Integrating multiple perspectives in doctoral research to understand complex health behaviours, decisions and processes

Abstract

Pursuing a PhD in health psychology and related fields involves navigating both significant challenges and meaningful rewards. These stem in part from the complexity of health behaviours and decisions, which are shaped by intricate psychological processes and often require the integration of different evidence and knowledge bases. In this article, Louise Foley and Thomas Gültzow reflect on their experiences of conducting doctoral research that sought to make sense of such complexity. Both authors completed their PhDs in 2022 and were recipients of the EHPS Herman Schaalma PhD Award at the 38th Annual Conference of the EHPS in Cascais, held in September 2024.

Thomas Gültzow

Assistant Professor Societal Transition & Behaviour Change

I’m a behavioural scientist at the Dutch Open University, specialising in health and climate behaviours, with a focus on inequalities and inclusion within research itself.