Clinical Psychology research is clinically focused, applied to people's real lives and contexts, and committed to ensuring our health and care services meet the needs of those we serve. Members of the Clinical Psychology Research Group are passionate about promoting a research culture within clinical psychology and more widely in the NHS and social care, and within clinical psychology training. Equity, inclusion and accessibility in health and social care, and in clinical psychology training, is at the heart of all we do.

Within this group we apply varied epistemological and methodological approaches to answer research questions related to diverse areas, including: Psychosocial aspects of medical conditions (e.g., Diabetes self-management, Eating difficulties and Eating disorders), Mental health interventions, End-of-life care, Families in the care system, Parental and family bereavement, Perinatal mental health, Parental mental health, Rehumanising approaches within health and social care, Cultural and spiritual awareness and sensitivity of services, Clinical Psychology training and pedagogy, Staff wellbeing in the health and care workforce, and Leadership, consultation and supervision in Clinical Psychology.

Research is an integral aspect of the identity and skill set of a clinical psychologist, a "scientist-practitioner". During the doctoral programme in Clinical Psychology, trainees complete both a service-related and a major research project, equipping them with knowledge and skills to undertake high-quality research within their practice, enabling the critical appraisal of literature, and the adoption of an evidence-based approach to clinical practice, ultimately resulting in a drive towards higher standards within the profession of Clinical Psychology.

We aim to inspire a passion for applied research that takes place with meaningful participation and public involvement. We also approach this work with a commitment to equity and inclusion, and a decolonisation of research approaches that have been adopted by the profession. As a result, the research activity that takes place is often done creatively and in collaboration with external partners, such as with communities, NHS trusts, and charitable organisations.

Research projects undertaken by Clinical Psychology staff and trainees utilise a variety of methodological approaches and are organised around three broad research streams, aligning with the wider research themes and strategy of the University of Hertfordshire:

Clinical Psychology Training and Professional Issues

Including examining pedagogy, problem-based learning approaches, and reflective practice, and also considering inclusion, widening participation in the workforce, leadership, consultation, supervision, team-working and staff wellbeing.

Health and Wellbeing

Including research focused on illness and identity, equitable and inclusive health and social care, long-term health conditions such as diabetes and eating disorders, as well as death, dying, and bereavement.

Family Wellbeing

Including research focused on parent and family wellbeing in parental and perinatal health, child protection and the care system, parental and family bereavement, and family-service provider relationships to rehumanise our services.

What we provide

• Research knowledge and teaching, with specific expertise in a variety of qualitative methodologies as well as quantitative methods
• Research collaboration and consultation in clinically relevant research areas
• Opportunities to collaborate and offer audits and service evaluations for health services, social care services and the third sector
• Mentoring, support, and Continuing Professional Development opportunities related to research practices and supervision
• Developing and sharing best practice in research in clinical psychology