Health Psychology Research Articles

Using Behavioural Science to Support Open Research Behaviour Change

Changing open research behaviour is hard! Drawing from behavioural science provides an approach that is evidence-based to guide efforts to change behaviour. Specifically, the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW; Michie et al., 2014) was developed to support the design and implementation of behaviour change interventions, and has been applied to a wide range of behaviours. Central to the BCW, is the COM-B model, which outlines how Behaviour is influenced by three broad factors: Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation. The first step in implementing the BCW, is to use the COM-B model to undertake a ‘behavioural diagnosis’ of the target behaviour. By doing this behavioural diagnosis, the prominent influences on behaviour can be identified and strategically targeted for change. Researchers in health psychology have advocated for the use of mthe BCW to inform interventions to support increased engagement in open research behaviour (Norris & O’Connor, 2019). The Directorate of Research Engagement and Impact in Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh are aiming to support researchers to engage in open research practices, in line with the University Open Research Roadmap, and emerging REF PCE guidance. In this talk, we outline how we have used behavioural science to inform this approach through data collection and analysis to identify priority areas for focus and implementation

Provider and leader perspectives on eating disorder screening and the importance of a clinical pathway in the Veterans Health Administration: A qualitative study.

We explored U.S. provider and leader perspectives on eating disorder screening, implementation, and clinical pathways in the Veterans Health Administration using qualitative interviews with 10 medical providers and seven leaders from Veterans Health Administration's National Program Offices (N = 17). Providers included two frontline primary care medical support staff, two nurses, two primary care providers, one dietitian, one women's health provider, one health psychologist, and one weight management program provider. We asked about the utility of screening for eating disorders and potential implementation challenges. The tool was in development at the time the qualitative interviews were conducted so that feedback could be taken into consideration. Rapid qualitative analysis was used to identify themes. Three themes were identified. First, a gap was identified in eating disorder screening, with acknowledgement that there is not a uniform way to systemically screen patients. Second, most agreed that a brief tool such as the one we developed could be helpful in a large health care system, especially a tool with language that was mindful of stigma issues. Third, there was agreement that a screening tool would need to be part of a more extensive clinical pathway that included diagnosis and treatment within the larger health care system. While participants supported the need for an eating disorder screening tool, their perspectives varied on how such a tool would be implemented in a national health care system. Specific recommendations were made for ensuring that there was a clear clinical pathway from the tool to treatment referral to best serve veterans with eating disorders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The Healing Power of Thought Patterns and Emotions: A Pathway to Gradual Recovery

In recent years, the interplay between thought patterns, emotions, and physical health has garnered substantial attention in the fields of psychology, medicine, and holistic health. This comprehensive exploration delves into how our mental and emotional landscapes can profoundly influence the healing process, offering a pathway to gradual recovery from various diseases. By understanding and harnessing the power of positive thinking and emotional regulation, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward improved well-being and healing.

Public Health Responses to Climate Extremes in the South Pacific Islands: A Case of Fiji

Climate extremes (CE) are on the rise; these include, but are not limited to, floods, extreme heat, and drought.. The Pacific Islands are perceived as highly susceptible to climate events and their consequential health impacts. Hence, this paper reviews the public health responses from national stakeholders and international organizations in the phase of climate extremes in Fiji. Notable health issues resulting from CE emphasized in this article include: dengue fever, diarrhea, and nutrition-related diseases. Data cutting across renowned international organizations show a disconcerting association between climatic extremities and an upsurge in dengue fever and diarrhea in Fiji. Also, this article revealed that CE create favourable breeding grounds for vectors that contaminate water sources, further affecting agriculture, leading to food insecurity. Hence, Consequent, CE intensifies the prevalence of nutrition-related diseases, disrupting an already fragile public health sector in Fiji. This article identifies a critical gap in the existing health response strategies, revealing their inefficiency in addressing the mounting long-term health challenges of victims of climatic disasters. To bridge this gap, an encompassing health response mechanism was suggested. They include: establishment of enhanced health surveillance to effectively monitor and manage climate-induced health risks; integration of degree programs such as disaster medicine, humanitarian studies, and mental health psychology into university’s course syllabus; provision of mental health and trauma support programs to address the psychological strain induced by climate-related disasters; mapping of disaster-prone areas; and the introduction of public health education to disaster-prone areas.

