Lifespan, Health and Wellbeing

The Lifespan, Health, and Wellbeing Research Theme explores how significant life events and social relationships impact health and wellbeing across the lifecourse.

Their research spans five key areas organised into two key Research Groups: ‘Women’s Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Ageing and Resilience’.  These areas of research include: The psychosocial impact of transitional life events (such as bereavement, chronic illness, caregiving, and new parenthood); Resilience and well-being (focusing on how individuals adapt to challenges); The role of social relationships and support in navigating key life transitions (including formalised and informal support networks); Women's health (covering women in work, women’s social wellbeing, the menstrual cycle, menopause, and other reproductive health conditions); and perinatal psychology (examining maternal and infant well-being, bonding, and bereavement).

Members of this Research Theme also study healthcare systems, particularly implementation of interventions, caring structures, dignity in healthcare experiences, and accessibility for marginalized groups.

The group employs a diverse methodological skill-set including qualitative, quantitative, mixed- and multi-methods, psychometrics, evidence synthesis, and secondary data analyses; whilst also having extensive knowledge of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement to address key societal issues such as inequalities, intersectionality, and cultural competence in mental health care and research. Through this  variety of research methods and approaches, the group aims to generate comprehensive and meaningful insights which can inform healthcare policies, frontline practice, interventions, and support systems to improve health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

The Lifespan, Health and Wellbeing research theme is led by Dr Vicky Fallon.