Professor Eamonn Ferguson

I am currently Professor of Health Psychology. My current research interests focus on (1) Factors associated with symptom reporting, (2) Health related decision making, and (3) Medical education/selection.

The roles played by personality, environmental factors (especially odour) and stress/emotions are central to this work. In terms of symptom reporting, for example, I am currently exploring how personality factors and daily experiences of smells, sounds and stress influence symptom reports and biological markers (cortisol and salivary immunoglobin A). The work on health related decision making has focused on message framing wwith respect to bio-technology and occupational health and safety as well as exploring predictors of blood donor behaviour.

Finally, the work on medical selection has focused on the role of personality, personal statements and the use of assessment centres for undergraduate and post-graduate medical selection.