The University of Southampton is one of the UK’s top research universities, ranking 11th for the volume of its high quality research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. The REF rated 84 per cent of Southampton’s overall research activity as world-leading and internationally excellent.
Psychology has performed well in specific Units of Assessment in the REF with 100% of our activity rated as internationally excellent or of world-leading quality for both the impact of our research and the research environment that we offer.
Psychology at Southampton has a tradition of world-class research. Our academics work at the forefront of their fields, committed to the highest-quality scientific investigation on a range of social, educational and health-related issues that together make a real impact. Below we feature examples of ways in which our research is changing the world for the better and impacting on the lives of people in the UK and around the globe.
Our research into attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has generated the world’s most rigorous body of evidence synthesis on the treatment of ADHD, influencing guidelines and strategies worldwide.
Psychologists and Computer Scientists at the University of Southampton developed a unique set of open-source software tools that allow researchers to flexibly create, modify and evaluate digital behaviour change interventions, which cost-effectively provide 24/7 personalised support for health management.
The development of safe and effective mental health services is an international priority.
Psychologists at the University of Southampton have worked with NHS clinicians and people with direct experience of mental ill-health to develop a measure that can be used to support individuals' recovery and assess service level outcomes.
Our multidisciplinary research has resulted in the development of ‘POWeR’ – Positive Online Weight Reduction – a self-guided digital programme to initiate and sustain weight loss and physical activity. POWeR has been made available to millions of people through local health authorities and the NHS.
Our longitudinal research into the effects of time-limited, early institutional deprivation on development as part of the world-renowned English and Romanian Adoptees study has changed our understanding of children’s recovery from severe early deprivation and the lasting effects it can have. Our research has influenced clinical and social work, and international policy recommendations to end institutional care for children. Our work is featured in many educational resources as a case study to teach students about development following early adversity.