Health Behaviour and Wellbeing
Group Leader(s): Dr Emma Davies, Dr Jennifer Seddon
About us
The Health Behaviour and Wellbeing group is an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to investigating the development and impact of prevention efforts for physical and psychological health and wellbeing.
We carry out high quality national and international research studies into the causes, consequences and prevention of poor physical and mental health. The focus of the group is to promote healthy behaviours with a view to preventing or mitigating lifestyle risks to health and wellbeing. The scope of the group spans the harms associated with substance misuse (eg alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs), lifestyle behaviours (eg poor diet, lack of exercise) and poor mental health.
Our research has been supported by grants from the MRC, ESRC, NIHR, CRUK, JRF, the EC and the AHMRC, with over £8 million of funding awarded for research projects and knowledge exchange activities. We welcome enquiries and applications from students interested in pursuing a PhD with our group, and from academics interested in exchanges and visits.
Research impact
Dr Jennifer Seddon and colleagues' research, which was co-produced with people with lived experience of prescription medication dependence, aimed to improve the quality and experience of care for patients prescribed benzodiazepines, z-drugs, antidepressants, opioids and gabapentinoids – medications that are prescribed to millions of people each year in the UK.
The study positioned patients and healthcare professionals as active and equal partners throughout, and resulted in co-designed solutions to improve the experience of care in three priority areas: 1) improved information and communication, 2) improved continuity of care, and 3) alternatives to medication.
Ultimately, the study resulted in changes to clinical practice in how medications with a risk of dependence are prescribed, managed and deprescribed by participating GP practices in the study. The results of the study are being rolled out to GP practices in the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) region that collectively provide care to 1.1 million people.
Leadership
Dr Emma Davies
Reader in Psychology
Dr Jennifer Seddon
Associate Professor in Psychology