David Harper

Professor David Harper, currently at the University of East London (UEL) since 2000, is a prominent clinical psychologist and academic who co-directs UEL's Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program. His work bridges mental health services, critical psychology, and social change, focusing on deconstructing biomedical paradigms and addressing social inequalities.

• Education:
  • PhD in Psychology (Manchester Metropolitan University, 1999)
  • M Clin Psychol (University of Liverpool, 1991)
  • BA (Hons) Psychology (University of Liverpool, 1987)

His research interests include critical qualitative methods in mental health, social inequality, discrimination against mental distress, and surveillance discourse. He critiques psychiatric diagnosis, advocates for non-pathologizing therapies, and examines the politics of paranoia in contemporary culture.

Recent publications emphasize public mental health, conspiracy beliefs, and surveillance ethics, reflecting a trajectory toward systemic critiques of psychological practice. He co-authored the 2018 Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF), a significant BPS contribution challenging diagnostic models.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2014 British Psychological Society Book Prize (co-authored for Psychology, Mental Health & Distress)

As a supervisor, Harper mentors PhD and Professional Doctorate students on topics like psychosis, mental distress, and social justice. He contributes to UEL's Mental Health and Social Change Research Group and engages with media outlets such as The Guardian and Time Magazine.