Welcome to RHED Research Group!

We investigate how health technologies can improve support, treatment, and outcomes for people experiencing eating distress (a term encompassing subclinical disordered eating through to diagnosed eating disorders).

Led by Dr Dawn Branley-Bell and based within the Psychology and Communication Technology Lab (PaCT Lab) at Northumbria University, RHED combines expertise in cyberpsychology, digital health interventions, and co-production methodologies to develop evidence-based solutions that are accessible, equitable, and grounded in real-world needs.

Building on our original RHED-C project, which examined remote eating distress care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our research has expanded to explore the broader landscape of health technology in eating distress contexts. We investigate digital mental health tools, remote care delivery, AI-assisted research methods, technology-mediated peer support, and the intersection of digital innovation with health equity.

Central to our approach is meaningful collaboration with people with lived experience, clinicians, service providers, and policymakers. Through co-production and mixed-methods research, we ensure our work addresses the complex realities of eating distress and generates practical, implementable solutions that make a difference.