senior Lecturer, University of Bath) who is giving the fifth Visiting Speaker Series talk on ~~Thursday 28th January, 4pm~~, in the LT003 Lecture Theatre in the Ashley Building (Leek Road campus).

Paula will be speaking about her applied psychological research into death and dying. Paula is a Health Psychologist and a qualitative researcher whose current work explores the way in which families and health professionals manage the loss of a baby at birth, the nature of twin bereavement and also the psychological consequences and management of stroke in the acute phase.