Durham Psychology

Tracking the trajectory of executive function from 2.5 to 6.5 years of age and the impact of COVID-19 Abstract. Given the significance of executive function (EF) for longer-term outcomes, it is important to understand the trajectory of EF in childhood and h

We all lose focus sometimes, but staying on task is a vital skill as children grow. Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Durham University explored how this ability develops in childhood, as well as how COVID 19 affected it. bit.ly/EFimpactstudy

Study reveals remarkable adaptability of children’s brains to upper limb difference - Durham University

How does the brain adapt when a child is born with an upper limb difference? 🧠

New research involving Dorothy Cowie from our Durham University Department of Psychology and University of Cambridge has found incredible levels of brain adaptability in children as young as five - brnw.ch/21x0fjF

Cognitive Sex/Gender Differences and the Beliefs in Own Spatial Abilities - Archives of Sexual Behavior Sex/gender differences in specific spatial tasks are well documented, with the male advantage in the Mental Rotations Test (MRT) being one of the largest effects reported in psychological research. Nu...

Can a single piece of feedback—true or false—change how well you perform?

Confidence plays a surprising role in spatial performance—and the results of a new study suggest that even false feedback can change both.

doi.org/10.1007/s105...

Control of top-down and bottom-up information by serotonin: a combined experimental and computational approach at Newcastle University on FindAPhD.com PhD Project - Control of top-down and bottom-up information by serotonin: a combined experimental and computational approach at Newcastle University, listed on FindAPhD.com

Fully-funded PhD with me and @srikipedia.bsky.social to study serotonin functions with cutting-edge experimental-computational approaches in a #NeuroAI framework.
Based at @durhampsych.bsky.social & @newcastleuni.bsky.social

🔗 www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
⏰ Deadline: 27 Feb 2026

More info👇

Durham researchers awarded a major grant to study teenagers’ use of social media - Durham University

Durham researchers awarded a major grant to study teenagers’ use of social media - www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

Do you have a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree or international equivalent in a non-psychology subject but an interest in studying psychology?

Consider joining us at Durham University - UK Times 2026 University of the Year - for a one-year MSc Psychology (Conversion).

#AcademicSky #EduSky #HigherEd

Durham ranks among top 40 in 2026 QS Europe rankings - Durham University

We are one of Europe’s top 40universities, ranking 32nd in the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Europe.

The result highlights our improvements in academic and employer reputation, international research collaboration and graduate outcomes.

Read more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
#QSWUR

Interested in doing a PhD on how #psychedelics (or other psychoactive substances) impact psychological or social processes @durhampsych.bsky.social ?

Have a look at the NINE DTP scheme, now open. DM me if interested.

Behavioural Data Science for Decision-Makers – new professional short online course.

Make smarter, more ethical decisions using the power of behavioural insight and data.

Perfect for professionals and leaders across business, marketing, HR, and strategy.

bit.ly/BehaviouralD...

Inner Speech: Development, Cognitive Functions, Phenomenology, and Neurobiology - PubMed Inner speech-also known as covert speech or verbal thinking-has been implicated in theories of cognitive development, speech monitoring, executive function, and psychopathology. Despite a growing body...

Ten years on from publication - this big lad hits 1000 citations. Congrats @cfernyhough.bsky.social!

Probably the longest paper we will ever write. If you get to the end you get a badge and a certificate. And hopefully you will learn something about inner speech.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26011789/

We are The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2026 and ranked third overall in its Good University Guide. Congratulations to our global university community on this success. 🎉

Read more: brnw.ch/21wVU4Q

@durhampsych.bsky.social current has 5 (FIVE!!) PhD studentships being advertised!

3 to work with me on children as agents of cultural evolution

2 to work with @drboothroyd.bsky.social on examining school-based body image interventions.

Please share and apply!

www.durham.ac.uk/departments/...

We are hiring! New Asst Prof (G8) post @durhampsych.bsky.social

*All areas* but with some teaching in forensic psych. Deadline September 16.

durham.taleo.net/careersectio...

Congratulations to all 20 of our researchers who will be part of expert sub-panels for #REF2029.

The number and breadth of expertise demonstrates the excellence in research here at Durham.

www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

@ref2029.bsky.social #research #excellence

The Impact of Maternal Experience of Gender Roles on Children's Socio‐Emotional Development in Uganda: A Qualitative Study Cultural learning environments and gender roles play a key role in shaping children's development, particularly regarding their social and emotional skills. However, most work on this topic relies on...

