Dr Jasmine Hearn
Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Programme Leader for MSc Health Psychology
My profile
Biography
I have over 10 years of experience teaching and research in health psychology, with specific focus on chronic pain in a range of long-term health conditions such as endometriosis, back pain, and spinal cord injury. My work focuses on improving understandings of chronic pain, and developing evidence-based and theory-informed interventions to improve health management and communication across painful health conditions such as endometriosis, back pain, and spinal cord injury.
I have developed an interdisciplinary program of research investigating the mechanisms underlying chronic pain and pain communication. I combine Psychology with Linguistics and Behaviour Change Theory, witha particular focus on novel and creative research methods to understand how people experience chronic pain, and navigate healthcare to receive appropriate care for this, and apply this to real world interventions. For example, I am currently working with Endometriosis UK and Arts for Recovery in the Community (ARC) in Stockport to support people with endometriosis to talk about their experiences of pain. I also work with the Manchester & Salford Pain Centre to evaluate their pain management programmes and improve practice in pain management.
My PhD research was awarded the Outstanding Trainee Research in Spinal Cord Injury, and I continue to work closely on understanding and improving chronic pain in people with spinal cord injury with a range of collaborators across the UK and internationally, such as BackUp charity, The University of Reading, The University of Minnesota, and Oakland University.
Academic and professional qualifications
MSc Health Psychology (Distinction) - The University of Derby
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Commendation) - The University of Bedfordshire
PhD Psychology - The University of Buckingham
BSc (Hons) Psychology - The University of Buckingham
Accredited Mindfulness Teacher (Breathworks)
Expert reviewer
Disability and Rehabilitation
Spinal Cord
British Journal of Health Psychology
Medical Teacher
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Prizes and awards
Best Research by an Early Career Researcher in Psychology and Social Work. Awarded at The Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference and Expo 2014. St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Membership of professional associations
Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of The British Psychological Society
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Committee Member for the British Psychological Society Ethics Committee
Personal website address
Impact
I am dedicated to improving healthcare for people with chronic pain. This has involved recent research that has examined the experiences people with endometriosis have of navigating the NHS to obtain a diagnosis and appropriate care (including pain management) and referrals. This work has been featured in multiple news outlets (see below) and is contributing to shaping the research agenda, and national policy and practice in endometriosis care:
- Feature in ‘The Guardian/The Observer’ (Jan 2024). ‘Gaslit by doctors’: UK women with endometriosis told it is ‘all in their head’ https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/21/gaslit-by-doctors-uk-women-with-endometriosis-told-it-is-all-in-their-head
- Feature in ‘The Independent’ (Jan 2024). ‘It’s just period pain’: Why doctors are gaslighting women over endometriosis https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/endomestriosis-gaslighting-doctors-period-pain-b2483191.html
- Feature in ‘Women’s Health Magazine’ (Jan 2024)’. Women with endometriosis are being ‘medically gaslit’ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/conditions/a46501399/women-with-endometriosis-are-being-medically-gaslit/
- Feature in ‘Express Healthcare Management’ (Jan 2024). Women with Endometriosis Face Challenges in Obtaining Adequate Healthcare https://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/news2/women-with-endometriosis-face-challenges-in-obtaining-adequate-healthcare/548553/#gsc.tab=0
- Feature in ‘The Conversation’ (Jan 2024) TBC
- The New York Times (Nov, 2021). Interview and feature in a series of articles published by The New York Times on Chronic Pain Burning, Crushing, Stabbing: How Words Affect Pain - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
- The Psychologist (Aug, 2021). Write up of conference presentation (Division of Health Psychology, 2021) on metaphor and pain in the BPS magazine, The Psychologist: https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/healthy-community
- The Conversation Feature (Dec, 2020). ‘Why we need to get creative when it comes to talking about pain’. https://theconversation.com/why-we-need-to-get-creative-when-it-comes-to-talking-about-pain-152257 (also shared in the telegraph)
This work, as well as my previous work has resulted in my contributions to training resources for health professionals on psychological and behavioural understandings of chronic pain:
- The European Pain Federation (2020). Developed and recorded a training module on mindfulness for chronic pain for healthcare professionals, accessible across EFIC’s international platform. https://europeanpainfederation.eu/education/efic-education-platform/
As a result of my research in chronic pain after spinal cord injury, I have developed resources to support carers and those with injuries to better understand and manage their pain:
- Regular contribution to BackUp’s ‘What Next?’ course for newly injured people with spinal cord injury, providing an information and Q&A session on pain after spinal cord injury. https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/life-changing-courses/what-next-online-spinal-cord-injury-course
- Breathworks (2018). Feature of research on Breathworks website alongside additional feature on mindfulness for spinal cord injury: Mindfulness After a Spinal Cord Injury | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk) and Managing Spinal Cord Injuries with Mindfulness | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk)
- Breathworks (2018). Feature of research on Breathworks website alongside additional feature on mindfulness for spinal cord injury: Mindfulness After a Spinal Cord Injury | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk) and Managing Spinal Cord Injuries with Mindfulness | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk)
- BackUp (2017). Feature of research and interview with spinal cord injury charity BackUp on pain Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management | Back Up (backuptrust.org.uk)
Finally, my work has contributed to the development of policies published by the British Psychological Society, to inform practice in the management of long-term health conditions and the menopause in the workplace:
- British Psychological Society menopause policy (in preparation). Contributed to BPS development of a menopause policy for BPS employees.
