Skip to main content
PGT Hub
  1. Queen Mary University of London
  2. PGT Hub
  3. Psychology: Mental Health Sciences
  4. Research within Psychology Mental Health Sciences

Research within Psychology Mental Health Sciences

Understanding the full picture of mental health means exploring both what shapes our minds and how we respond to life’s challenges. Our world-leading researchers investigate key psychological and biological factors influencing mental wellbeing, ranging from emotional regulation and academic resilience to the overlooked hormonal links in women’s mental health.

MSc Psychology: Mental Health Sciences students benefit directly from this cutting-edge research, learning alongside experts tackling real-world challenges in mental health.

Emotional Intelligence and Academic Success: More Than Just IQ

New research co-led by Dr Margherita Malanchini at Queen Mary University of London reveals that non-cognitive skills, like motivation, self-control, and perseverance, play a vital role in shaping academic achievement. Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the large-scale study followed over 10,000 children across England and Wales and found that these traits become increasingly influential as students move through school.

Genetic analysis showed that non-cognitive traits are not only heritable, but just as predictive of success as intelligence by the end of compulsory education. The findings challenge the traditional focus on IQ alone and suggest schools should support students’ emotional and behavioural development alongside academic learning.

Read more about Non-cognitive skills: the hidden key to academic success

Found this interesting? You can read the full article here

ADHD and Hormonal Health: An Overlooked Mental Health Risk for Women

Women with ADHD are over three times more likely to experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a debilitating condition that can involve low mood, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating in the days before menstruation. The risk increases even further for those with co-occurring anxiety or depression, according to a recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Led by Dr Thomas Broughton and Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais from Queen Mary University of London, the study surveyed over 700 women across the UK and found that even women with high ADHD symptoms, without a formal diagnosis, were over four times more likely to meet the criteria for PMDD.

“Because ADHD was historically considered a condition that mainly affected boys, many issues specific to females have been overlooked,” said Dr Agnew-Blais. “Our findings emphasise the need to consider how females with ADHD may be at higher risk for experiencing PMDD.”

The findings call for improved screening, support, and greater recognition of hormonal mental health risks in women with ADHD, an area that has long been underdiagnosed and understudied.

Enjoyed the research on ADHD and severe premenstrual disorder?

Read the full article here
Back to top