Research topic

Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Transforming approaches to psychological distress

At the University of Essex, our mental health researchers work in various departments across all areas of study, contributing to our unique multi-disciplinary approach to mental health.

Our research employs a wide range of theories, approaches and methods to tackle important questions about mental health both in the UK and around the world.

We have experts from diverse fields such as psychology, sociology, economics, epidemiology, statistics, law, sports science, creative arts, therapy, philosophy and political science driving our research forward.

Our mental health research benefits from a number of unique strengths at the University of Essex including the UK Longitudinal Household Survey (Understanding Society) hosted by our Institute for Social and Economic Research; the ESRC Research Centre on Micro-Social Change; our strong relationships with international organisations including the UN Human Rights Council; our pioneering work in green exercise; our thriving training programmes in clinical psychology and related therapy disciplines; our commitment to citizen participation; and our unique interdisciplinary approaches combining clinical and academic disciplines led by internationally recognised experts.

Our mental health research is transformative; challenges conventional thinking; and creates positive change in society. We are actively researching mental health across five main themes:

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