- British Psychological Society guidance on mindfulness for health (Oct, 2022). Author of section in BPS guidance on mindfulness for physical health conditions. https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/mindfulness-based-approaches-guide-psychologists
Teaching
PhD Supervision
I supervise PhD students in a range of topics in health-related areas. I am interested in supervising students in the areas of chronic pain, endometriosis, women’s health (e.g. painful periods), spinal cord injury, and healthcare delivery, practice and improvement.
Previous students have completed PhDs on topics such as adherence to medication in long-term conditions, stress and resilience in stressful working environments, and management of long-term health conditions such as HIV.
Postgraduate teaching
Programme Director for MSc Health Psychology
Health Psychology Practice unit (unit lead)
Service Evaluation and Development Dissertation unit (supervisor and unit lead)
Illness, Disability & Long-Term Conditions unit
Research outputs
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Chapters in books
Bullo, S., Webster, L., Hearn, J. (2023) ''I Want to Remember How Nice It Felt to Talk to Someone': Optimism and positive emotions in the linguistic reconstruction of COVID-19 lockdown experiences in the UK.' The Emerald Handbook of the Sociology of Emotions for a Post-Pandemic World: Imagined Emotions and Emotional Futures. pp. 233-256.
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Journal articles
Rohn, E.J., Hearn, J.H., Philippus, A.M., Monden, K.R. (2024) '"It's been a double-edged sword": an online qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with spinal cord injury in the US with comparisons to previous UK findings.' Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, pp. 1-13.
Hearn, J.H., Bryson, K., Barsauskaite, L., Bullo, S. (2024) 'A COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework mapping of the barriers and facilitators to effective communication and help-seeking among people with, or seeking a diagnosis of, endometriosis.' Journal of Health Communication,
Bullo, S., Hearn, J.H. (2024) 'Visual reconstructions of endometriosis pain: an interdisciplinary visual methodology for illness representation.' British Journal of Health Psychology,
Hearn, J.H., Martin, S., Smith, M. (2022) 'Assessment of suitable referral, effectiveness and long-term outcomes of standard vs intensive pain management programmes for people with chronic pain.' British Journal of Pain, 17(1) pp. 71-86.
Finlay, K.A., Hearn, J.H., Gillett, J.L., Ratwatte, P., Morton-Bye, J., Chater, A.M. (2022) 'Adaptations to mindfulness-based interventions for neurological impairment: the SMALL PROMPTS approach.' Rehabilitation Psychology, 67(3) pp. 391-404.
Hearn, J.H., Stocker, C.J. (2022) 'Mindfulness practice correlates with reduced exam-induced stress and improved exam performance in preclinical medical students with the "acting with awareness", "non-judging" and "non-reacting" facets of mindfulness particularly associated with improved exam performance..' BMC Psychology, 10(1) pp. 41-41.
Monden, K.R., Andrews, E., Pilarski, C., Hearn, J., Wudlick, R., Morse, L.R. (2021) 'COVID-19 and the spinal cord injury community: Concerns about medical rationing and social isolation..' Rehabilitation Psychology, 66(4) pp. 373-379.
Bullo, S., Hearn, J., Webster, L. (2021) '“It reminds me that I should stop for the little moments”: Exploring emotions in experiences of UK Covid-19 lockdown..' Health: an interdisciplinary journal for the social study of health, illness and medicine, 26(5) pp. 571-588.
Finlay, K.A., Hearn, J.H., Chater, A. (2021) 'Grieving a disrupted biography: an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring barriers to the use of mindfulness after neurological injury or impairment.' BMC Psychology, 9(1)
Hearn, J.H., Rohn, E.J., Monden, K. (2021) 'Isolated and anxious: a qualitative exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals living with spinal cord injury in the UK.' Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 45(5) pp. 691-699.
