Research and Innovation Group

Applied Psychology

Our groundbreaking applied psychology research addresses key societal issues and deepens our knowledge of human psychological function.

Psychology student fitting neuropsychology equipment on subject.

Working closely with external partners, we create innovative, impactful solutions that improve social, mental and physical wellbeing.

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group leadProfessor David Shearer

Expertise and Members

Our research strengths include addiction studies, cognitive neuroscience, mental health interventions, psychological interventions, and the connection between brain and behaviour.

We have a proven track record in securing funding for psychology research from government agencies, charities, industry partnerships, and collaborative grants.

Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group Members

IMPACT

Our research focuses on translating psychological insights into practical applications, creating impactful and measurable outcomes for individuals, communities, and key stakeholders such as the Welsh Government, The Pobl Group, and Sport Wales.

With a focus on evidence-based policy development and community wellbeing, our work has contributed significantly to academic research and policy frameworks, gaining international recognition for its influence on mental health and social well-being. Key areas of impact include addictions research, female health, and promoting mental health through sport.

Research publications and outputs
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Elite athletes are using our innovative biofeedback techniques to manage the intense pressures of world-level sporting events, like the Olympics, enabling them to achieve peak performance.
An aerial view of Treforest Campus.

Researchers have used innovative and collaborative consensus techniques to bring stakeholders together to identify research priorities for Housing and Health in Wales.

Achievements

National impact

We co-authored Welsh Government's first national framework for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and supporting alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD).

Policy alignment

Our research underpinned Welsh Government's first Substance Misuse Treatment Framework.

International reach

Our ARBD research has significantly impacted Welsh and UK Government policy and has informed international guidelines.

National recognition

Our ARBD work is endorsed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales.

Societal impact

Our study on the social impact of gambling in Wales was instrumental in forming the Welsh Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Gambling-Related Harm.

Research Focus Areas

Integrative Addiction and Brain Behaviour

This theme spans two strands. The first centres on understanding addiction challenges, including alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), gambling, and extreme sports. The second explores neuroscience and psychophysiology, focusing on perceptual biases, cognitive styles, biofeedback, and the role of imagery and observation in team environments.

Mental and Physical Health

Dedicated to novel research on mental health and its connection to physical wellbeing, covering topics such as female health (menstrual cycle and menopause impacts), stress and performance, workplace and exercise influences, interventions like walking football for men's mental health, and unique projects such as using fear of clowns to understand phobias.

Psychological Interventions

This theme focuses on the effectiveness and practicality of psychological interventions in health, well-being, and education. Researchers in this theme have secured an NIHR grant to investigate behavioural interventions for families with children with intellectual disabilities. Other studies include developing interventions for learning difficulties in various contexts, including the workplace and prisons.

KEY PROJECTS

The Association Between Physical Activity and Mental Health

This project aimed to explore several issues related to the connection between physical activity, mental health, and psychological well-being, including whether social relationships formed during activity contribute significantly to these benefits.

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Understanding technology acceptance in social housing

This project aims to build knowledge of tenant acceptance through two activities: a systematic literature review and a sector-wide event to explore the barriers and facilitators to technology adoption.

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Development of an innovation plan for effectively addressing Alcohol Related Brain Damage in Wales

This project aims to develop an innovation plan to implement key recommendations from the framework, focusing on four areas: rolling out and evaluating a tiered ARBD training program across healthcare settings, optimising a dedicated residential rehabilitation service, validating a screening tool for better ARBD identification, and designing a transferable service pathway for individuals with ARBD across Wales.

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Supporting Extra Care Tenants to Reintegrate into their Community Post-Covid

This project investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social engagement within Extra Care settings and identified factors influencing tenant participation. This research, funded by Linc Cymru and conducted in collaboration with the USW Health and Housing Centre of Excellence, involved interviews with staff and tenants from Extra Care schemes in South Wales.

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COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Our Group has established more than 50 collaborative partnerships with businesses, organisations, and community groups both locally and nationally.

