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Dr Iain Williamson

Job: Senior Lecturer/ Programme Leader MSc Health Psychology

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: School of Applied Social Sciences

Research group(s): Psychology

Address: De Montfort, University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH.

T: +44 (0)116 207 8393

E: iwilliamson@dmu.ac.uk

W: /hls

 

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Personal profile

Dr Iain Williamson is a critical health psychologist who is registered  with the Health Professions Council and chartered with the British Psychological Society. Dr Williamson uses qualitative methods in his research and has a particular interest in issues around diversity and health inequalities in marginalised communities.

Publications and outputs


  • dc.title: Rediscovering the forgotten mourners鈥�: A qualitative synthesis of adults鈥� accounts of sibling bereavement experiences dc.contributor.author: Parekh, Roshni Pareshkumar; Sobczak-Edmans, M.; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Sibling relationships, often the longest in a person鈥檚 life, carry deep emotional bonds, making their loss complex yet underrepresented in grief literature. This interpretive, meta-ethnographic qualitative synthesis explored adult sibling bereavement due to illness or accident, analyzing 10 English-language studies (2003鈥�2024) using Noblit and Hare鈥檚 (Citation1988) protocol. Three meta-themes were developed: (1) Death鈥檚 Ripple Effect, (2) The Space Between Grief and Healing, and (3) Navigating a New Reality. This paper highlights the unique challenges faced by surviving siblings鈥攕uch as their fractured parallel life, role substitution, and identity disruption鈥攁nd emphasizes the need for bereavement support that is specifically tailored to these dynamics. The authors recommend that program design is informed by research evidence that shows the importance of age as well as identity-focused and role-sensitive approaches. Existing bereavement interventions are effective but lack specificity, especially for sibling loss, highlighting the need for more targeted and evidenced support. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: The Psychological Impacts and Coping Strategies of People Under 60 Living With Mesothelioma Cancer: A Qualitative Study dc.contributor.author: Lond, Benjamin; Williamson, I. R.; Apps, Lindsay; Darlison, Liz; Quincey, Kerry dc.description.abstract: Introduction: Mesothelioma is a life-limiting cancer that results in an array of psychological difficulties. While this cancer is associated with older men exposed to asbestos, it can develop in people under 60, though little research has considered the challenges and ways of supporting this younger demographic. Methods: Online semi-structured interviews were carried out one-to-one with a total of 18 individuals; 6 men and 12 women, aged 26鈥�59 (mean age 45), diagnosed with pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. Participants could also share and discuss photographs to help further convey their cancer experiences. An interpretative phenomenological approach guided the analysis of transcript and photographic data. Results: Two themes with discrete subthemes are presented: 鈥渄ying young of an older person鈥檚 disease,鈥� which explores individuals鈥� experiences of shock at diagnosis and widespread sense of disrupted living, concern for family members, and lack of peer support, and 鈥渓iving young with an older person鈥檚 disease,鈥� which explores psycho-behavioral coping via focus on the atypicality of mesothelioma in young groups, return to everyday living, and via activities and exercise to manage anxiety and foster a sense of agency. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the need to develop tailored clinical and psychotherapeutic support to address the practical and psychological difficulties younger people encounter. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Improving Access and Recruitment to Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer Patients: A Multi-Phase, Qualitative Focus Group and Co-Production Study dc.contributor.author: Dodd, Christopher; Lond, Benjamin J.; Davey, Zoe; Williamson, I. R.; Darlison, Liz; Hall, Sally; McPhelim, John; Rawlinson, Janette; Henshall, Catherine dc.description.abstract: Aim To design and develop a novel co-produced intervention tool aimed at facilitating discussions that lung cancer nurses have with lung cancer patients about clinical trial opportunities; and promote trial recruitment. Design A multi-phase qualitative focus group (phase 1) and co-production (phase 2) study. Methods The rigorous design and content of the intervention tool was informed by qualitative data from seven focus groups with lung cancer healthcare professionals (n鈥�=鈥�38) and patients and their carers (n鈥�=鈥�22) to establish barriers and facilitators to clinical trial participation. Data collection took place across England and Scotland between October and December 2023. Findings from a previously published systematic review were also incorporated to inform intervention tool design. The tool was developed through an extended co-production workshop comprising lung cancer nurses (n鈥�=鈥�7), lung cancer patients (n鈥�=鈥�2) and health researchers (n鈥�=鈥�4). The COM-B model of behavioural change underpinned both phases of the project to guide tool development. Results Phase 1 focus groups identified the need for a tool to provide basic trial information to patients, and to support lung cancer nurses in discussing trials with patients, thus improving nurses' knowledge, confidence, and awareness of trials. The phase 2 coproduction workshop identified that the tool should consist of two elements: a patient-facing information pamphlet and a large poster for nurses to assist them in discussing trial opportunities. Conclusion The study results demonstrate how nurses can be supported to discuss clinical trial opportunities with patients, with the potential to increase long-term recruitment to clinical trials. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: A qualitative synthesis of Hindus鈥� beliefs and experiences about death and dying dc.contributor.author: Parekh, Roshni Pareshkumar; Sobczak-Edmans, M.; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Grief rituals and beliefs of Hindus in India differ from those in Western countries, influenced by Western society through religious teachings, social norms, and legislations. This interpretive qualitative synthesis explores Hindu beliefs and experiences surrounding bereavement, death and dying. Analysis of six studies identified four meta-themes: philosophies and teachings, rituals鈥� practicalities and importance, homeland and diaspora, and family involvement. Using Noblit and Hare鈥檚 seven-step meta-ethnographic synthesis, the analysis highlights how Hinduism shapes grieving experiences and provides solace through its teachings. The review emphasizes reevaluating cultural practices among Hindus globally and examines differences and similarities in grieving within and beyond their homeland. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: "It's Like a Double Whammy!": A Photo-Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer People Living With Multiple Sclerosis. dc.contributor.author: Papaloukas, Periklis; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological, autoimmune condition which affects the nervous system, creating several physiological and psychosocial issues. Simultaneously, there is an expanding body of research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) populations which indicates health inequalities due to heteronormativity. Despite this, research exploring chronic illness, neurological conditions, and MS within LGBQ contexts remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the experience of LGBQ people living with MS. We undertook a culturally responsive multi-method approach, employing verbal and visual data through phenomenological interviews and participant-authored photographs. Twenty-three LGBQ individuals from several countries took part. All data collected from the three groups were analyzed separately using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). We created three interrelated themes: (a) , (b) , and (c) . It was revealed that from the moment of confirmed MS diagnosis, LGBQ individuals in this study appear to progress to an individual transformation of the self. Subsequently, the LGBQ persons living with MS typically experience an amended social exposure whereby they experience the enhanced force of multiple stigmas and incidents of discrimination. However, participants noted reaction and resistance against both the attack of MS on their identity and against the multiple discriminations. These different phases and stages are revisited and retouched dynamically and non-linearly, echoing the fluidity and episodic nature of MS. The findings have academic and real-world impact through recommendations for advocacy, policy change, future research, and healthcare.