Dubicka, B., Marwedel, S., Banares, S., McCulloch, A., Tahoun, T., Hearn, J., Kroll, L. (2021) 'Feasibility study of a new behavioural activation programme for young people with depressed mood.' Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 27(2) pp. 131-137.
Finlay, K.A., Hearn, J.H., Chater, A. (2021) 'The impact of neurological disability and sensory loss on mindfulness practice.' Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(15) pp. 3825-3833.
Idrees, S., Hartley, S., Hearn, J.H. (2021) '‘We’re all in the same boat’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study of experiences of being an ‘expert’ during patient and public involvement within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).' Health Expectations, 24(2) pp. 421-430.
Bullo, S., Hearn, J.H. (2020) 'Parallel worlds and personified pain: a mixed-methods analysis of pain metaphor use by women with endometriosis.' British Journal of Health Psychology, 26(2) pp. 271-288.
Kumaravel, B., Jenkins, H., Chepkin, S., Kirisnathas, S., Hearn, J., Stocker, C.J., Petersen, S. (2020) 'A prospective study evaluating the integration of a multifaceted evidence-based medicine curriculum into early years in an undergraduate medical school.' BMC Medical Education, 20(1) pp. 278-278.
Hearn, J.H., Finlay, K.A., Sheffield, D. (2020) ''Trying to bring attention to your body when you're not sure where it is': an interpretative phenomenological analysis of drivers and barriers to mindfulness for people with spinal cord injury.' British Journal of Health Psychology, 26(1) pp. 161-178.
Kumaravel, B., Hearn, J.H., Jahangiri, L., Pollard, R., Stocker, C.J., Nunan, D. (2020) 'A systematic review and taxonomy of tools for evaluating evidence-based medicine teaching in medical education.' Systematic Reviews, 9(1)
Hearn, J.H., Cross, A. (2020) 'Mindfulness for pain, depression, anxiety, and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.' BMC Neurology, 20(1)
Hearn, J., Marwood, M. (2019) 'Evaluating Mental Health Literacy in Medical Students in the United Kingdom.' Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 14(5) pp. 339-347.
Hlabangana, V., Hearn, J.H. (2019) 'Depression in partner caregivers of people with neurological conditions; associations with self-compassion and quality of life.' Journal of Mental Health, 29(2) pp. 176-181.
Hearn, J., Dewji, M., Stocker, C., Simons, G. (2019) 'Patient-centered medical education: a proposed definition.' Medical Teacher, 41(8) pp. 934-938.
Hearn, J.H., Finlay, K.A., Fine, P.A., Cotter, I. (2018) 'Neuropathic pain in a rehabilitation setting after spinal cord injury: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of inpatients’ experiences.' Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 3
Hearn, J., Cotter, I., Finlay, K. (2018) 'Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Mindfulness for Improving Depression in Caregivers of People With Spinal Cord Injuries and Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.' Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(1) pp. 17-25.
Rice, L., Sung, J.H., Keane, K., Peterson, E., Sosnoff, J., Farkas, G., Swartz, A., Strath, S., Gorgey, A., Berg, A., Gater, D., Dyson-Hudson, T., Malanga, G., Cherian, C., Michalec, M., Kirshblum, S., Miller, C., Garlanger, K., Kortes, S., Schnorenberg, A., Slavens, B., Lee, K., Potter-Baker, K., Frost, F., Plow, E., Solinsky, R., Wilson, C., Henry, C.A., Lombard, A., Maher, M., Weir, J., Saeed, S., Cirnigliaro, C., Specht, A., Garbarini, E., Augustine, J., Forrest, G., Bauman, W., Maher, M., Hearn, J., Razvi, I.S., Sikka, S., Callender, L., Bennett, M., Robertson, K., Driver, S., Kline-Quiroz, C., Donovan, J., Botticello, A., Arnold, D., Latham, N., Houlihan, B., Bickmore, T., Trinh, H., Shamekhi, A., Ellis, T., LaVela, S.L., Burkhart, E., Kale, I., Bombardier, C., Snoxell, E., Knezevic, S., Hong, E.K., Asselin, P., Kornfeld, S., Gorman, P., Farkas, G., Berg, A., Gater, D., Cleveland, C., Gabet, J., Harrington, A., Arenth, P., Dolbow, D., Berg, A., Luther, S., Finch, D., Bouayad, L., Donovan, J., Kopp, M., Watzlawick, R., Martus, P., Failli, V., Finkenstaedt, F., Chen, Y., DeVivo, M., Dirnagl, U., Schwab, J., LiMonta, J. (2018) 'Presentation abstracts.' The journal of spinal cord medicine, 41(5) pp. 599-622.
