Psychology Departmental PhD Fellowship Student

Current Research

The mental health and well-being of healthcare workers has seen a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with self-reported increases in various mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Amongst this wider demographic, the literature appears to suggest some groups whose occupation acts as a ‘risk factor’ for worsened mental health outcomes - nurses and midwives. My research aims to understand the potential associations contributing to these worsened mental health outcomes as well as to understand why those who are struggling with their psychological well-being are not seeking the support they need. This could lead to a better understanding, not only of the workplace factors exasperating mental health challenges, but also of the barriers to help-seeking which allows for the continuation of the mental health struggle for this population.

Interests

Clinical and Applied Psychology, with a particular focus on mental health help-seeking barriers.

Understanding biopsychosocial and contextual risk and protective factors for mental health-related behaviour, such as suicidal behaviours.

Biography

Katie studied Psychology BSc at Birmingham Newman University, being awarded an academic scholarship for all three years of study and graduating with a 1st class honours degree. During this time she developed a keen interest in Clinical and Applied Psychology which motivated her to take a few years working in psychology-related roles with vulnerable populations before embarking on a Master's. During this time her interests in these areas of psychology deepened and continued throughout her MRes studies at the University of Birmingham. Her thesis focused on and evaluated a trauma-informed intervention for children who have been/are impacted by Domestic Abuse. Directly after her MRes, Katie pursued a PhD focused on help-seeking barriers and behaviours for nursing professionals securing a Psychology Departmental PhD fellowship at the University of Warwick.

Supervisors

Prof Nicole Tang

Dr. Carla Toro (WMS)

Research Groups

Warwick Sleep and Pain Laboratory

Lifespan, Health, and Wellbeing Group

First name: Katie
Last name: Cunneen
Email address: Katie.Cunneen@Warwick.Ac.Uk

Katie Cunneen