Religious 'Mature Care' as an Ethical Framework for Pastoral Caregiving: Justification, Adaptation, and Mental Health Benefits.

Pastoral caregivers often carry the task of caring for their community's holistic well-being, especially the spiritual dimension. However, religious doctrines and practices often highlight the altruistic understanding of care. An overemphasis on this perspective can lead to a form of solaltrism-the opposite of solipsism. Given this risk, this paper explores and proposes the paradigmatic shift toward mature care as a viable ethical framework for pastoral caregiving. Mature care is an ethical framework that considers the interests of all involved and affected parties in the decision-making process. When applying such an ethical framework, I postulate possible consequent mental health benefits, especially in dispelling inappropriate or misguided religious guilt. This study first utilizes a literature review to investigate this intersection of ethics, pastoral psychology, and mental health studies. After the review, this study theorizes religious mature care ethics as an applied ethical framework. With these approaches in mind, the paper proceeds as follows: first, the paper presents a brief literature review concerning altruism in religious matters, the dynamics in pastoral care settings, and the notion of mature care primarily based on Tove Pettersen. This part establishes the advantages and challenges concerning ethical altruism as an ethical framework for pastoral caregiving. Second, the detailed discussion covers the proposed definition of religious mature care ethics, the perceived challenges in its application, some practical approaches to adapting the ethical framework to one's particular context, and the potential mental health benefits of the ethical framework adaptation. Lastly, the main points of the philosophical exploration are summarized, and suggestions for future research are presented based on the study's limitations.

Changes in subjective well-being among Korean adolescents, 2016-2021: A nationwide panel survey study

Background: Subjective well-being (SWB) has been a popular topic in positive psychology and mental health, representing how individuals experience and evaluate their lives. Objective: This study aimed to determine the SWB of Korean adolescents and its change over time. Method: We utilised data from the Korean Children and Youth Well-being Index: Middle School and High School Students Surveys, collected from 2016 to 2021. Bivariate analyses were performed to estimate SWB, and analysis of variance was used to assess differences in SWB based on participant characteristics. Changes in SWB over time were analysed using mean difference values, with subgroup analyses comparing middle and high school students. Results: Findings revealed that while overall SWB remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2019 (with scores of 72.47 and 71.68, respectively), a significant decrease was observed in 2021 (scoring 68.97). Notably, SWB was significantly lower in females compared to males, and in high school students compared to middle school students. A consistent downtrend in SWB was evident over the five years among specific groups, including females, adolescents not living with their parents, those intending to leave home, and those experiencing severe stress. Conclusions: This study examined the SWB of Korean adolescents and its change over time, revealing a significant decline in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring SWB and having informed welfare initiatives to enhance adolescents’ quality of life. The insights remain relevant, guiding policymakers in preparing for future pandemics and improving SWB among vulnerable adolescents.

Embedded Psychological Health Monitoring and Psychological Quality Management for Vocational College Students Based on Cloud Integration

This paper utilizes mobile cloud integration based on healthcare embedded systems to implement personalized intervention measures, in order to enhance the effectiveness of students’ mental health and overall quality. This study conducted comprehensive and systematic psychological health monitoring and psychological quality assessment through a mobile cloud-integrated SI platform based on healthcare embedded systems. With the help of advanced clustering analysis algorithms, the platform can accurately identify the psychological characteristics of different student groups and design highly personalized intervention plans based on this. The experimental results showed that after implementing personalized intervention, there were significant improvements in students’ mental health status, comprehensive quality, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. Especially the improvement of emotional management ability, teamwork ability, and innovative thinking ability has laid a solid foundation for students’ future career development. This study not only provides a new perspective and method for student management in vocational colleges but also provides a useful reference and inspiration for promoting the application of mobile cloud integration technology for healthcare embedded systems in the field of education, especially in psychological health monitoring and psychological quality management.