Excited to share our new paper investigating Ugandan mothers' experience of gender roles and how it impacts their children's socio-emotional development! dx.doi.org/10.1002/icd....

@drboothroyd.bsky.social @zannaclay.bsky.social @durhampsych.bsky.social @durhamdcerc.bsky.social

A mum kissing her baby's foot while it's lying on the bed.

A new ‪study shows new mothers only have about an hour of their waking day for rest, leading to stress, loneliness and emotional exhaustion.

www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

@thuyvytnguyen.bsky.social @durhampsych.bsky.social

Deadline for applications is 16th September!

September always brings with it that old back-to-school feeling and the urge to learn something new.

Feel the same? Check out our professional short courses in behavioural science - flexible, online, and grounded in real world insight bit.ly/BehSciCPD

#BehaviouralScience@durhampsych.bsky.social

Come and work with us!
We have an exciting opportunity to join us as an Assistant Professor. The post is full-time & permanent and is open to applicants from all areas of psychology. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to teaching in forensic psychology. To apply➡️ bit.ly/3V7nqW9

Join us as we explore the challenges faced by psychology educators when teaching about sex and gender. Registrations now open for our free webinar.

Monday 8 September, 1pm - 2pm BST
lnkd.in/eUkBC2rQ

#HigherEd #Psychology #TeachingPsychology #SexAndGender #InclusiveTeaching #UKAcademia #Pedagogy

The ReaderBank website: black text on a blue-purple background saying 'Reimagining imagination. How do you imagine the things you read? Discover more about your mind and contribute to cutting-edge research on the science of our inner worlds.' Two buttons saying 'Find out more' and 'Get involved'. A blue and red flower overlayed on top for decoration.

It’s our first day at @edbookfest.bsky.social and our website has had a glow-up – go and take a look!
readerbank.org

A number of picture cards on a table showing the words Readerbank, the Chameleon, the Narrator and other examples.

The #ReaderBank Imagination Quiz aims to understand readers’ imaginations with potential to enhance mental health therapies.

shorturl.at/gHVSx

@thereaderbank.bsky.social @durhamimh.bsky.social @durhampsych.bsky.social @aldersonday.bsky.social @georgiapunton.bsky.social @edbookfest.bsky.social

New from @durhamimh.bsky.social - the first @thereaderbank.bsky.social paper! We identify 4 factors in a new scale of reading imagery, the ReaderBank Imagination Quiz.

Well done 1st author @georgiapunton.bsky.social & thanks to our partners at @edbookfest.bsky.social

Cc @durhampsych.bsky.social

Working together with people in secure mental health units to stay healthy - Durham University

In a first study of its kind, our researchers have co-produced and tested a physical activity intervention with service users and staff in secure mental health units.

www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

@proftammiwalker.bsky.social @durhampsych.bsky.social

I am very pleased to share our new website for 'The Health and Justice Forensic Research Lab' @durhampsych.bsky.social
you can join the database for free. Take a look. Happy weekend everyone 😀
healthjusticeforensicresearch.webspace.durham.ac.uk

Just launched! Professional short online courses in behavioural science at Durham University.

👉Behavioural Science at Work: Applying Behavioural Insights to Boost Business Performance bit.ly/3U5szh3

👉Identity & Inclusion: Behavioural Insights for Leaders bit.ly/4flkMFK

We had a fantastic day yesterday celebrating Congregation with our psychology graduates. It’s always such a joy to mark the achievements of our incredible students — congratulations to all!
#durhampsychology #durhamuniversitycongregation #classof2025

We are a World Top 100 University (QS World University Rankings 2026) - since 2010.

We’ve strengthened our academic reputation, are 64th globally for employability and 22nd for sustainability.

#QSWUR

This June, we will host @erc.europa.eu Scientific Council meeting. We're highlighting some of our ERC-supported projects, starting with a 5-year study by Prof @markonardini.bsky.social on the capacity of the human brain. Read more👉 bit.ly/3FpQ150
@durhampsych.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social

Beyond the Nudge
Join our dynamic, thought-provoking online discussion on the evolving role of behavioural science in business, policy, leadership, and behaviour change, with reflections from those shaping its future.

Wednesday 25 June, 1pm (GMT)
bit.ly/BeyondTheNudge