Cathy Clifton

Dr Cathy Clifton is a Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Surrey’s School of Psychology, affiliated with the Clinical Intervention and Practice Research Group. Her research focuses on understanding how partners of individuals with Locked-in syndrome (LIS) experience changes in family dynamics. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), her work aims to inform future support interventions for these families. She has also contributed to studies on the psychological experiences of heart failure patients and barriers in healthcare for individuals with severe mental illness and Type 2 diabetes.

Her research emphasizes patient-centered approaches, qualitative methodologies, and interdisciplinary healthcare challenges. Key themes include family functioning in neurological conditions, mental health in chronic illnesses, and improving healthcare coordination across disciplines.