Hearn, J.H., Finlay, K.A. (2018) 'Internet-delivered mindfulness for people with depression and chronic pain following spinal cord injury: a randomized, controlled feasibility trial.' Spinal Cord, 56pp. 750-761.
Hearn, J.H., Selvarajah, S., Kennedy, P., Taylor, J. (2018) 'Stigma and self-management: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the impact of chronic recurrent urinary tract infections after spinal cord injury.' Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 4(12)
Daya, Z., Hearn, J.H. (2018) 'Mindfulness interventions in medical education: A systematic review of their impact on medical student stress, depression, fatigue and burnout.' Medical Teacher, 40(2) pp. 146-153.
Hearn, J.H., Finlay, K.A., Fine, P.A. (2016) 'The devil in the corner: a mixed-methods study of metaphor use by those with spinal cord injury-specific neuropathic pain.' British Journal of Health Psychology, 21(4) pp. 973-988.
Hearn, J.H., Cotter, I., Fine, P., Finlay, K.A. (2015) 'Living with chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of community experience.' Disability and Rehabilitation, 37(23) pp. 2203-2211.
Press and media
Media appearances or involvement
Feature in ‘The Guardian/The Observer’ (Jan 2024). ‘Gaslit by doctors’: UK women with endometriosis told it is ‘all in their head’ https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/21/gaslit-by-doctors-uk-women-with-endometriosis-told-it-is-all-in-their-head
Feature in ‘The Independent’ (Jan 2024). ‘It’s just period pain’: Why doctors are gaslighting women over endometriosis https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/endomestriosis-gaslighting-doctors-period-pain-b2483191.html
Feature in ‘Women’s Health Magazine’ (Jan 2024)’. Women with endometriosis are being ‘medically gaslit’ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/conditions/a46501399/women-with-endometriosis-are-being-medically-gaslit/
Feature in ‘Express Healthcare Management’ (Jan 2024). Women with Endometriosis Face Challenges in Obtaining Adequate Healthcare https://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/news2/women-with-endometriosis-face-challenges-in-obtaining-adequate-healthcare/548553/#gsc.tab=0
Feature in ‘The Conversation’ (Jan 2024) TBC
British Psychological Society menopause policy (in preparation). Contributed to BPS development of a menopause policy for BPS employees.
Regular contribution to BackUp’s ‘What Next?’ course for newly injured people with spinal cord injury, providing an information and Q&A session on pain after spinal cord injury. https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/life-changing-courses/what-next-online-spinal-cord-injury-course
British Psychological Society guidance on mindfulness for health (Oct, 2022). Author of section in BPS guidance on mindfulness for physical health conditions. https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/mindfulness-based-approaches-guide-psychologists
The New York Times (Nov, 2021). Interview and feature in a series of articles published by The New York Times on Chronic Pain Burning, Crushing, Stabbing: How Words Affect Pain - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
The Psychologist (Aug, 2021). Write up of conference presentation (Division of Health Psychology, 2021) on metaphor and pain in the BPS magazine, The Psychologist: https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/healthy-community
The Conversation Feature (Dec, 2020). ‘Why we need to get creative when it comes to talking about pain’. https://theconversation.com/why-we-need-to-get-creative-when-it-comes-to-talking-about-pain-152257 (also shared in the telegraph)
The European Pain Federation (2020). Developed and recorded a training module on mindfulness for chronic pain for healthcare professionals, accessible across EFIC’s international platform. https://europeanpainfederation.eu/education/efic-education-platform/
Breathworks (2018). Feature of research on Breathworks website alongside additional feature on mindfulness for spinal cord injury: Mindfulness After a Spinal Cord Injury | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk) and Managing Spinal Cord Injuries with Mindfulness | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk)
Breathworks (2018). Feature of research on Breathworks website alongside additional feature on mindfulness for spinal cord injury: Mindfulness After a Spinal Cord Injury | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk) and Managing Spinal Cord Injuries with Mindfulness | Breathworks (breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk)
BackUp (2017). Feature of research and interview with spinal cord injury charity BackUp on pain Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management | Back Up (backuptrust.org.uk)
BBC Radio 4 (18th August 2017). Feature on ‘The Age of Emotion’ radio programme. This remains available online on the BBC iPlayer and can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0910sv