Projects per year
Organisation profile
Organisation profile
Our groundbreaking research tackles key societal issues and deepens our understanding of human psychological function. We work with external partners to create innovative solutions that improve social, mental, and physical well-being.
Research themes
The Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group is tackling real-world challenges in three key themes through collaborative partnerships.
Integrative Addiction and Brain Behaviour
Our research in this theme involves two strands. The first explores the intersection of neuroscience and psychophysiology, delving into topics such as the influence of perceptual biases and cognitive style on belief Ideologies, neural markers of recollection and familiarity, and the multifaceted role of imagery and observation in team environments.
The second strand centres on understanding individuals facing addiction challenges and has examined alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), gambling, and extreme sports.
Our research on ARBD has been recognised at a UK level, leading to valuable contributions to policymaking. Our team members have also excelled in winning research funding, building collaborations with external partners, and driving innovation in educational materials for ARBD.
Mental and Physical Health
Research in this theme pushes the boundaries of understanding mental health, its intricate connection with physical well-being, and its impact on various aspects of human functioning.
Our senior researchers’ specialised knowledge includes female health (e.g. exploring how the menstrual cycle and menopause influence; stress and daily performance), Health and housing (e.g engagement with energy saving interventions); and interventions in males (e.g walking football).
Psychological interventions
Research in this theme explores the effectiveness and practicality of psychological interventions in health, well-being, and education.
Our researchers have expertise in behavioural interventions, which has been recognised through an NIHR grant. This grant supports a collaborative effort across multiple institutes to investigate specific behavioural interventions aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of families with a child who has an intellectual disability.
Other researchers in this theme specialise in learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, and have conducted studies examining these challenges in various contexts, including the workplace and prison populations.
Impact
We emphasise research that has impact across important aspects of mental health and behaviour.
Our key impact areas focus on addiction research; female health; and improving mental health through sport.
Postgraduate Research
We welcome applications for postgraduate research in one of our areas of expertise.
Work with us
We’re passionate about working with partners to address real-world challenges. Our experts work with organisations of all sizes, and from all sectors, to develop new ideas, products and services that solve a specific problem. We help policy makers gather evidence to understand the needs and experiences of a sector or industry to better inform solutions.
Contact us
Lead: Professor David Shearer
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Profiles
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Daniel Bowers
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education - Head of Subject - Psychology
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group
- Pedagogy Research and Innovation Group
Person: Academic
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Nyle Davies
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education - Senior Research Assistant
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group
Person: Academic
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Shakiela Davies
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education - Lecturer - Psychology
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group
Person: Academic
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Evaluation of Buvidal
Holloway, K., John, B., Roderique-Davies, G., Buhociu, M., Quelch, D., Murray, S., Molina, J., Schifano, F., Livingston, W. & Song, D. J.
1/07/23 → 31/07/25
Project: Research
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The association between physical activity, mental health and psychological well-being
Hale, G., Tyson, P., Jehu, L. & Lancastle, D.
1/01/22 → …
Project: Research
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Understanding technology acceptance in social housing
Bowers, D., Fishleigh, L., Taylor, R. & Davies, N.
1/10/24 → 31/03/25
Project: Research
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12 recommendations for supporting activity engagement in extra care housing
Driscoll, H., Davies, N., Mumford, C., Evans, A., Fishleigh, L., Tyson, P., Sabolova, K., Jones, A. & Bowers, D. S., 9 Jun 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Activities, Adaptation & Aging.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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A systematic review of the economic evidence surrounding the management of alcohol withdrawal
Quelch, D., Granger, R., Lloyd-Williams, H., Copland, A., Roderique-Davies, G., John, B. & Edwards, R. T., 14 Apr 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Drug and Alcohol Review. 44, 4, p. 990-1009 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Systematic Review › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Cocaethylene and suicidality: an exploratory systematic review
Davies, N. H., Tyson, P., John, B., Lewis, A. & Roderique-Davies, G., 8 May 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Substance Use. 00, 00, 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Systematic Review › peer-review
Open AccessFile7 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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Sandpit: moving respiratory health diagnosis into the 21st century
Biao Zeng (Attendee)
28 Apr 2025 → 1 May 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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USW Research and Innovation Conference 2025
Biao Zeng (Attendee)
7 Apr 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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WIN Impact Report: A Celebration of Welsh Innovation
Biao Zeng (Speaker)
25 Mar 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
Press/Media
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Alcohol prescribing for severe withdrawal – what the research shows
17/12/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
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Why are people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage sometimes referred to as the most stigmatised group within the care sector?
15/05/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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Student theses
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Developing evidence for the ‘Bespoke-Risk Environment’ within the evolving landscape of gambling
Author: Torrance, J., 2023Supervisor: John, B. (Supervisor), Roderique-Davies, G. (Supervisor) & Greville, J. (Supervisor)
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
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Exploring the Factors that Affect LiNX Powered Wheelchair Technology Acceptance and Use
Author: Fishleigh, L., 2023Supervisor: Taylor, R. (Supervisor) & Bowers, D. (Supervisor)
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
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Factors Predicting Relapse from Substance-related Care and Support Services
Author: O'Hanrahan, M., 2023Supervisor: Roderique-Davies, G. (Supervisor), John, B. (Supervisor) & Shearer, D. (Supervisor)
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
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