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. My research aims to investigate the health and well-being of healthcare workers, with a focus on access and engagement with occupational support services. My research is divided into two key strands: the first explores mental health help-seeking behaviours within the workplace among healthcare professionals, while the second examines the interrelationships between sleep disturbances, chronic pain, and suicide risk within this population. The project aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex challenges faced by healthcare workers and to inform the development of more effective support strategies.

Interests

Clinical and Applied Psychology, as well as Occupational and Implementation Psychology, with a particular focus on mental health help-seeking barriers, and the interrelations between physical and mental health.

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 Masters. 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 -Department of Psychology, University of Warwick

Dr Carla Toro - Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick

Research Groups

Warwick Sleep and Pain Laboratory

Mental Health Innovations Group

Lifespan, Health, and Wellbeing Group

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

Katie Cunneen