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معرفی
Dr Alex Barker is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby, affiliated with the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. He has been active in higher education since 2016, contributing to both research and teaching in psychology, with a strong focus on public health and behavioral science.
His educational background includes a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Derby, an MSc in Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health from Nottingham Trent University, and a PhD from the University of Nottingham on social identity change in people with multiple sclerosis.
Dr Barker's research centers on the promotion of unhealthy commodities—particularly alcohol, tobacco, and junk food—in media, and the behavioral and health impacts on youth and vulnerable populations. He employs content analysis across television, film, and sports broadcasts to assess exposure levels and regulatory gaps. His work bridges social psychology and public health, examining how media influences health behaviors and how psychosocial factors can mitigate negative health outcomes.
His recent publications reveal a consistent trend: analyzing alcohol, tobacco, and junk food content across high-viewership media such as reality TV, sports events, and streaming platforms. These studies often involve population exposure estimates and have significant implications for public health policy and media regulation. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans psychology, epidemiology, media studies, and policy advocacy.
Dr Barker is a Chartered Member and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. While no formal awards are listed, his research has led to widespread media engagement, including features in The Daily Mail, The Times, BBC Radio, and GB News, as well as contributions to reports by Alcohol Focus Scotland and the World Health Organization.
He leads modules in Individual Differences and Research Methods (Qualitative), and teaches across topics including Social and Cognitive Psychology, Addictive Behaviours, and Cyberpsychology. He also contributes to the MSc Behaviour Change programme. Though no students are named, his active research and teaching roles suggest advisory responsibilities. He has collaborated extensively with public health researchers such as R.L. Murray and J. Britton, and has contributed to policy responses, including letters to Ofcom.
Dr Barker’s work is supported through institutional affiliations and collaborative research projects, with a clear emphasis on translating findings into public health action. His research lab or team appears to be embedded within broader public health and psychology research groups at the University of Derby and through national and international collaborations.
