Carol Strahan
Qualifications/Background
I studied Psychology at QUB before completing an MSc in Occupational Psychology from the University of Nottingham in 2002, which focused on developing my knowledge and experience in the psychology of work, employment and organisational behaviour. I then worked as an Occupational Psychologist before completing a Post Graduate Qualification in Education (PGCE) from Stranmillis College in 2006. I worked as a primary school teacher in Northern Ireland before moving to the north east of England. While living in England I studied for a Doctorate in Applied Educational Psychology from the University of Newcastle. After completing the Doctorate I returned to Northern Ireland in 2012 to work as an Educational Psychologist. I joined the DECAP tutor time part time in December 2022.
Research Interests
My research interests centre on staff wellbeing with a particular focus on teacher wellbeing, burnout and collective efficacy. I currently co-lead the Educational Psychology Service School Staff Wellbeing Project. This project provides training to school staff in supporting them to develop a supportive and nurturing culture. This project has been successful so far, having been delivered to 138 schools.
I am interested in the use of Appreciative Inquiry within educational settings particularly applying it as part of organisational development.
Publications
Brown, C.G. (2010). Improving fine motor skills in young children: an intervention study. Educational Psychology in Practice, 26(3), 269-278.
Brown, C.G. (2012). A systematic review of the relationship between self-efficacy and burnout in teachers. Educational and Child Psychology, 29(4), 47-63.
Strahan nee Brown, C.G., Gibbs, S. & Reid, A. (2018). The psychological environment and teachers’ collective efficacy beliefs, Educational Psychology in Practice, 35(2), 147-164.
Presentations
Evaluation of the EPS School Staff Wellbeing project at the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) Annual conference in November 2022 in York, England.
Resilience Mental Health and Wellbeing Webinar as part of the BBC TeachMeet series in October 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=156drk3Kj1s