About
Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper is an Associate Professor in Psychology within the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health. My research primarily focuses on developing accessible mental health support grounded in clinical research, theory, and positive psychology.
I am a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
I received my BSc in Psychology from Cardiff University and a Masters by Research (MRes) in Cognitive Neuropsychology from the University of Birmingham. I received my PhD in Psychosis Studies from King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. I was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford's Department of Psychiatry with Prof Belinda Lennox, working on Autoimmunity in Psychosis.
Research
Research groups
Research interests
- Metacognition in Psychosis and other serious mental health conditions
- Creativity and Wellbeing
- AI and Digital Mental Health
- Student Mental Health
Current research
My research focuses on developing accessible mental health support grounded in clinical research, theory, and positive psychology. Recently, I have concentrated on creating responsible AI-driven interventions, and exploring people’s attitudes and opinions towards AI in mental health care.
Using a combination of meta-analyses and experimental research methods, my research aims to understand concepts such as metacognition, self-reflection, and thoughts about the world in relation to psychosis, bipolar, student and general population wellbeing. Current projects also focus on the role of creative activities, such as engaging with music and craft across countries and cultures. This knowledge is applied to online apps and interventions, created to support wellbeing and mental health.
I also build in public engagement to all my research, communicating findings to relevant public and community groups.
Research projects
Active projects
Completed projects
Publications
Teaching
Director of Student Experience.
Undergraduate: Lead PSYC1021 'The Psychology of Mental Health' module, which focusses on how Psychologists study mental health and wellbeing, highlighting real world applications.
Supervision: I supervise PhD, DClin and DEd students in their Doctoral Thesis work, as well as MSc and UG Dissertations.
External roles and responsibilities
Biography
Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper is an Associate Professor in Psychology within the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, and Director of Student Experience.
I am an Associate Professor in Psychology at the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health. My research focuses on thought processes in mental health and their impact on behaviour, wellbeing, and resilience. I have a particular interest in psychosis, bipolar disorder, and the mental health of younger adults, with a current emphasis on university student wellbeing. Additionally, I explore the connections between creativity and wellbeing.
Recently, I have investigated the effectiveness of digital interventions to create accessible, sustainable, and inclusive resources that support mental health and wellbeing. These interventions leverage positive psychology techniques to enhance their impact.
My ultimate aim is to develop interventions that complement psychological therapy or provide a bridge for individuals on waiting lists to access in-person psychological support.
I am a strong advocate for public engagement and actively involve patients and the public throughout the research process, prioritising their input in identifying key areas of focus and designing psychological and healthcare studies. I am also an active science communicator in the media and online.
Prizes
- Welcome Trust/British Psychological Society Funded I’m a Scientist: Get Me Out of Here – Psychologist of the Week (2022)
- SUSU Best Pastoral Support Winner - Faculty (2024)
- Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences Dean’s Award for Public Engagement (2020)
- Welcome Trust/British Psychological Society Funded I’m a Scientist: Get Me Out of Here – Psychologist of the Week (2022)
- SUSU Best Pastoral Support Winner - Faculty (2024)
- Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences Dean’s Award for Public Engagement (2020)