EmBody

EmBODY is a mental health grouping within DHR which is interested in the bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health. 

Its Mission

Advance interdisciplinary research

EmBody aims to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physical and mental health. By integrating psychological, social science and public health perspectives, we strive to develop the evidence base, new theory and innovative, evidence-based interventions that improve overall well-being.

Foster collaboration

Our mission is to foster collaboration across disciplines, empower communities and inform health and social care policy and practice, ensuring that our research translates into real-world impact for diverse populations.

Its Vision

Seamless integration

EmBody envisions a future where physical and mental health are seamlessly integrated into a holistic approach to care.

Advancing health equity

Through pioneering research, we aim to be a global leader in advancing health equity, enhancing quality of life and addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of mind and body.

Promoting understanding

Our work will contribute to healthier societies by promoting a balanced understanding of health that bridges the gap between physical and mental well-being.

Current and recent funded projects

Understanding the mental health needs of people with Huntington’s disease: funded by the European Huntington’s Disease Network

A pilot feasibility trial for an online self-help intervention for anxiety in people affected by Huntington’s: funded by the Gosweiler Foundation

Understanding post COVID adjustment in people with Parkinson’s: funded by the ESRC

We are very keen to hear from anyone interested in collaborating with us either as a student, academic or with lived experience. We can offer PhD supervision and are very open to hearing about grant or research project ideas. Please contact us on embody@lancaster.ac.uk

EmBody Publications

Murray, C. D., Eccles, F. J., Garner, I., Doyle, C., & Simpson, J. (2024). Living with Parkinson’s in England during and beyond COVID-19 restrictions: a longitudinal qualitative study. Aging & Mental Health, 28(1), 151-159. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2265319

Stopic, V., Rizos, A., Simpson, J., Eccles, F. J. R., Dembek, T. A., Barbe, M. T., & Sauerbier, A. (2024). Interkulturelle Adaptation der PUKSoPC in deutscher Sprache: Eine Skala zur gefühlten Kontrolle von Parkinson-Patientinnen und-Patienten. Der Nervenarzt, 95(2), 141.

Cooper, H.C., Simpson, J., Dale, M., & Eccles, F.J.R. (2024). Maintaining psychological wellbeing when living at risk of Huntington’s disease: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Journal of Genetic Counseling. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1965

Eccles, F.J.R., Simpson, J., Fflur, S., Tong, M., Williams, T., et al. (2024). Group compassion-focused therapy for psychological distress in Parkinson’s – an exploratory case series in clinical practice. International Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontolology, 8, 188. https://doi.org/10.29011/2577-0748.100088

Gotheridge, H., Eccles, F.J.R., …. Simpson, J. (2025). A systematic review of the factors associated with the psychological wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s in the COVID-19 pandemic. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47 (9), 2234-2245.

Tindall, T., Dale, M., Simpson, J., & Gunn, S. (2025). ‘It’s more than just irritability’: perspectives and experiences of irritability among people affected by Huntington’s disease. Psychology & Health, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2025.2474010

Cooper, H., Simpson, J., Dale, M., & Eccles, F.J.R. (2025). Experiences of young people growing up in a family with Huntington’s disease: a meta-ethnography of qualitative research. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 34, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1886

Lesley, R., Simpson, J., Dale, M., Eccles, F., Lock, S., & Gunn, S. (2025). Predictors of informal caregiver burden in Parkinson’s: a systematic review. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 47(6) 524–543. Doi: 10.1177/01939459251327968

Eaves, L., Simpson, J., Reuber, M. (2025). Experiences of individuals with functional/dissociative seizures with healthcare professionals: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, 21, 131-149. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.04.020

McCormack, D., O'Keeffe, F., & Eccles, F. (accepted, in press). Lived Experiences of Psychological Distress in Neck Dystonia. Disability and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2481982

McCormack, D., O'Keeffe, F., Seery, C., & Eccles, F. (2025). The association between body image and psychological outcomes in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 93, Article 106226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2024.106226

Cullen, E., Eccles, F. J. R., Byrne, G., Dow, M., Dwyer, B., O’Riordan, S., & O’Keeffe, F. (2024). “A young person in an old person’s body”: a reflexive thematic analysis of the experience of living with young onset Parkinson’s disease. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-9. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2444481

Luca, M., Luca, A., Patti, F., Algorta, G. P., & Eccles, F. J. R. (2024). Alexithymia and illness perceptions in persons with multiple sclerosis and their partners. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 25116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-76702-5

Maxwell-Scott, M., O’Keeffe, F., & Eccles, F. JR. (2024). Navigating the social world with neck dystonia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Journal of Health Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053241286131

Maxwell-Scott, M., O’Keeffe, F., & Eccles, F. J. R. (2024). Coping with Tourette’s syndrome: a meta-ethnography of individual and family perspectives. Psychology and Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2024.2360126

Parker, B., Ashton, A., Fletcher, I., & Eccles, F. (2024). The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence, Self-Compassion and Wellbeing in Ambulance Staff. International Journal of Paramedicine, (6), 62-82. https://doi.org/10.56068/JNUD3075

Luca M, Luca A, Patti F, Perez Algorta G, Eccles FJ. Alexithymia and illness perceptions in persons with multiple sclerosis and their partners. Scientific Reports. 2024 Oct 24;14(1):25116.

Solomou S, Robinson H, Perez-Algorta G. The association of diet quality with the mental health of students during their transition to university. Plos one. 2024 Oct 15;19(10):e0312123.

Morales-Brown LA, Perez Algorta G, Salifu Y. Understanding experiences of diabetes distress: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Journal of diabetes research. 2024;2024(1):3946553.

Solomou S, Logue J, Reilly S, Perez-Algorta G. A systematic review of the association of diet quality with the mental health of university students: implications in health education practice. Health Education Research. 2023 Feb 1;38(1):28-68.

Luca M, Eccles F, Algorta GP, Patti F. Illness perceptions and outcome in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of the literature. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders. 2022 Nov 1;67:104180.

Gregg JE, Simpson J, Nilforooshan R, Perez-Algorta G. What is the relationship between people with dementia and their caregiver’s illness perceptions post-diagnosis and the impact on help-seeking behaviour? A systematic review. Dementia. 2021 Oct;20(7):2597-617.

Brown A, Jones S, Perez-Algorta G. Experiences of using positive airway pressure for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and thematic synthesis. Sleep. 2021 Oct 1;44(10):zsab135.

EmBody key members

Jane Simpson

Centre for Ageing Research

D38, D - Floor, Health Innovation One
Fiona Eccles

Dr Fiona Eccles

Senior Lecturer

Clinical Psychology

+44 (0)1524 592807 Health Innovation One
Guillermo Perez Algorta

DSI - Health, FHM Mental Health Theme, Institute for Social Futures Fellow

Maike Klein

Dr Maike Klein

Lecturer in Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Paula Holland

Dr Paula Holland

Senior Lecturer

Centre for Health Inequalities Research, Centre for Organizational Health and Well Being

+44 (0)1524 594762 C002, C - Floor, Furness College