- B219, Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 584847
- kayleigh.wyles@plymouth.ac.uk

Profiles
Dr Kayleigh Wyles
Associate Professor in Psychology
School of Psychology (Faculty of Health)
- Psychology
- Mental health
- Social prescribing
- Applied statistics
- Before-and-after studies
- Big Data
- Cohort studies
- Content analysis
- Correlation study
- Cross-sectional studies
- Experimental methods
- Field work
Email publicrelations@plymouth.ac.uk to enquire.
Biography
Biography
Associate Professor in Environmental Psychology
Academic Career
Senior Lecturer in Environmental Psychology, University of Surrey, 2021-2021.
Lecturer in Environmental Psychology, University of Surrey, 2016-2020.
Post-Doctorate Research Fellow, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, 2014-2016
Research Assistant, University of Plymouth, 2014-2014
Social Researcher, Scottish Government, 2013-2013
Qualifications
2014 PhD in Psychology & Marine Biology, University of Plymouth, UK (ESRC / NERC Joint PhD Studentship)2010 MSc in Research Methods in Psychology, University of Surrey, UK
2009 BSc (Hons) in Psychology, University of Plymouth, UK
Professional membership
IAPS (International Association People Environment Studies)Roles on external bodies
Invited roles on external bodies
- Science Advice for Policy by European Academics (SAPEA) 2018–2019
- GESAMP (United Nations advisory body), Working Group 40 microplastics 2013–2015
Reviewer of research grants
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK
- Economic and Social Research Council, UK
- Natural Environment Research Council, UK
- Horizon 2020, EU
Reviewer of research publications for
- Environment & Behavior
- Environmental Communication
- Frontiers in Marine Science
- Health & Place
- International J of Environmental Research & Public Health
- Marine Policy
- Marine Pollution Bulletin
- Ocean & Coastal Management
- People & Nature
- PlosOne
- Sustainability
Key publications
Research
Research
Research interests
My passion for the natural environment (especially marine environments) has long been engrained in both my professional and personal life. I’m interested in the relationship between humans and the natural world, which is reflected in both my research and teaching. This works broadly falls within one or more of the following themes:
The marine environment
Whilst 70% of the Earth consists of oceans and seas, this natural setting is often overlooked. Consequently, my research often looks at the human dimension of threats facing this environment (e.g. microplastics, marine litter, and overfishing), and people's use and experience of this natural setting. In order to address these global multidisciplinary topics, I have worked with economists, marine biologists, oceanographers, geographers, modellers, artists, and environmental scientists from a range of countries (including Brazil, Ecuador, Norway, USA, Chile, South Korea, and Sweden).
The influence of the environment on people
Experiencing nature can be therapeutic, restoring people's cognitive functioning and promoting their physical and mental health. I'm interested in exploring the mechanisms as to why nature (and especially coastal and marine settings) have these benefits, looking at the importance of connectedness to nature and place attachment, the type and quality of the environment, and the type of engagement we have with the environment.
The influence people have on the environment
Individuals can have a dramatic impact on the state of the natural environment, from their consumer choice, to everyday behaviours to political will. Within my work, I'm interested in understanding key drivers of behaviour and behaviour change, including the role habits have, value orientation, knowledge and perceptions but also people's links to the environment such as childhood upbringing and connectedness to nature.
Application and impact
A key driver of all of this work is to be useful and applied locally, nationally, and internationally. Consequently, I am active in working with a range of stakeholders, from NGOs to advising decision makers, such as contributing to parliamentary enquiries and advising the United Nations through GESAMP (Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection).
Research degrees awarded to supervised students
Completed
Christy E. Hehir (P/T Tourism Dept.): Beyond Good Intentions: Wildlife Tourism as a Driver of Emotion and Philanthropic Behaviour Change. ESRC PhD Studentship. 2016-2021 (3rd Supervisor)
Pablo Pereira-Doel (F/T Tourism Dept.): Persuasive communication: an experiment on hotel guests’ values, inconvenience and smart water-saving technology. 2017-2021 (2nd Supervisor).
