Dr Ashley Bennett

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Ashley Bennett

After completing my undergraduate degree in psychology and a post graduate diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) I decided to read for my PhD. As a lecturer in the psychology department I primarily teach Research Methods, and statistics. I have a keen interest in experimental methodologies, particularly those which are clinical in nature.

My research focuses on combining psychology with Traditional Chinese Medicine, firstly to ask, if TCM may be used to help those suffering with psychological problems such as depression and/or anxiety. Secondly to determine if TCM can hold up against more rigorous empirical testing when treating more complex psychological issues such as Somatic or Medically Unexplained Symptoms. I also investigate role attachment plays in alternative medicine (e.g. acupuncture) and the effect this may have on therapeutic outcome.

BSc (Hons) Psychology – University of Bedfordshire
Post Graduate Diploma in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture – Acumedic Centre, London (Beijing University of Chinese Medicine)
PhD Psychology - University of Bedfordshire

Level 3 Examining Research - Unit Coordinator
Level 4 Introduction to research methods - Unit Coordinator
Level 5 Research Methods
Level 6 Advanced Research Methods - Unit Coordinator

Traditional Chinese Medicine's ability to treat psychological problems
The treatment of Medically Unexplained Symptoms
The role of attachment in therapeutic outcomes.

Chinese medicine as a treatment for symptomatic depression and anxiety
Double blind randomised control trial investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of psychological distress and somatic symptoms.

Bennett, A. (2013, June). Beyond Undergraduate Research (Keynote Address). Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference – University of Bedfordshire, Luton.
Bennett, A. & Sochos, A. (2014, March). Preliminary findings of a randomized control trial investigating acupuncture's effectiveness as a treatment for medically unexplained symptoms. (Invited talk). The 16th ARRC Annual Research Symposium – Kings College, London.
Bennett, A. & Sochos, A. (2014, June). Initial findings of a Randomized control trial investigating the treatment of psychosomatic symptoms using Traditional Chinese Medicine. (Invited talk). Psychology Research Seminar – University of Bedfordshire, Luton.
Bennett, A. & Sochos, A. (2014, August). Investigating the impact of acupuncture on clients' psychological distress: A double blind, randomised control trial. (Poster presentation). 28th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society – Innsbruck.

Sochos, A., & Bennett, A. (2016). Psychological Distress, Physical Symptoms, and the Role of Attachment Style in Acupuncture. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 22(3).
Bennett, A., & Sochos, A. (2014). Investigating the Impact of Acupuncture on Clients' Psychological Distress: a Double Blind, Randomised Control Trial. European Health Psychologist, 675-675.