Health and Welfare
This group focuses on improving well-being through the application of psychological theory and knowledge. We are concerned with improving psychological well-being for people with long-term physical illness; using behaviour change techniques to promote well-being and prevent illness; and enhancing the welfare of animals.
The School has a long history of research in psychological well-being / quality of life among people with physical health conditions; examining the role of animals in human health; and conducting experiments to improve animal welfare. There is also a related methodological strand that explores our approaches to assessing quality of life and the meaning of this concept in different populations. Although there is overlap in this work, the research group contains two research centres that allow for more focused collaboration and research activity. The two centres are the Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life (CIHRQoL) and the Animal Behaviour Centre (ABC).