An epistemological reflection on the psychosocial processes experienced by One Health researchers

ABSTRACT In the era of the Anthropocene and the ensuing transitions, the One Health approach is one of the possible answers to rethinking our place on the planet. The aim of this article is to propose an epistemological reflection on the psychosocial processes that concern researchers working with the One Health approach, developing some perspectives that have received limited attention to date. We argue for the importance of making these processes explicit, and to focus on the complexity associated with sticking to both a One Health and a community-based approach. Drawing on our experience as researchers engaged in participatory and community-based research in the field of social psychology of health and ecology, and involved in research projects oriented towards the One Health perspective, we outline four key challenges researchers may face: (1) moving beyond anthropocentric conceptions of health, particularly in human medicine, the social sciences, and public health; (2) integrating moral commitments, values, and plural identities into scientific reflection; (3) collaborating with other ‘disciplinary communities’; (4) integrating non-academic researchers into the co-construction of science, by legitimising the experiential knowledge. For each challenge, we propose theoretical and methodological tools, conceived as resources to support researchers navigating these transitions.

Student Motivation for Volunteering: Demographic Factors, Gender Differences, and Inclusion in Study Program Curricula

Introduction This study explores volunteerism among students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, and a professional master’s program in health psychology, with particular emphasis on motivational factors and the role of volunteerism within academic curricula. Methods A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of student volunteering. Quantitative data revealed patterns of experience and motivation, while qualitative interviews explored personal perspectives and contextual influences. Data were collected during the 2023–2024 academic year using the “Volunteering of University Students” questionnaire administered to 507 participants, as well as through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 30 students. Results Findings showed that 56% of students had volunteering experience. Key motivations included gaining new experiences and skills, feeling useful, personal development, and contributing to the community. Male students were more motivated by social connections and career aspirations, while female students prioritized personal development and skill acquisition. Major barriers for non-volunteers were lack of information and time constraints. Most students (90%) supported integrating volunteering into their academic curricula. Discussion It is evident that students engage in voluntary professional practices as a means of fulfilling their training as future professionals, rather than as a genuine means of involvement in volunteering. However, although young people appreciate the importance and need for volunteering, most of them do not actively participate. Conclusion There is strong student support for incorporating structured volunteering into university programs. Improving access to information and integrating volunteer activities into the curriculum may enhance participation and foster skills essential for future careers in health-related fields.

Exploring ethnic differences in student engagement and assessment preferences in higher education

This study examined the relationship between student engagement, assessment preferences and ethnicity among university students. 64 participants who were enrolled in either BSc Psychology or BSc Psychology (Sport, Health and Exercise) at a UK university took part in the survey. The survey assessed student engagement through the University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) and assessment preferences using the Assessment Preference Inventory (API). Our results indicate no significant differences in student engagement across different ethnic groups. However, notable distinctions were observed in assessment preferences. White students preferred to receive more detailed remarks in their feedback than Asian and Black students. All participants ranked oral presentations as their least preferred assessment type. On the other hand, preferences for the most favoured assessment type varied by ethnicity; White students preferred multiple-choice question exams, while Asian and Black students preferred coursework essays. These findings suggest that, while engagement levels may be similar across ethnic groups, preferences for feedback and assessment types differ, which can help educators develop more inclusive and effective assessment strategies.

