Research at KiPsy Lab focuses on understanding the psychological, social and relational dimensions of kidney disease across the full trajectory of illness — from early and pre-dialysis stages through dialysis, transplantation and long-term follow-up. Our work is organised into interconnected research areas reflecting the diverse experiences, transitions and care contexts associated with kidney disease.
01
Living with Kidney Disease Across the Illness Trajectory
Examines the experience of living with CKD from diagnosis through pre-dialysis, dialysis and disease progression, focusing on psychological adaptation, treatment decision-making and reorganisation of everyday life.
Psychological experiences in early-stage CKD
Preparation and decision-making in pre-dialysis
Adaptation to dialysis
Illness perception and treatment adherence
Quality of life and daily functioning
Adjustment to disease progression
02
Transitions and Adaptation in Kidney Transplantation
Explores kidney transplantation as both a clinical event and a significant shift in health experience and personal identity.
Expectations and preparation for transplantation
Post-transplant adaptation
Clinical uncertainty and fear of rejection
Rebuilding everyday life
Long-term adaptation following transplantation
03
Families, Caregiving and the Relational Experience of Kidney Disease
Investigates the impact of kidney disease on family relationships and caregiving experiences across the illness trajectory.
Caregiver burden and adjustment
Family adaptation to kidney disease
Parental experience in paediatric kidney disease
Family dynamics and social support
Impact of chronic illness on family life
04
Growing Up with Kidney Disease: Paediatric Perspectives and Life Transitions
Addresses developmental and psychosocial challenges for children and adolescents with kidney disease and their families, from childhood through transition to adult care.
Psychological adjustment in paediatric populations
Developmental impact of kidney disease
School and social experiences
Transition to adult services
Family adaptation across developmental stages
05
Care Contexts and Healthcare Professional Experience
Examines the environments of kidney care delivery and the experiences of healthcare professionals, acknowledging the emotional and relational demands of chronic disease management.
Patient–family–professional communication
Shared decision-making
Support during pre-dialysis and treatment transitions
Emotional demands of renal care
Professional wellbeing and burnout
06
Development and Evaluation of Psychosocial Interventions
Focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based psychosocial interventions for patients, families and healthcare professionals across the kidney disease trajectory.
Psychosocial support programmes
Family-based interventions
Promotion of psychological adjustment
Interventions across pre-dialysis, dialysis and post-transplant
Person- and family-centred models of care
07
Psychosocial Assessment and Measurement Development
Focuses on development, cultural adaptation and validation of instruments to assess psychosocial dimensions of kidney disease in patients, families and healthcare professionals.
Development of psychosocial assessment instruments
Validation and cross-cultural adaptation
Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and experiences (PREMs)
Assessment of caregiving and family experience
Measurement of psychosocial outcomes in renal care
