About
Ruth Wadman is a Research Fellow in Health Sciences at the University of York and Theme Manager for the Yorkshire and Humber ARC Mental and Physical Multimorbidity theme. She leads the Age of Wonder Adolescent Mental Health Collaboratory within the Born In Bradford cohort study and contributes to the Mental Health and Addiction Research Group.
Education:
- BSc (Hons) Psychology from Durham University
- MRes Psychology from the University of Manchester
- PhD Psychology from the University of Manchester
Her research centers on adolescent mental health, specializing in self-harm, mental-physical multimorbidity, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She employs mixed methods to investigate emotional/social functioning in youth, with strong emphasis on co-producing research with young people. Current work addresses school-based mental health interventions, digital health in severe mental illness, and trauma-related growth in self-harm contexts.
Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal interdisciplinary trends spanning psychology, public health, and digital innovation. Key themes include body image in educational settings, internet use patterns among severe mental illness patients, and post-traumatic growth mechanisms in self-harm. These studies demonstrate methodological diversity through qualitative school-based research, digital health interviews, and clinical psychology investigations.
Scientific Awards:
- Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society
- Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
- Fellow of The Higher Education Academy
She secured NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre funding for mental health development (2024) and ESRC IAA grants for digital health engagement (2022). Her public engagement includes Sky News/BBC Radio interviews on self-harm interventions and keynote addresses at national conferences. She founded the ECR YaPS network for youth engagement in self-harm research.
Wadman directs the Yorkshire and Humber ARC Multimorbidity theme while collaborating with the Age of Wonder team and Born In Bradford cohort, driving integrated approaches to adolescent mental health through academic-NHS partnerships.
