Dr Kim Wright
Professor
K.A.Wright@exeter.ac.uk
5227
Washington Singer 117
Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
Overview
I am a Professor in Clinical Psychology and a registered Clinical Psychologist. My research programme centres upon developing more effective psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder and depression. In particular I am interested in how we can support people with bipolar to manage ongoing instability of mood. My research also explores the role of certain lifestyle factors in the management of bipolar including exercise and time spent in nature. I use a variety of methods including case series, randomised controlled trial designs, experimental and observational designs, evidence synthesis and qualitative interviewing.
I am co-lead of the AccEPT Service, an NHS funded psychological therapies service based at the University of Exeter that acts as a platform for research and innovation:
I am currently an associate member of the NIHR School for Primary Care Research at the University of Exeter, which is part of the Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEX) group.
Qualifications
BA(Oxon) DClinPsy (Lond) PhD (Lond)
Research group links
Research
Research interests
My research aims to contribute towards an understanding of the psychological processes involved in Bipolar Disorder.
My specific interests are:
- The relationship between minor mood change and the development of affective episodes
- Dysregulation of motivational systems in Bipolar Disorder
- Cognitive and behavioural treatment of Bipolar Disorder
- Regulation of positive mood
- Physical activity and Bipolar Disorder
- Behavioural Activation therapy for Depression
Research projects
Ongoing research:
- Characterising positive mood and reward functioning in Bipolar Disorder and Depression (projects in collaboration with Barney Dunn, Natalia Lawrence and Nicholas Moberly)
- Developing techniques that individuals with Bipolar Disorder can use to regulate approach motivation (in collaboration with Frederick Verbruggen and Ed Watkins)
- Investigating the therapeutic potential of exercise in Bipolar Disorder (in collaboration with Adrian Taylor)
- Exploring the potential of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Bipolar Spectrum disorders (in collaboration with Tom Lynch, University of Southampton)
Current externally funded research:
- As part of the EMOTER project (PI Giovanna Colombetti, 2010-2014), funded by the European Research Council, we are investigating whether reflecting upon and labelling emotional experience has the potential to change the experience of emotion. This has potential future application within the refinement of psychological therapies for mood disorders.
- I am a co-investigator on the COBRA trial (Cost and Outcomes of Behavioural Activation, funded by NIHR, PI David Richards, 2011-2015), which compares two active therapies for depression: Behavioural Activation and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
- With in Exeter and Cardiff I am exploring the potential of dynamical modelling approaches to represent approach motivation functioning in Bipolar Disorder (funded by EPSRC Bridging the Gaps, 2013)
- I am a co-investigator on a prospective online study of wanting, liking and learning in mood disorders and addiction (PI Barney Dunn, funded by Wellcome ISSF, 2013-2014)
- Co-applicant (key researcher) on PenCLARHC (NIHR funded, 2009-2013).
Past externally funded research:
- Joint principal applicant (with Heather O’Mahen) on an award of £43,000 from the Peninsula Primary Care Research Management & Governance Unit, Devon PCT to develop group Behavioural Activation therapy (2008-2009).
- Co-applicant on Wellcome capital funding award (PI: Ed Watkins) for construction of Sir Henry Wellcome Centre for Mood Disorders Research.
Research networks
University of Exeter:
Natalia Lawrence
Barney Dunn
Ed Watkins
Nicholas Moberly
Heather O'Mahen
Paul Farrand
David Richards
Frederick Verbruggen
Adrian Taylor
Sarah Dean
Giovanna Colombetti
Arno Steinacher
University of Southampton:
Tom Lynch
Massey University:
Peter Cannon
Research grants
- 2012 National Institute for Health Research HTA Programme
Cost and Outcome of Behavioral Activation: a Randomised Controlled Trial of Behavioural Activation versus Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression (the COBRA trial) - 2009 European Research Council
Team member
Publications
Journal articles
Chapters
Conferences
External Engagement and Impact
Committee/panel activities
2011-2012: Member of Department of Health task and finish group for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for SMI initiative
2007-2012: Expert member of South West 2 NHS Research Ethics Committee
Editorial responsibilities
2012-present: Associate Editor of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
Teaching
Dr Wright currently teaches on professional training programmes and the BSc in Psychology:Courses
- BSc: Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Mood Disorders
- DClinPsy: Module convenor for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy strand
- DClinPsy: academic tutor
- IAPT High Intensity Programme: Module convenor for Depression strand
Modules
2023/24
Information not currently available
Supervision / Group
Postgraduate researchers
- Michael Begley
- Asha Ladwa
- Joseph Lowenstein
- Benjamin Rosser
- Kerry Wingfield-Digby
Office Hours:
Office Hours for Term 2 in 23/24 are:
Mondays 10-11 (Teams)
Wednesdays 12-1 (in person in room 117 or Teams)