As director of the CSGP Professor Abrams research interests cover all aspects of relationships between social groups, particularly the psychological causes, characteristics and effects of social exclusion. He has worked extensively in the area of social identity and prejudice and how different types of group membership (ranging from age and gender to nationality, neighbourhood and teams) affect people’s social relationships, health and well-being. His research spans childhood to old age and encompasses a wide range of methods from laboratory experiments to national surveys, and both quantitative and qualititative methods.

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Professor Luisa Lima is a social psychologist that has centred her research interests on the relationship between the person and the environment.  In particular her work has focused on the social factors affecting risk perception, applied to environmental and health topics. Her research in environmental issues has shown the importance of social relationships and local identities to understand risk perception and communities’ attitudes associated to new technological projects. In the same way, her studies on health issues show the importance of social factors (namely age and gender  stereotypes) in the way health risks are perceived.

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Dr. Sibila Marques has been particularly interested in exploring the topic of aging from a psychosocial perspective. Her research has focused mostly on exploring the determinants of ageism and the consequences of this type of prejudice in several contexts (health, community, work). Some of the topics that she explored focus on the following themes: i) automatic effects of aging stereotypes on older people’s health perceptions and behaviors; ii) perceived age discrimination and consequences for well-being; iii) aging negative perceptions and consequences for future planning in younger people.

Melanie Vauclair is a social psychologist with a special interest in cross-cultural similarities and differences. Her past research has been in the area of intergroup relations, acculturation, values and morality. She is currently investigating the impact of cultural values (e.g. honoring elders) on attitudes to age and experiences of ageism. She is also interested in studying attitudes to age among ethnic minorities. Melanie is experienced in both complex quantitative analyses (using primary and secondary data) as well as qualitative research. She is passionate about disseminating research to the public and has therefore also published for non-academic audiences as well as policy makers.

Dr. Christopher Bratt combines interests in psychological and sociological research, with a particular interest in intergroup relations and various aspects of psychological well-being. Most of his current research focuses on adolescents in a multiethnic setting, with studies on intergroup attitudes, psychological well-being and delinquent behaviour. Chris has a strong interest in research design in field settings and how analyses of data from cross-sectional or longitudinal surveys can be tailored to improve measurements and causal interferences. He has also conducted several large-scale projects based on qualitative methods.

Hannah is studying and researching the social, psychological and behavioral consequences of ageism for her PhD at Kent University.  This involves using quantitative and experimental methods to investigate the impact of ageing stereotypes on both younger and older people.  She is also interested in the application and use of social psychology theory surrounding ageing research in the implementation of interventions and policy development.  Particular interests include issues surrounding age equality, the retirement age, competence and dependency beliefs, fear of crime and experienced discrimination as well as the use and influence of intergenerational contact.

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Ruth is just starting her PhD at the University of Kent, however she has already been involved in ageing research for the last two years. Her undergraduate and master’s degree projects researched the consequences of negative age stereotypes on problem solving and physical performance. Her PhD will explore further: i) the effect that age stereotypes have on everyday physical behaviours, from perseverance to health optimism and autonomous feeling; ii) the mechanisms that cause peoples physical behaviours to be negatively affected by these age stereotypes; iii) methods of prevention. With the overall aim of increasing the recognition of, and reducing the negative impact of ageist attitudes that harm well-being in later life.

Libby is an MSc student studying and researching applied social psychology at the University of Kent.  Her subsequent PhD will use experimental studies, surveys and qualitative research to examine how the unique aspects of ageism are affected by established and contemporary social cognitive theories related to intergroup contact.  With a focus on ageism, she will explore imagined intergroup contact, intergroup dynamics and contact interventions designed to reduce the negative outcomes of ageist attitudes. Libby is particularly interested in how intergroup contact can improve attitudes, increase performance and how it differs in its effects on those of all ages; the young; middle-aged and elderly. She is keen for her research to improve understanding of ageism and extend contributions towards policy formation and the design of intergenenerational programs.

Dave is currently on his third year placement at the University of Kent, from the University of Bath. His role in EURAGE has been primarily design based. He has designed the logo and been involved in the creation of the website and its maintenance, as well as being responsible for putting together leaflets, business cards and report templates. He has also been heavily involved this year in a project for the Department of Work and Pensions.