Technology, Social Media, Artificial Intelligence, and Counseling Psychology: Introduction to Special Issue

The current Special Issue explores counseling psychologists’ work at the crossroads of technology, social media, artificial intelligence (AI), mental health, and counseling psychology. This introduction provides a brief review of the articles in the Special Issue (Technology, Social Media, Artificial Intelligence, and Mental Health: Implications for Counseling Psychology) and highlights the role that counseling psychology can play as we navigate both the challenges and opportunities concerning technological advancements in today’s digital era.

Development of a text message intervention designed to promote safe contact lens wear.

Some contact lens wearers demonstrate poor compliance with hygiene behaviours which increase their risk of corneal infection. Text message interventions for behaviour change can provide support and education in healthcare domains. This study reports on the co-design of a text message intervention to target hygiene compliance, user satisfaction and discontinuation in contact lens wear. In phase 1, draft messages were composed using contact lens compliance advice from peak bodies, which was then optimised for persuasion using behaviour change theory. Phase 2 involved consultation with Patient Advocates (3), Health Psychology Experts (5) and Eyecare Practitioners (11), who rated messages (Likert 1-6) on readability, appropriateness, behaviour change and provided comments. Lay contact lens wearers participated in focus groups (2-4 per group) and provided feedback on relevance, comprehension and likely behaviour change. Phase 3 assessed messages and modified for readability (Flesh-Kincaid). Phase 4 created and pilot tested (n = 5 users) text message sequences. Phase 1 created 95 messages. In Phase 2, ratings (1-6) of readability (M = 5.4, SD = 0.5), appropriateness (M = 5.3 SD = 0.6) and likelihood to change behaviour (M = 5.0, SD = 0.6) combined with free text comments led to the modification of 59/95 (62%) messages, including the deletion of five messages. Focus group participants (5 groups, n = 14) suggested engagement, educational content and simplification. Most (62/90, 69%) messages were modified, four removed and two new messages proposed. In Phase 3, 88% were assessed as fairly easy or better. Post-modification, all messages were fairly easy, mean readability 82.1 (range: 73.7-91.8, SD = 5.8). Phase 4 created 17 sequences of text messages and pilot testing established the process for replies, opt-outs and modified time-zone delivery. Co-designing and evaluating text messages was feasible, resulting in a library of 88 optimised text messages formed into semi-personalised sequences.

Beyond the resource perspective: Integrating appraisal to better understand job autonomy and its effect on well-being.

In occupational health psychology, understanding working conditions has traditionally relied on two approaches: appraisal and structural. While both focus on stressors-differentiating between types (e.g., challenge vs. hindrance vs. threat) and examining their appraisals-the role of appraisal in understanding resources is underexplored. This study therefore investigates job autonomy, a key job resource, through both approaches. Among over 700 German employees who were recruited with the help of an online panel provider, we examined job autonomy and its appraisal as a resource, challenge, hindrance, or threat across four measurement waves spanning 2.5 years. We analyzed cross-sectionally how actual autonomy, combined with individuals' desired levels of autonomy, influenced their appraisals. We also explored longitudinally how both actual autonomy and its appraisals impacted work-related well-being, including job satisfaction, resignation, and cognitive and emotional irritation. Results revealed that higher autonomy was associated with more resource and challenge appraisals, whereas lower autonomy led to more hindrance and threat appraisals. This pattern was particularly evident when actual autonomy levels aligned with desired levels or if desired levels were high. Conversely, a mismatch between actual and desired autonomy reduced the perceived benefit of autonomy. Combining autonomy levels and appraisals enhanced the predictability of well-being outcomes over time, both at the between-person and the within-person level of analysis. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of integrating appraisal into structural approaches to understanding job resources and advocates for broader consideration of appraisal in future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The Impact of Internet Culture on College Students' Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Information Literacy

