About Me

Dr. Nicky Knights

I am a research psychologist, with a strong interest in the social, psychological and biological factors that impact on a young person’s development.

I am especially interested in how individuals overcome adversity and develop psychological resilience.

I have enhanced DBS clearance and have received safeguarding training.

If you would like more information, email me at nicky@psychologicalfoundations.co.uk.

My qualifications

PhD in Developmental Psychopathology

University of Hertfordshire - Psychology

My PhD explored the effects of bullying on a young person’s social, psychological and academic functioning and what helped them to recover, using a developmental psychopathology framework.

MSc in Research Methods in Psychology

Goldsmiths College, University of London, Department of Psychology

Research dissertation ‘Long term effects of adolescent bullying: social, emotional and global achievement outcomes’ (mixed-methods)

Distinction

BSc (Hons) in Psychology

My interests

I am interested in the psychology of survival and have studied people who experienced extreme adversity to try to understand how they adapted, and what psychological resources they employed.

For example, I have been fortunate enough to have met Dr. Roberto Canessa, one of the survivors of the Andes plane crash in 1972, which was made into the film called ‘Alive’. A truly inspiring man.

I have also just returned from a trip to Auschwitz, having had a longstanding interest in the Holocaust and what we can learn from those who survived.

In my free time, I enjoy endurance swimming and am hoping to swim the Channel one day!

I also enjoy writing and music, and am interested in how creativity can help develop resilience.

My experience

Amy Winehouse Foundation

I have recently worked with the Amy Winehouse Foundation, developing and administering a survey looking at drug and alcohol prevalence in young people, including new substances, such as e-cigarettes, energy drinks and novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cannabinoids.

Numerous focus groups were conducted with young people across the UK, that provided valuable insight into the reasons why young people use substances and current trends in drug and alcohol use.

As part of my role, I also presented talks on social-emotional issues in both private and mainstream schools, including Education Support Centres (ESC) and Pupil Referral Units (PRU).

Academic research experience

I have over 10 years’ research experience in academic institutions in the field of developmental psychopathology including adolescent mental health and resilience, sexual health and drug, alcohol and addictions research and offending behaviour. This has involved working directly with young people in schools and communities and with professionals from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and youth offending teams.

I have also been fortunate enough to have worked under experts in the field, such as Professor Sir Michael Rutter, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology and world leading expert in resilience.

I am constantly expanding my knowledge by keeping up to date with new research findings, talking to both academics and clinicians and listening to young people, parents and teachers.

Additional information

How people react to sustained interpersonal trauma is also an area that I have studied in some depth, and believe that young people who experience severe and chronic bullying, may develop complex trauma symptoms.

Prior to my research career, I spent time working with young people in the field of eating disorders and have also been employed in psychiatric/forensic services. I have experience using cognitive-behavioural techniques and motivational interviewing.

I endeavour to deliver a high quality, ethical service that complies with the British Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Conduct.

“I had the pleasure of working with Nicky during the design, delivery and analysis of the Amy Winehouse Foundation Prevalence Study, a nationwide survey examining the prevalence of substance misuse in secondary schools.

Nicky was a pleasure to work with - highly professional, highly skilled and always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Nicky delivered a first class survey… the results of which will be disseminated through September and October 2018”

Dominic Ruffy - Special Projects Director

Amy Winehouse Foundation

About Me

Content

About me

Dr. Nicky Knights

My qualifications

PhD in Developmental Psychopathology

MSc in Research Methods in Psychology

BSc (Hons) in Psychology

My interests

My experience

Amy Winehouse Foundation

Academic research experience

Additional information