Nicole Paraskeva

Dr. Nicole Paraskeva is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) within the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences at the University of the West of England. She holds a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology from UWE (2016) and an MSc in Health Psychology from the University of Bath (2011). Her research specializes in body image dynamics across clinical and community settings, with a focus on vulnerable populations including adolescents, cancer survivors, and individuals considering cosmetic procedures.

She leads a multinational project evaluating body acceptance interventions in partnership with the World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and Unilever's Dove Self-Esteem Project. Methodologically, she employs:

• Randomized controlled trials
• Systematic reviews
• Qualitative analysis of patient experiences
• Shared decision-making tool development

Her work integrates partnerships with NHS England, Breast Cancer Now, British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and Department of Health. She frequently presents on body image, psychosocial oncology, and cosmetic surgery ethics.