Past Research Projects:-

2008-2012

Doctoral research project analysing the spatial production and social performance of long-term, mental health service users. This qualitative study was funded by The University of Northampton.

2010-2012

Research Assistant on a 'pilot' research project exploring people’s experiences of Telephone Telepathy.  This qualitative study was funded by the Perrott-Warwick Fund. Pilot findings report submitted to Perrott-Warwick.

2009-2010

Research Assistant for Bedfordshire NHS Trust, CAMH Services.  Barometer Project assessing young client needs and psychiatrist’s perceptions of adult mental health care. This study was funded by Bedfordshire NHS Trust. Report on findings and recommendations submitted to Bedfordshire NHS Trust.

2007-2009

Research Assistant undertaking a series of one-to-one interviews with older, mental health service users residing within the East Midlands to explore the experiences of life-transitions.  This qualitative study was funded by the Mental Health Foundation. Report on findings submitted to the Mental Health Foundation

PhD Supervision - Maria Cochrane - Exploring women's experiences following a masectomy using creative qualitative methods

PhD Supervision - Elaine Williams - Exploring the potential impacts on self-esteem for menopausal women after being treated with facial aesthetics

Lesley-Ann Smith is a Critical Social Psychologist and Qualitative Researcher.  Her research interests focus on drawing from post-structuralist philosophical concepts, critical psychiatry and and critical social psychology literature to analyse the spatial production and social performance of long-term, mental health service users.  More specifically, the empirical data explores the spaces of long-term psychiatric institutions, charitable day centres and the home. Lesley-Ann is also interested in the ways in which diagnostic identities are either embodied or discursively rejected as ‘risky’ in terms of social and self-identity, with a particular focus on psychosis and borderline personality disorder. Other areas of interest include researching and analysing the memorial accounts of service users drawing primarily from a process theory framework. Other areas of research include exploring people’s experiences of telephone telepathy and more recently, researching the shaving/grooming practices around the pubic region and the rise of ‘designer vagina’ surgery for young adult females. Research around psychedelic use and transformative identities with links to geographical spaces. Research around the rising use of non-invasive surgery (i.e. botox, dermal fillers) in older and younger women.

My research interests focus on drawing from post-structuralist philosophical concepts, critical psychiatry and and critical social psychology literature to analyse the spatial production and social performance of long-term, mental health service users.  More specifically, the empirical data explores the spaces of long-term psychiatric institutions, charitable day centres and the home. Lesley-Ann is also interested in the ways in which diagnostic identities are either embodied or discursively rejected as ‘risky’ in terms of social and self-identity, with a particular focus on psychosis and borderline personality disorder. Other areas of interest include researching and analysing the memorial accounts of service users drawing primarily from a process theory framework. Other areas of research include exploring people’s experiences of telephone telepathy and more recently, researching the shaving/grooming practices around the pubic region and the rise of ‘designer vagina’ surgery for young adult females. Research around psychedelic use and transformative identities with links to geographical spaces and identity. Research around the rising use of non-invasive surgery (i.e. botox, dermal fillers) in older and younger women and particularly the 'botox glow' in menopausal females.

I am a Programme Leader for the MSc Psychology Conversion Programme

I am the Module Co-ordinator for PSY1004 Investigating Psychology, PSY3024 Understanding the Social World and PSYM081 Applied and Critical Social Psychology.

I teach on PSY1003 Introduction to Psychology (Social), PSY1004 Investigating Psychology, PSY3024 Understanding the Social World, PSYM079 Advanced Developmental, PSYM081 Applied and Critical Social Psychology, PSYM101 Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology and PSYM102 Research Skills.

I am the Staff Lead Mentor and Staff Mentor.

I am the Liaison Tutor for TMC Academy in Singapore.