In the conditions of the rapid development of Information Technologies, online culture has firmly entered the life of students. This article discusses the impact of internet culture on students ' mental health and the temporary effect of Information Literacy. Hierarchical random sampling selected 1,200 students from five domestic universities to conduct the questionnaire. The scale covers many aspects such as online cultural contacts, information literacy, and mental health. The collected data are analyzed using the model of structural equations and the method of regression analysis. Data shows that online culture will have a significant impact on students ' mental health, and its positive and negative effects coexist. High-quality educational resources and positive social interaction online are positive factors that can improve mental health; while harmful information shocks, such as rumors and excessive fun, can easily aggravate negative emotions and cause an increased risk of symptoms, including anxiety or depression. Overall, the greater ability to recognize and apply information helps to maintain a more optimistic state of mental health through the effective identification and use of positive network resources and the removal of unwanted disruptions in information, and therefore finds that information literacy plays an important role in regulating the above relationships. This study not only expands the cognitive depth of the relationship model between online culture and health psychology, but provides a new direction and enlightening value for effective ways to use enhanced information opportunities to solve potential problems at a practical level of Education.

Consultancy as a Trainee Health Psychologist: A group mental health initiative

This article outlines a Health Psychology Trainee’s delivery of consultancy services to a mental health charity for young people. The project was completed to contribute to the trainee’s fulfilment of the Stage 2 Health Psychologist competency in consultancy and involved all stages of the consultancy cycle including identifying, creating, designing, delivering and evaluating a group mental health initiative for young adults. The project delivered was a series of workshops for the young people who were engaging with the client’s services. The trainee secured the opportunity through networking and the consultancy project involved key scoping activities, communication with the client, agreement on deliverables, utilisation of the COM-B model to design the series of workshops, ethical considerations, contracting, costings, evaluation and reflections. Consultancy is an important role in training as a Health Psychologist, therefore, a reflective account of the experience is presented here by the now qualified Health Psychologist and their supervisor to offer ideas and support to Stage 2 trainee Health Psychologists who are aiming to fulfil this competency.

Empowering voices in health psychology: Integrating the Lundy Model for meaningful youth participation

This article provides an overview of the application of the Lundy Model of Youth Participation in health psychology, using research on the impact of Covid-19-related school closures on children at risk of early school leaving (ESL) as an example. It also reflects on the broader implications of rights-based frameworks and highlights the role of health psychologists as advocates.

Presenting my Master’s dissertation on the challenges parents face post-Covid-19 at DHP Conference 2024

Attending the Division of Health Psychology’s Annual Conference was an extraordinary experience. Presenting my master’s dissertation on the challenges parents face post-Covid-19 was both intimidating and thrilling. Connecting with other health psychologists and learning from their insights boosted my confidence and deepened my passion, motivating me to seek future opportunities for collaboration and growth.

How can health psychologists contribute to care for people receiving kidney dialysis?

This article considers ways that health psychologists can help improve coping, adjustment and treatment outcomes for people receiving kidney dialysis in the UK, with extracts from interviews with people receiving dialysis to illustrate potential health psychology contributions. These include preventing and reducing depression, promoting positive adjustment and adherence, helping with end-of-life issues, providing support during crisis periods, training and supporting other dialysis unit staff, and conducting research.

Becoming a health psychologist and joining the conversation: A reflection on the DHP conference

The 2024 DHP Conference provided an opportunity to contribute, to exchange and to debate, not least on what the future of our profession should be. As a PhD student exploring online support groups in the context of dental anxiety and at the start of my journey in Health Psychology, I felt challenged and inspired to join in.

Sexual health among university students: Insights from the Health Adversity Risk Model

This article outlines the Health Adversity Risk Model, which is an integrative social psychological model for predicting health outcomes. Focusing on sexual health in university students in the United Kingdom (UK), it is argued that experiencing identity threat may lead people to engage in coping strategies that can in turn affect health outcomes. Some coping strategies are adaptive and others maladaptive. People facing identity threat can be supported to elect adaptive coping strategies conducive to better health outcomes. Health psychologists may find tenets of the Health Adversity Risk Model useful for designing interventions for enhancing sexual health outcomes in university students.