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There is increasing evidence that identification with social groups can protect and enhance health, establishing a kind of ‘social cure’. However, for those affected by chronic or disabling conditions such as acquired brain injury (ABI), their identity may also represent a burden, a form of ‘social curse’. The present study explored the identity benefits and burdens available to 15 participants living with ABI using semi‐structured interviews. The qualitative data was then analysed systematically using thematic analysis. The findings highlight social identity changes as central to the experience of brain injury. Participants reported changes in their social networks and social group memberships after injury. Identity loss and reduced social support were described as disabling. Engagement in meaningful group activity with others affected by ABI and access to affected peers enabled new group‐based resources such as social support. In this way, group activity can be seen as a form of identity enactment that can drive social cure effects. Similarly, adaptation to life post injury was demonstrably linked to social identity processes pointing to the importance of a social cure approach to rehabilitation.

There is increasing evidence that identification with social groups can protect and enhance health, establishing a kind of ‘social cure’. However, for those affected by chronic or disabling conditions such as acquired brain injury (ABI), their identity may also represent a burden, a form of ‘social curse’. The present study explored the identity benefits and burdens available to 15 participants living with ABI using semi‐structured interviews. The qualitative data was then analysed systematically using thematic analysis. The findings highlight social identity changes as central to the experience of brain injury. Participants reported changes in their social networks and social group memberships after injury. Identity loss and reduced social support were described as disabling. Engagement in meaningful group activity with others affected by ABI and access to affected peers enabled new group‐based resources such as social support. In this way, group activity can be seen as a form of identity enactment that can drive social cure effects. Similarly, adaptation to life post injury was demonstrably linked to social identity processes pointing to the importance of a social cure approach to rehabilitation.

peer-reviewed, Many countries are facing a new phase of the pandemic where COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and uptake takes centre stage. Vaccine hesitancy poses a real challenge in pursuit of this goal. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health.1 The need to understand and support uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations is now imperative. To achieve herd immunity, the virus transmission rate, R, and the performance of the vaccine must be taken into account.2 Given higher transmissibility of new variants, and an optimistic estimate of efficacy of .80, reducing the risk of vaccine recipients getting the disease by 80%, herd immunity may require entire populations to be immunised.

peer-reviewed, Few studies have investigated the role of disenfranchisement and denial of agency in women’s sexual health. To address this, a cross-sectional study of disenfranchisement, control (general and reproductive control) and health was conducted in Ireland, where abortion is severely restricted. Multiple mediation models (N = 513 women) indicated that general but not reproductive control mediates the association between disenfranchisement and psychological well-being. Additionally, serial mediation shows disenfranchisement is associated with lower sense of control, which is linked to poorer well-being and risky sexual behaviour. Disenfranchisement arising from socio-political contexts may have important implications for women’s sexual health.

peer-reviewed, This thesis documents a PhD research project, conducted over three years, that investigates the important features and functions associated with heroes. This programme of research was designed to add to the scant literature on this important topic. These novel findings, coupled with existing literature, provide the basis for a new model of heroic influence. These emerging theories and empirical findings facilitate future research and application on this topic, and are likely to be of interest to persons working to understand or instigate positive change in social, educational, organisational, and clinical settings. There are different types of heroes—family members, humanitarians, fictional characters, religious figures, military and civil heroes, and political activists. The research presented in this thesis indicates that bravery, moral integrity, honesty, selfsacrifice, altruism, and conviction are the most defining features of heroic behaviour. The physical and psychological benefits that heroes provide to individuals map onto three dimensions: protecting, enhancing, and moral modelling. The results show that a hero is not the same as the average leader or role model. Overall, this thesis contributes new knowledge about the important characteristics and benefits provided by heroes, reiterating that heroism is a concept of psychological and social significance.