Dr Lucy Jones recently qualified as a Clinical Psychologist, having completed the Department of Primary Care and Mental Health’s DClin programme. Earlier this year she travelled to Germany to present her research at the Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology (SRIP) conference.
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClin) is a three-year programme accredited by the British Psychological Society, which leads to Chartered Clinical Psychologist status. As part of the programme, I carried out a research project.
My research
Childbirth is a major event that can leave a lasting impact. Following childbirth, reviews can take place to discuss your experiences with a midwife. My research explored the psychological implications of attending a birth review following childbirth. Participants were recruited across four NHS sites within South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw. My supervisors included Professor Pauline Slade, Dr Hannah Twiddy, Dr Charlotte Krahe and Dr Emma Williams.
We investigated the changes across perceived trauma, post-traumatic stress symptoms, childbirth experience, shame, and self-compassion. We also explored whether levels of psychological flexibility predicted outcomes.
Presenting my research
Following the completion of my empirical paper I was supported by my supervisory team to apply to present at the SRIP conference in Dresden, Germany. I am pleased to say that I was accepted to deliver an oral presentation and received a student bursary.
The conference was a truly incredible experience and the perfect opportunity to disseminate the findings of my thesis which explored the psychological implications of attending a birth review appointment.
I reflected to my supervisors very early on my awareness and determination to make sure the findings of the project would be disseminated given their importance, but also in recognition of the time participants offer to put into our research.
While feeling nervous initially stood in front of many reputable researchers within the field of perinatal mental health, I came away feeling proud. It has also encouraged me to seek further research opportunities once settled in my newly qualified job.
