Tassia Oswald

I am currently a PhD candidate in the School of Public Health. My research is looking at how the use of screen-based technologies, and exposure to natural environmental settings, can impact psychological outcomes (cognitive functioning and mental health) in children and adolescents. 

My background is in Psychology and Epidemiology, a combination which has allowed me to build an understanding of the spectrum of possibilities for social and health change, from an individual level, through to the way in which society is organised, with the roles of institutions, policy, and wider environments. Currently, I am a part of the Lifecourse and Intergenerational Health Group, which conducts research to understand the interplay of social and biological factors influencing health over the life course.  

I am passionate about public health strategies which target both the prevention of ill-health and the promotion of wellbeing.  In particular, I am interested in how public health strategies can be applied to mental health, focusing on the prevention of mental illness and the promotion of mental wellbeing.  Exploring how public health can protect mental health for children and adolescents is important in my research as the prevention of mental illness in younger years is crucial for reducing continued burden into adulthood, minimising vulnerability to mental illness later in life, and for ensuring optimal lifelong functioning and wellbeing. 

When looking at the social determinants of health, I have a particular interest in how natural physical environments can impact mental health.  I am interested in relationships between natural environments and human health and well-being, and hope to explore the protective capabilities of these environments for child and adolescent mental health.