Research projects at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)

Current projects at CAR cover wide-ranging research in the areas of intervention, support needs, medical decision-making, research methods, and social and cultural influences. Find out more about these projects below.

You can also read about the completed research projects at CAR.

CONNECT

(COuples with Newborns Navigating the challEnges of ClefT)

Having a child born with medical needs can be a challenging experience. Our prior research has shown that the strength of the relationship between the child’s parents is a significant predictor of parental well-being and family quality of life. The aim of the CONNECT study is to adapt and pilot an established couples' therapy intervention to improve relationship quality among parents of infants with cleft lip and/or palate. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr Senem Zeytinoglu-Saydam, and Dr Eleanor Riesen, and is funded by Canadian charity, ICEEFT. Please contact Dr Nicola Stock (nicola.stock@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

Dove Self-Esteem Project

Please see the Dove Self-Esteem Project webpage for more information.

Evaluating a body image intervention for women treated for breast cancer

Funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), this project assesses the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial of online delivery of ‘Accepting your Body after Breast Cancer (ABC)’, a group-based, CBT body image intervention for women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. The findings will inform the design, management, and future delivery of a larger evaluation to assess effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Please contact Dr Helena Lewis-Smith (helena.lewis-smith@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

UNITS SOCIAL

(Understanding Needs and Interventions for the Treatment of Scarring (UNITS): Self-help for Overcoming Challenges in Interpersonal and Associated Life Situations (SOCIAL))

The nature of military service means some personnel sustain appearance-altering injuries (AAI) such as limb loss and scarring. Previous research in CAR (UNITS) found that those affected often found social situations challenging due to being stared at and asked intrusive questions, leading to social anxiety and avoidance (see Keeling et al., 2022; 2024; 2025).  On the basis of that research, the team adapted a self-help guide to meet the specific needs of military personnel with AAI. The UNITS SOCIAL study, funded by The Scar Free Foundation and conducted in collaboration with RAND Europe, is evaluating the guide to make sure that it helps as intended. Please contact Professor Diana Harcourt (diana2.harcourt@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

VTCT Foundation

Please see the VTCT Foundation webpage for more information.

Developing training for health professionals to meet the needs of people with visible differences from underserved groups

Funded by the VTCT Foundation, this project aims to develop evidence-based training for health professionals to meet the psychosocial needs of people with visible differences from underserved groups (e.g., LGBTQIA+ people, people from the global majority). This will help improve health professionals' understanding of the psychosocial aspects of visible difference and address inequities experienced by those from underserved groups. Please contact Dr Emma Waite (emma.waite@uwe.ac.uk) for more information. 

Mapping the landscape of psychosocial support for younger women after breast cancer

Funded by Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, this project reviews existing research on survivorship support for younger women after breast cancer and maps current UK services to identify gaps and challenges, with findings informing the development of psychosocial support for younger women. Please contact Dr Helena Lewis-Smith (helena.lewis-smith@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

Skinfluence: A mixed-methods study of digital platforms’ impact on dermatology patient experiences and co-designed best practice

Funded by the VTCT Foundation, this research explores how digital content influences illness perceptions, trust, and behavioural intentions in young adults with dermatological conditions. Findings will inform the development of guidance for support organisations and health professionals, and digital health literacy resources for young adults. Please contact Dr Ella Guest (ella.guest@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

The Star Project:  Shining a light on family planning for people with inherited conditions that affect appearance

Funded by the VTCT Foundation, the STAR project investigates how people with inheritable conditions that affect appearance make decisions about starting a family. It explores the emotional, social, and practical challenges involved, including navigating healthcare systems, responding to societal attitudes, and accessing appropriate support. We are now in the second phase of the project, which focuses on enhancing the provision of care and support for people with appearance affecting genetic conditions. This phase aims to develop evidence-based training resources and support tools to help manage anxiety around reproductive decision making. Please contact Dr Kerry Montgomery (kerry.montgomery@uwe.ac.uk) for more information. 

Understanding the experiences and support needs of LGBTQIA+ adults with visible differences

Funded by the VTCT Foundation, this research explores the lived experiences and support needs of LGBTQIA+ adults with visible differences. The aim of this project will be to develop a supportive resource tailored to the unique needs of this population. Please contact Dr Emma Waite (emma.waite@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

Aesthetics procedures

Aesthetic practitioners are often the frontline for those with appearance-related concerns. We are currently conducting research with aesthetic nurses to understand how we (research psychologists) can support practitioners in recognising and responding to appearance related concerns during patient consultation. Please contact Dr Kirsty Garbett (kirsty.garbett@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

CHOICE

(CHampioning shared decisiOn-making In Craniofacial carE)

Surgical decisions are complex and are not always made in the best way. The aim of the CHOICE study is to understand how decisions are made about surgery to alter facial appearance and function in adolescents and young adults with rare craniofacial conditions. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Kent, and is funded by the NIHR. Please contact Dr Nicola Stock (nicola.stock@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

FAIR

(Fraud Analysis in Internet Research) 

FAIR is a multidisciplinary working group launched in June 2025 focused on understanding, identifying, and addressing fraudulent or non-genuine participation in online research. As digital data collection becomes increasingly common across disciplines, researchers are facing growing challenges from bots, duplicate responses, and individuals misrepresenting eligibility. FAIR brings together researchers, methodologists, and research integrity experts to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and develop practical solutions to safeguard the quality of online research. Please contact Dr Kat Schneider (kat.schneider@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

Understanding Colourism

Colourism refers to a form of appearance-based prejudice in which people are disadvantaged the darker their skin and the further their features are from those associated with whiteness. In collaboration with colleagues at King’s College London, the University of Oxford, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, recent work includes the development of a scale to capture everyday experiences of colourism, qualitative studies exploring adolescents’ and adults’ experiences of colourism in the UK, and quantitative research investigating experiences of colourism in relation to skin-lightening product use and other appearance-control behaviours across several Asian countries. Please contact Dr Nadia Craddock  (nadia.craddock@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.

Artificial Intelligence

This research is exploring how artificial intelligence can be harnessed ethically to prevent eating disorders and promote body confidence. Funded by the Medical Research Foundation, this interdisciplinary portfolio brings together psychology, data science, and digital ethics to identify opportunities and safeguards in the development and deployment of AI tools. Current work investigates how AI systems can detect early risk factors for disordered eating, tailor preventive interventions, and promote positive online environments that support wellbeing, especially among young people. The overarching aim is to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly to enhance digital health and protect vulnerable users. Please contact Dr Nadia Craddock  (nadia.craddock@uwe.ac.uk) for further information.