Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University
My research interests have focused on body image, disordered eating, and more broadly how individuals are harmed by intersecting injustices (e.g., racism, sexism).
My PhD (March, 2016) explored men's body image from a Marxist, feminist perspective. I sought to empirically argue that what drives men's dissatisfaction with their appearance is a growing market of products that sells appearance insecurities (e.g., protein shakes, facial hair transplants, 'bicep firming' creams etc.).
Over the last year I have led a project to highlight the White, Western (and male) dominance in our psychology curriculum with the aim of diversifiying it. Together with colleagues at Leeds Beckett University we have started to compile a database of BME and anti-racist psychological work: www.bmepsychology.com/
I am a committee member of the British Psychological Society's Psychology of Women Section which seeks to highlight feminist and intersectional work in psychology. I was also a blog and newsletter co-editor of the International Society for Critical Health Psychology from 2013 - 2017. I am a reviewer for the following journals: Psychology of Men and Masculinity, Body Image, Journal of Health Psychology, Journal of Gender Studies among others.
The hidden racist history of hair loss
Mar 19, 2024 11:33 am UTC| Health
Hair loss is common in men and women, particularly with age for example, androgenetic alopecia (or pattern baldness) affects 80% of men and 40% of women. For the most part, it can be physically inconsequential. Yet,...
Six-packs and bulging biceps – how appearance pressures take their toll on men's mental health
Jul 14, 2019 13:21 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health
Over recent years, body dissatisfaction or shame about ones appearance has been on the rise in men. This isnt something just affecting young men either, its extensively reported across a range of age groups. And its...
Dating apps make men unhappy and provide a platform for racism
Sep 21, 2017 14:09 pm UTC| Insights & Views Technology
As the dating app Tinder turns five, new research shows men who regularly use the app have more body image concerns and lower self-esteem. The research found Tinder users reported lower levels of satisfaction with their...
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