Hazel Bending

Dr Hazel Bending serves as Associate Professor in Psychology and Programme Lead at Plymouth Marjon University's School of Health & Wellbeing. A chartered member and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) with Senior Fellowship status in the Higher Education Academy (HEA), she actively contributes to national psychology education through the BPS Member Board and Undergraduate Education Committee.

Her academic credentials include:

• Doctorate in Education (2013) from the University of Exeter
• MSc Psychology from the Open University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Psychological Research Methods from the Open University
• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy from the University of Exeter

Dr Bending's research examines identity construction, student metacognition, and hidden disabilities within educational contexts. Her work explores how students navigate transitions, develop leadership capabilities, and engage with wellbeing initiatives, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups in higher education. Current projects investigate assessment feedback mechanisms and student leadership development.

Scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on educational psychology, with recent publications analyzing teaching assistant roles, technology-enhanced supervision, and student reflections on assessment. Her work bridges theoretical psychology with practical classroom applications, emphasizing cognitive and emotional dimensions of learning.

Professional recognition includes:

• Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society
• Associate Fellowship of the British Psychological Society
• Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy

Dr Bending supervises 4 PhD and 2 MRes students researching mental health, embodiment of cognition, and disability in higher education. She manages the Marjon Memory Cafe initiative, coordinating student-led wellbeing interventions across Plymouth communities while leading two active research projects on assessment feedback and student leadership development.