Ruth Woods

Ruth Woods is a part-time Lecturer in Psychology at Robert Gordon University (RGU), working within the School of Law & Social Sciences. She teaches across the BSc Applied Social Sciences, MSc Applied Psychology, and MSc Social Work programs, with a focus on developmental psychology, ethics, conceptual issues, critical psychology, and qualitative research methods. Dr. Woods convenes Developmental Psychology modules for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Dr. Woods' research spans three interconnected areas: psychological responses to living in diverse societies (particularly religious and ethnic differences), psychological aspects of sustainability and climate change (including climate scepticism and plant-based diets), and the efficacy of online coaching techniques. Her current major project, 'Understanding uncertainty, reconstruction and resistance: How are young people in Britain affected by religious diversity?' (2023-2024), examines how encounters with religious diversity affect young adults' beliefs and identities. Earlier in her career, she published the acclaimed monograph 'Children's Moral Lives' (2013), which offered an ethnographic account of children's moral values in a multicultural London school.

Analysis of Dr. Woods' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on social psychology, particularly how individuals navigate complex social landscapes. Her work bridges theoretical understanding with practical applications, examining topics from religious diversity to climate change responses. The publications demonstrate methodological diversity, incorporating both qualitative and experimental approaches to understand psychological processes in real-world contexts.

• Member of Grampian Regional Equality Council's Research, Policy and Practice Network (2022)
• Member of Research Ethics Committee for Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (2021)

Dr. Woods currently supervises two PhD students: Rachel Young, researching climate activists' responses to the climate crisis as a potential grief process, and Francis Mbaneo, examining religion and culture in maternal mental health in Northern Nigeria. Her research has been supported through various projects, including studies on Brexit's impact on EU citizens' mental health and student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Woods maintains active engagement with both academic and community organizations, ensuring her research has practical relevance to contemporary social issues.