About My Research
My work explores how psychological processes, lived experience and body-based practices shape health across diverse populations.
Grounded in a biopsychosocial perspective, I use qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine how people make sense of health transitions, manage stress, and engage in behaviour change within real-world contexts.
Alongside research, I am interested in how evidence can be translated into accessible, psychologically-informed services within community and organisational settings.
Women’s Experiences of Strength Training:
Ongoing qualitative systematic review exploring women’s (aged 18 to 64) experiences of strength training and how they make meaning of the perceived psychological, physical benefits and social. In preparation.
Metamorphosis: Exploring menopause through body-based practices:
A qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis to explore how women experience and make sense of menopause through body-based practices, including strength training, yoga, massage, breathwork and cold-water swimming. (Smyth, S., & Cartwright, T., 2025) Manuscript under review.
This research examines identity, agency, stress regulation and meaning-making during menopause, with implications for more holistic and inclusive models of care.
“For Men Like Me”: Developing A Framework for Promoting Inclusive Yoga Practice for Men.
A mixed-methods study exploring men’s experiences of yoga and psychological wellbeing, with attention to masculinity, help-seeking and embodied approaches to emotional health. (Smyth, S., Cartwright, T., Dirie, A., Mandzijova, C., & Ridge, D., 2025). Manuscript under review.
This research contributes to emerging conversations around gender, stigma and access to wellbeing spaces.
A Role-Needs Framework: Rethinking Support for Informal Caregivers for Alzheimer’s Across the Global South and Global North:
Assisted with qualitative data coding and analytical coding reports as part of the research team for this published study exploring informal caregiving in dementia across global contexts.
My broader research interests include:
Work with me
Sara Smyth is a Trainee Health Psychologist completing doctoral training at the University of the West of England.For research collaboration, guest lecturing or consultancy enquiries, please get in touch via sara.smyth.psych@gmail.com.