Emma White (P/T Psychology Dept): Perceptions of Naturalness. 2012-2019 (2nd Supervisor as of Nov 2018)
In progress
Christopher Wiles (P/T Psychology Dept. at the University of ): The effects of virtual reality natural environments on depression and anxiety [working title]. School-funded PhD Studentship, University of Surrey. October 2017- (DoS)
Mark Newman (F/T Psychology Dept. at the University of Surrey): Using virtual reality environments to explore the role of physical properties and symbolic associations in recovery from boredom and stress [working title]. Self-funded. October 2017- (2nd Supervisor)
Natalie Smith (F/T Plymouth Marine Laboratory): Butt Out: A transdisciplinary approach in understanding and addressing the risks of littered cigarette butts [working title]. NERC funded PhD studentship through the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources. October 2022- (2nd supervisor)
Sohvi Nuojua (P/T Marine Sciences): Does Connectivity with Nature Alter Consumer Behaviour? Linking Ocean Connectedness and Consumer Views on Single-Use Packaging. Private sponsor. Oct 2017- (2nd supervisor as of Jan 2021)
Becky Thomas (F/T School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey): Introduction and evaluation of a workplace simulator (‘AMRSim’) to improve the understanding and implementation of infection control by staff working in small animal veterinary practices [working title]. Zoetis funded PhD studentship. April 2022- (3rd supervisor)
Tim Sykes (P/T Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton): Investigating the cultural contributions from chalk streams and their winterbournes and aquifers [working title]. Environment Agency & Wildlife Trust funded PhD Studentship. October 2019- (3rd external supervisor)
Victoria Ward (F/T Tourism & Hospitality). What is the impact of plastic pollution on the visitor experience of Cornwall's beaches? And can persuasive techniques and tactics incite positive behavioural change? [working title]. School-funded PhD Studentship. Jan 2021- (3rd supervisor)
Grants & contracts
Jobling, S., et al., (2021-25 42 months). A Systems Analysis Approach to Reduce Plastic Waste in Indonesian Societies (PISCES). UKRI-GCRF: Plastics, £4,041,006.52 (WP4 co-lead). Post doc: Anastasia Voronkova.
Iwan, J., et al., (2019-2023). Preventing Plastic Pollution. EU's Interreg, £14m (WP lead for UoP since 2021). Post docs: Klara Lucznik; Deborah Cracknell
Hepper, E., et al., (2020-2021). Don’t Judge Me, Greta: Narcissism and Environmental Defensiveness. British Academy / Leverhulme Small Research Grant, £9,978.20 (Co-PI)
Concluded
Gatersleben et al., (2020-2022). Counting birds and bees: promoting wellbeing of older people through engagement with nature-based conservation activities. Dunhill Medical Trust, £127,819.08 (Co-PI).
Gatersleben, B. et al., (2020-2021). Nature Engagement and Wellbeing Pre-, During and Post Covid-19: Supporting the UK (Green) Recovery. UKRI (ESRC) COVID-19, £201,482 (Co-PI). Post-doc: Emma White
Wyles, K.J. & Gatersleben, B. (2020). Marine Litter Citizen Science Research Agenda - An Expert Perspective on Advancing the Citizen and the Science in Citizen Science. BBSRC Citizen Sci Exp Grant, £19,805 (PI). Post-doc: Matthew Peacock
Wyles, K.J. et al., (2019-20). Ocean LitterAcy (OLA) - Empowering society to combat marine litter through citizen science. Global Challenges Research Fund, £138,998 (PI). RAs: Larissa Kawabe, Thais Rech
Macdonald, A., et a., (2017-2019) AMRSim: A Microbial Reality Simulator. AHRC/AMR Indoor and Built Environment Pump Priming, £200,804 (Co-PI). Post-doc: Tom Kupfer; RA: Naomi Klepacz.
Beaumont, N. et al., (2016-2019). CoastWEB: Valuing the contribution which coastal habitats make to human health and well-being, with a focus on the alleviation of coastal natural hazards and extreme events. NERC-ESRC-AHRC Valuing Nature Programme, £252k (Co-PI).
Beaumont, N. et al., (2016-2019). MARine Plastic Pollution in the Arctic: origin, status, costs and incentives for Prevention. Forskerprosjekt – POLARPROG (Norwegian Fund), £89k (Co-PI)
Wyles, K. (2019). Blue Charter Fellowships - Specialist Mentor. The Association of Commonwealth Universities, £3,927.
Wyles, K. (2018). Travel Grant. Galapagos Conservation Trust, £800
Wyles, K.J. (2017-18). The Value of Bathing Waters and the Influence of Bathing Water Quality. Scottish Government Tender via Collingwood Environmental Planning Limited, £1,675.56 (consultancy).
Austen, M. et al., (2016-2017). New Plastics Economy. People’s Postcode Lottery Dreamfund, £100k (Co-PI).
Wyles, K. (2017). Examining the Psychological Benefits of Computer-Based and Coastal-Based Citizen Science Schemes. Faculty Research Support Fund, University of Surrey, £5.5k (PI)
Anderson, A. et al., (2015). Beating the micro-bead: Engaging people about microplastics in the marine environment. Institute for Sustainability Solutions Research Small Collaborative Awards, Plymouth University, £2.5k. (Co-PI)
Attrill, M. et al., (2013). The benefits of engaging with the Marine Centre at Wembury Beach. University of Plymouth Community Research Award, £9k. (Co-PI)
Publications
Publications
Key publications
Key publications are highlighted
Journals