Karen's research interests include the impact of war experience of formerly serving military personnel and the role of social support in coping with these experiences. And, more generally, the physical, mental, and emotional changes that occur throughout the adult lifespan, with a particular focus on how events in life challenge perceptions of the self (identity) and world, the impact of these challenges for wellbeing, and how these challenges can be overcome through psychosocial and narrative interventions to improve health and wellbeing in later life.
In her role Karen continues to work in the area of health and wellbeing in later life, with a particular emphasis on understanding how challenges in life are overcome and how help can be best given.
Karen is a member of the Forces in Mind Trust Mental Health Research Programme Expert Review Panel, and is part of the Editorial Team for the journal Quality in Ageing and Older Adults. She also serves as a peer reviewer for a number of journals in her area interest.
Karen has been awarded the following research funding:
- Age UK Portsmouth: Evaluation of Age UK Portsmouth (Principal Investigator): £25,000 (17/03/16)
- Forces in Mind: A Feasibility Study of Veteran Outreach Support (Portsmouth): Evaluating Veteran Outreach Support in Portsmouth for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness (Principal Investigator): £130,058 (05.06.14)
- Research Development Fund (University of Portsmouth): Developing a peer support model for older veterans (Principal Investigator). £19,544 (21.11.2013)
- Alzheimer’s Society Innovation Fund: Evaluation of a Creative Arts Service for people with dementia and their carers (PI): £22,339 (03.12.13)
- Alzheimer’s Society Invited Tender: Kit Bags and Berets – an evaluation of an activity group specifically for veterans with dementia and their carers (PI): £4,000 to subsidise an MRes Project (02.08.13)
More information about Karen's research can be found in her PURE profile.