These partnerships are central to our mission, providing a strong foundation for addressing real-world challenges and delivering measurable impact in the lives of individuals and communities.

Our collaborative partnerships have led to the development of numerous innovative commercial projects, driving progress across various industries.

  • Welsh Government
  • Linc Cymru
  • Pobl Group
  • Sport Wales
  • Brynawel Rehab
  • Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

Addictions

Our pioneering research in Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD), an often under-diagnosed but treatable condition, has led to the creation of a comprehensive training programme designed to raise ARBD awareness. This programme offers essential training for health practitioners and social care workers, along with downloadable resources to support better understanding and diagnosis.

Female Health

The PERIOD-QOL app is designed to assist women in tracking symptoms and making informed healthcare decisions. This app not only helps women track their symptoms but also provides reliable data to share with doctors, while simultaneously gathering important research data. A similar app developed for menopause management has already generated significant income for Health and Her, demonstrating the potential for success in this area.

Behavioural Interventions

Our speech interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities are making a significant impact. In collaboration with TalkTools, we are developing an accessible version of their speech intervention specifically designed for learners with intellectual disabilities and minimal vocal verbal communication. This innovative approach aims to enhance communication skills and improve quality of life for individuals facing these challenges.

THE COLLABORATION WITH USW IS A KEY PART TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WELSH INSTITUTE OF PERFORMANCE SCIENCE, AND THEREFORE SPORT WALES.

Esther Goldsmith

Athlete Development Practitioner, Sport Wales

RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY CAN HELP US, AS A CHARITY, MAKE BETTER DECISIONS, IDENTIFY TRENDS, AND DRIVE INNOVATION.

Ryan Jones

Development Manager, Coalfields Regeneration Trust

SUPPORTING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF OUR TENANTS AND RESIDENTS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT WE DO AT LINC AND THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS ENABLED US TO EXPLORE HOW BEST WE CAN DO THIS.

Karen Jeffreys

Community Engagement Manager, Linc Cymru

THE USW TEAM PROVIDED UNRIVALLED INSIGHT, EXPERTISE AND ENTHUSIASM THAT HAS TRANSFORMED THE ACADEMIC OUTPUT AND RESEARCH VISION OF THE ALCOHOL CARE TEAM.

Professor Sally Bradberry

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

WORKING CLOSELY WITH USW PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE AT THE HEART OF A GROWING BODY OF RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE AROUND THE IMPACT OF THE HOME ON A PERSON’S HEALTH.

Beth Underwood

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

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Work with us

We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.

To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact Professor David Shearer at [email protected].

[email protected]

Psychology Facilities at USW

psychology student wearing a pair of glasses

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.

Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.

The Graduate School

A group of researchers sit around a table chatting with coffee and books

Research-informed teaching

Research-informed teaching is at the heart of our Psychology degrees. We make sure our curriculum is always up to date with the latest research, so our students get an education that's both fresh and relevant. Our lecturers are not just teachers but also active researchers who bring their latest findings straight into the classroom.

We're passionate about giving our undergraduate and postgraduate students plenty of chances to get involved in ongoing research projects with external partners. This hands-on experience is priceless, letting students put their knowledge to work in real-world settings and make a real impact in the field of psychology.

Read about Ingrid Ådland, a PhD student in Sport Psychology from Norway.

In the MSc Clinical Psychology, a session on self-help interventions for coping with stress highlights our research-led teaching. The session explores stress and coping theories, debates on coping as a trait or skill, and the effectiveness of different strategies. Students engage with a self-help intervention developed by Associate Professor Deborah Lancastle for women undergoing fertility treatment, widely adopted in Europe and the USA, as well as an adaptation for caregivers of autistic individuals. Joanna Hill, a student contributor to this research, exemplifies how the course integrates students into applied research projects. Many such projects are published, with students as authors, boosting their career prospects and building practical research skills.

Psychology degrees

Research students

Ingrid Ådland, a PhD student in Sport Psychology from Norway has told her story of studying at USW.

Read Ingrid's story

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