Welcome to episode 2 of the 2025 IoPPN Research Festival Podcast! In this episode, André from The Mental Elf speaks with Professor Juliet Foster, Professor of Social Psychology from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London, where she is also the Dean of Education and academic lead for student mental health and wellbeing. Juliet is giving a keynote talk at the upcoming IoPPN Research Festival.
The conversation delves into the 'Whole University Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing,' a sociocultural methodology addressing the rising demand for mental health support services in universities. Juliet emphasises the importance of considering the entire university environment, including teaching, social, and physical aspects, in enhancing mental health.
The discussion also critiques the 'crisis' narrative around student mental health and highlights the need for better data quality and longitudinal studies.
Learn about practical implementations at King's College and the importance of a unified measurement system to improve students' and staff's well-being.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:21 Introducing Professor Juliet Foster
01:30 Understanding the Student Mental Health Crisis
05:28 The Whole University Approach Explained
08:51 Practical Changes at King's College
10:12 Research and Measurement in Student Mental Health
12:42 Future Research Priorities
14:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
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