ARC West’s funding ended on 31 March 2026. This site is an archive and is no longer updated.
Behavioural and qualitative science
The behavioural and qualitative science team focused on adapting behavioural interventions for diverse communities and using qualitative methods to understand the views, cultures and behaviours of individuals and groups. They uncover experiences of health and care, ensuring a wide range of viewpoints is included.
Theme lead: Professor Lucy Yardley
Team members
Dr Anne Scott
Senior Research Associate
Dr China Harrison
Research Fellow
Dr Clare Thomas
Research Fellow
Dr David Troy
Senior Research Associate
Dr Elisabeth Grey
Research Fellow
Dr Fiona Fox
Research Fellow in Qualitative Research
Dr Hannah Family
Research Fellow (Qualitative and Behavioural Science)
Dr Helen Watts
Research Associate
Dr Innocent Mahiya
Senior Research Associate
Dr Jessica Wheeler
Senior Research Associate in Qualitative Research
Dr Joanna Kesten
Senior Research Fellow, Qualitative Research
Dr Michelle Farr
Senior Research Fellow, Qualitative Research
Dr Rowan Brockman
Senior Research Associate
Dr Sarah Bell
Senior Research Associate in Qualitative Research
Dr Sarah Harding
Senior Research Associate
Dr Vicky Carlisle
Senior Research Associate
Mari-Rose Kennedy
Senior Research Associate
Professor Jeremy Horwood
Professor of Social Sciences and Health
Professor Lucy Yardley
Cross-cutting Methodological Theme Lead
Sarah Donald
Research AssociateProjects
The Behaviour in Schools Study: How does school discipline affect pupil mental health and wellbeing?
Research themes:
- Healthier childhoods
- Mental health
Research teams:
- Behavioural and qualitative science
- Evidence
School behaviour management strategies ineffective and may impact mental health
Download the BITE
Disciplinary behaviour management strategies in schools and their impact on student psychosocial outcomes: A systematic review
Read the paperCan personalised care help people live well with Parkinson’s disease?
Research themes:
- Integrated and optimal care
Research teams:
- Behavioural and qualitative science
Supporting families at risk of having children taken into care
Research themes:
- Healthier childhoods
Research teams:
- Behavioural and qualitative science
Evaluating new guidance for parents on talking to children about weight positively
Research themes:
- Public health and prevention
Research teams:
- Behavioural and qualitative science
How public health practitioners in the UK are using parental guidance on talking to children about weight: a qualitative study
Read the paperHow can we design weight management services with under-represented groups?
Research themes:
- Public health and prevention
Research teams:
- Behavioural and qualitative science
How can we design weight management services with under-represented groups
Download the BITE
Co-designing adult weight management services: a qualitative study exploring barriers, facilitators, and considerations for future commissioning
Read the paperPreventing cerebral palsy in premature babies: the PReCePT programme
Research themes:
- Integrated and optimal care
Research teams:
- Applied data science
- Behavioural and qualitative science
- Health economics
National PReCePT Programme: a before-and-after evaluation of the implementation of a national quality improvement programme to increase the uptake of magnesium sulfate in preterm deliveries
Read the paper