Michelle St Clair

My background prior to joining the University of Bath had been in the field of Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Manchester and the University of Cambrige.

My current research interests focus on several related aspects of developmental psychopathology. In particular, my research team at Bath is investigating how early language delay and disorder influences long term child and adolescent outcomes. We are particularly interested in investigating the developmental pathways from early language difficulties to the increased rates of emotional and social difficulties which are commonly found in this population. As developmental language disorder has a high prevalence rate (approximately 7%), understanding the pathways to the increased maladaptive outcomes found in this population is of importance.

A new line of research is looking at how parental use of smart phones may influence child language environment. We know from a range of studies that the quantity and quality of language children hear is overwhelmingly influential in the pace of their language development.

My research has also focused on the long-range reach of early experiences, particularly childhood adversity on adolescent outcomes. I am interested in evaluating how the quality of early childhood experiences (both positive and negative) relate to risk and resilience to negative experiences in adolescence and young adulthood.