Exploring Educational Psychologists’ Practice Considering Nutrition in the UK

EP or TEP? Let’s Talk Nutrition!

Project focus: To explore (Trainee) Educational Psychologists’ understanding of and experience with nutrition. To explore (Trainee) Educational Psychologists’ views on incorporating nutrition in their work and future practice.

Nutrition

Maslow’s hierarchy (1943) suggests that nutrition is one of the building blocks for children to develop in other areas including academic learning, social relationships and managing emotions which are all key aspects of child development. Nutrition has been shown to impact mental health and wellbeing (Grajek et al., 2022), as well as cognition (Parletta, Milte & Meyer, 2013). As Educational Psychologists, many see our role as one of looking at children and young people holistically rather than from one angle, as many professionals do in their areas of expertise (MacKay, 2006). With this in mind, the study aims to start a conversation, exploring nutrition within Educational Psychology.

This study has two components: a UK-wide survey and an interview component, both open to EPs, as well as 2nd and 3rd year TEPs. The survey aims to explore a UK-wide picture of current EP practice around nutrition, including trainee EPs. The interviews will explore EPs’ views around nutrition in their role in more depth, also considering motivations for EP practice choices.

How you can participate

If you are a UK-based EP or 2nd/ 3rd year TEP, you are invited to participate in this study. Click on the image below to start:

Alternatively, email Gwen at [email protected] or follow this link for more information: Exploring Educational Psychologists’ Practice Considering Nutrition in the UK

Researcher: Gwen van Stappen, a second-year Trainee Educational Psychologist at the University of Bristol with a varied background in childcare, mental health, social care and education. My areas of professional interest include sensory regulation and nutrition, the latter of which has inspired my doctoral thesis project.

Supervisors: Dan O’Hare [email protected] and Beth Tarleton [email protected]
Ethical approval has been gained from the University of Bristol.

Research Questions

• To what extent, if at all, do UK EPs consider nutrition and the impact of this on learning and well-being in their work?
• What influences EPs' practice considering nutrition in their work or not?
• What are EPs’ views on incorporating the impact of nutrition in their work?
• What are EPs’ views on what ideal future practice looks like considering nutrition in their work?