Hattie Smart and Professor Joanne Lusher, Director (People) Psychology, have recently co-authored and published articles in two international peer-reviewed journals - The International Journal of Frontline Research in Science and Technology and Encyclopedia.
Hattie is nearing the end of her DPsych Counselling Psychology Training at Regent’s under Professor Lusher’s research supervision. Prior to starting the doctoral programme, Hattie completed an MSc at UCL. In the space of just four months, Hattie has published her MSc and DPsych research:
- Smart, H., Midouhas, E., and Lusher, J. (2022) Social media use and adolescents’ self-esteem and appearance satisfaction: The moderating role of school motivation, International Journal of Frontline Research in Science and Technology, 1, 2, 001-013, https://doi.org/10.56355/ijfrst.2022.1.2.0028.
- Smart, H., Lodge, R., and Lusher, J., (2023) Experiences of parenting multiple expressions of relationally challenging childhood behaviours across contexts, Encyclopedia: Social Sciences, 3, 2, https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/3/2/39.
The first article is the culmination of Hattie's MSc research, co-authored by Professor Lusher (Regent’s) and Dr Emily Midouhas (UCL). The second synthesises her critical literature review from her current DPsych research and is co-authored by Professor Lusher and Dr Rosemary Lodge (Regent’s).
Hattie’s research explores societal systems that surround a vulnerable and susceptible sector of society, namely infants, young children and adolescents, and how to help the institutions and individuals that support them. On her future research plans, Hattie says: ‘I hope to publish the findings from my current research which explores parents' experiences of the sessions in a structured parenting programme and illuminates the mechanisms of change within. This intends to offer value for counselling psychologists and family practitioners who support this parent audience and facilitate a family-centred humanistic therapeutic approach.’
On the publishing process, Hattie said: ‘When I made my first attempt to publish my MSc research, I didn't know where to begin; the process felt totally overwhelming and after a few attempts I gave up. Then I met Jo and within 6 months my publication aspirations became a reality. Working in tandem with Jo and my UCL supervisor meant that the road to publication became manageable and enjoyable. Jo edited my work and created a draft which met publication criteria, then together we reviewed and readied the article for submission. After deciding on the appropriate journal, we submitted our work for peer review. We incorporated the feedback from the editor and moved forward towards publication. For me, it was a hugely exciting and rewarding moment when we crossed the finish line. I feel hugely indebted to Jo and the second authors from Regent's and UCL for facilitating.’
In terms of preparing to publish, Hattie advises: ‘Collaboration and perseverance are essential. Victoria Clarke and Virginia Braun wrote about the rich culture of their student community, where peers read each other's work, reflect and discuss (British Psychological Society, 2021); preparing to publish felt a lot like this - alongside benefitting from the differing strengths and qualities of my co-authors. If you can work with someone who is experienced in the publishing process and is incredibly tenacious (like Jo!), make the most of it.’
Professor Lusher stresses the value of publishing while studying, instead of waiting until after completion, and emphasises the importance of co-creating with students: ‘I invite students to publish their research with me because of the numerous benefits this has for them. Getting published not only enhances a student's CV and assists them in being a head above the rest, but it positions them as an expert in their field - to a global audience. Writing for publication also allows students to gain skills and experience in writing, using feedback and working collaboratively with staff. I definitely encourage it!’