Bowes, M (2023) The trans-sectoral applications of Health Psychology to improve health outcomes across multiple populations. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

Throughout this portfolio, I have demonstrated the multitude of applications of Health Psychology to improve health outcomes across sectors. Within my work I aimed to improve health outcomes for young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties, identify ways to improve the healthcare provision available to individuals with Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis, reduce risks to public health through Influenza vaccine programmes and improve mental and physical health at an individual level; both in private practice and within the NHS.

This portfolio includes work with groups who feel forgotten and unheard, such as young people with SEMH difficulties, young people living in care and individuals with Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis. As my individual intervention could only reach a minority of individuals, I hope that by publishing research, I will raise awareness of the needs and difficulties faced by these groups.

I developed a novel Health Psychology provision for young people with SEMH difficulties, which involved delivering therapy for multiple difficulties including insomnia, depression and anxiety, as well as behaviour change interventions including smoking cessation, exercise implementation and weight management. During this placement, I taught health intervention lessons and covered topics such as nutrition, dental hygiene, substance misuse, smoking cessation and sex and relationships; mindfulness and GCSE Psychology. I also delivered lectures about suicidality at teaching hospitals. To add breadth to my portfolio, I completed a public health based consultancy project, which involved increasing Influenza Vaccine uptake in Local Authority employees. My research projects involved exploring reasons for negative health behaviours in young people with SEMH difficulties, to improve the health outcomes of this population; and investigating ways in which the pandemic impacted the experiences and healthcare provision for individuals with Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis. Both papers have been submitted to journals and the Division of Health Psychology BPS Conference.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	health psychology; SEMH; Desmoid; Health behaviour; health improvement
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2023 09:49
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2023 09:49
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00019246
Supervisors:	Tarling, R and Forshaw, M
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/19246

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