CYPW Network Seminar: Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney
Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 12:00
CYPW Network Seminar: Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney- "It seems that everyone has got something”: Exploring adolescent attitudes towards self-diagnosing with mental health problems.
Event details
The CYP Wellbeing @Exeter Research Network are pleased to invite you to this ONLINE seminar with Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford. Staff and students from all disciplines are welcomed.
Event: Wednesday 29th April 12:00- 13:00 online via TEAMS LINK (Meeting ID: 348 012 595 392 36 Passcode: jx7h8CU6)
Title: "It seems that everyone has got something”: Exploring adolescent attitudes towards self-diagnosing with mental health problems
Abstract: The rapid rise in the number of children and adolescents with probable mental health problems is a widespread public health concern, with researchers questioning why this has happened. Is it due to improved recognition and an increase in accurate reporting? Or is it due to overpathologisation and the over-interpretation of transient experiences of distress? Within this debate is the concept of self-diagnosis, where an individual labels themselves as having a mental health problem without necessarily receiving a formal diagnosis from a trained healthcare professional. Self-diagnosis is not a new phenomenon, but it is increasingly common, particularly among adolescents - but there is limited empirical investigation in this population. In this presentation, we will explore the findings from a qualitative study where 24 adolescents aged 13-17 years old were interviewed about their attitudes towards self-diagnosis, with data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Bio: Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford, focused on clinical, health, and developmental psychology. Her main research interests are in child and adolescent mental health, with the aim of ensuring that how mental health is addressed in research and practice aligns with young people's wants, needs, and lived experiences. She is currently working on a project funded by the Wellcome Accelerator Awards exploring help-seeking for OCD among UK-based ethnic minority adolescents.
Please forward to colleagues and networks; these events are open to all students and staff.
If you have a suggestion of a speaker for a future network seminar or would like us to promote your event, please contact us cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk . Thank you.
Best wishes,
The CYP Wellbeing @ Exeter Team
Organiser
Children and Young People’s Wellbeing @ Exeter
Location
Online only via Teams