An increasing emphasis on research complements this approach; creating an environment that embodies creative and lively debate. Two current strong areas of research within the Department are Forensic and Health Psychology.
Chartered Health Psychologist Dr Peter Spencer is currently conducting research into Functional Somatic Syndromes and the aetiology of such syndromes. He has a particular interest in pain syndromes and pain relief, focusing on the development of TENS machines and also the use of Cognitive Behaviour Theory.
Dr Paul Smith and Dr Lorraine Grieve are active researchers in the area of Forensic Psychology. Current areas of research interest include physiological and cognitive assessments of sexual interest, personality disorder, neurobiological mechanisms of impulsivity, self harm and addiction, road rage, risk assessment and the psychology of terrorism, in particular terrorist use of the internet, psychological processes of individual involvement and group radicalization.
Dr Alison Torn is research active in the areas of narratives and mental health, focussing particularly on firsthand narratives of madness. Alison has a book proposal currently being considered for publication by Oxford University Press entitled Meanings of Madness.
Forensic Psychology in Theory and Practice Conference
Friday 7th November 2008
Ciara Staunton, University College Cork - The Polygraph & Sex Offenders
Ian Ducker & Danielle McDermott, HMP Leeds - Reducing Self-Harm: The Safer Custody Suite
James Briggs & Dr Amanda Harrison, University of Leeds, Dr Paul Smith, Leeds Trinity and All Saints - Neurobiology of Impulsivity
Catherine Farr, Broadmoor Hospital - DSPD -Working with High-Risk Offenders
An audience of 70 undergraduate students together with invited guests from HMP Prison Service were present at a conference held to reflect the links between theory and practice in Forensic Psychology jointly organised by Dr Paul Smith and Dr Lorraine Grieve.