Critical Psychology Research

Our research is informed variously from feminist and critical arguments - in particular, social constructionism, post structuralism, discursive psychology, discourse analytic research and historical psychology - centres on sexuality, gender, transgenderism, spirituality, embodiment and education. We have a monthly critical reading group (CRG) with participants who are critical psychologists, clinicians, counselling practitioners and other lecturers who are interested in critical psychology.

Research projects

Dr Ceri Parsons

In collaboration with Dr. Susan Speer this project examines the interactions that take place between Psychiatrists and transsexual clients attending a Gender Identity Clinic. The project utilises the method of conversation analysis, to explore naturally occurring data from actual clinical sessions in order to explore how a diagnosis of transsexuality is managed interactionally. Currently we have published one book chapter and one article from the project which focuses on 'Gatekeeping Gender' in this specific context. In addition, I have recently published an article exploring the narratives of transsexual identified people to examine how transsexuality is socially constructed in this specific context.
Socio-cultural and psychological constructions of spirituality

This research focuses on what has been termed 'new spiritualities' rather than a theistic concept of spirituality as associated with Judeo-Christianity. The project draws on social constructionism and post-structuralism and involves an analysis of semi-structured interviews and written texts.  Research papers are published on the role of psychology in constructing new forms of spirituality; an examination of the ways in which psychological constructions of spirituality and new forms of spirituality offer possibilities for personal and social change; new forms of spirituality and embodiment; and the use of rhetoric in mind-body-spirit.

Dr Helen Lee

This work involves collaboration between academic researchers, health practitioners, peer educators, students and the NGO Siem Reap Citizens for Health, Educational and Social Issues (SiRCHESI). The current work with Prof Ian Lubek (University of Guelph) and Roel Idema (Maastricht, Netherlands) centres on disseminating research findings through the internet; it is part of a larger project informed by participation action research. Over the past seven years, this larger project has worked to improve quality of life of beer sellers in Siem Reap, Cambodia - some of whom become indirect sex workers. The project works at various levels which includes the implementation of workshops for beer sellers on the spread of HIV/AIDS, condom use and the effects of alcohol consumption, setting up and supporting a peer educators programme and communicating about the policies and practices of international beer companies whose produces are sold by beer sellers in Cambodia. More information including research reports are available at the SiRCHESI website http://www.angkorwatngo.com/ and http://www.fairtradebeer.com/.