Beverley Searle

I am a human geographer with a social policy background. My main research interest is in subjective wellbeing. In particular, positive wellbeing rather than a focus on negative aspects of mental ill-health. I am interested in understanding the connections between individual subjective wellbeing and inequalities and opportunities over the life course; the wellbeing of communities; and environmental wellbeing. In particular, I seek to understand subjective wellbeing as a precursor to attitudes or behaviour, to explore the benefits of connecting with nature and the environment as well as the link between subjective wellbeing and transformation.

My approach to research is interdisciplinary, cutting across geography, psychology, social policy, sociology, demography and economics. I have equal interest in both quantitative and qualitative methods. I am leading the ‘Pollinating Wellbeing’ network; a group comprising academics and practitioners. Our network aims to bring together different voices from academia, policy and practice to facilitate and direct the development of effective, impactful research to address the threats to both natural and human wellbeing.