Alison Wearden

Alison Wearden is an Emeritus Professor in the Division of Psychology & Mental Health at the University of Manchester. She holds a PhD in 'Expressed emotion and Type 1 diabetes' (2000) and has extensive experience in health psychology research, teaching, and editorial roles. Her career spans roles as a Probation Officer, researcher, and lecturer before transitioning to academia full-time in 2000.

Education:

• BSc Psychology, University of Manchester (1977)
• Diploma in Social Administration and Social Work (1979)
• MSc 'Cognitive Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome' (1995)
• PhD 'Expressed emotion and Type 1 diabetes' (2000)

Research Interests: Focuses on chronic illness management (e.g., CFS/ME, diabetes), expressed emotion in healthcare, and interventions for mental health conditions. Current projects include app-based smoking cessation support, caregiver mental health in end-of-life care, and family dynamics in psychosis recovery.

Teaching:

• Undergraduate modules: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Psychology Projects
• Postgraduate units: Mind and Body in Health and Illness (MSc Clinical & Health Psychology program)

Professional Contributions:

• Past Editor of British Journal of Health Psychology (2013–2017)
• Past Chair, British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology
• Member of multiple professional bodies including Academy of Social Sciences and American Psychosomatic Society

Notable Achievements:

• Developed interventions to reduce antibiotic overprescription for respiratory infections
• Co-led projects on healthy living for psychosis recovery and self-management resources for CFS/ME
• Authored over 146 peer-reviewed publications and supervised 19 graduate students