  • dc.title: 鈥淣avigating Risk and Responsibility?鈥�: A Mixed-Methods Study Addressing Stigma and Well-Being Among Men Who Have 鈥楽ex on Chems鈥� with Other Men in the English Midlands dc.contributor.author: Wilson, Amanda; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Background: Most research on 鈥楥hemsex鈥� has been conducted with gay, bi-sexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in large cities with well-established infrastructures. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the 鈥楥hemsex鈥� risks and responsibilities of GBMSM who lived outside of the queer metropolis. This study also aimed to understand how stigma and mental health present in the absence of a well-established community infrastructure. Methods: This study utilized mixed methods in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, a location in the East Midlands of England. The quantitative component consisted of a survey. The qualitative component comprised three case studies based on in-depth interviews, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Of the 123 survey respondents, 86% engaged in riskier sex during sessions and 35% no longer enjoyed sober sex. In the interviews, the three men balanced risk management and personal responsibility, positioning themselves as mature, considerate, and well-educated users. All were alienated by the term 鈥楥hemsex鈥�. The findings are considered using theoretical frameworks, or how discourses of 鈥榤oral threat鈥� operate within the micro-politics of regulating GBMSM鈥檚 pleasure and stigma. Conclusions: The complexities of understanding this practice for researchers and practitioners are discussed and recommendations are made for reframing education and support services for GBMSM. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: The psychological impact of living with peritoneal mesothelioma: An interpretative phenomenological analysis dc.contributor.author: Lond, Benjamin J.; Apps, Lindsay; Quincey, Kerry; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare life-limiting cancer that is likely to have an extremely negative impact on mental health; however, no studies to date have explored the impact and needs of those living with the condition. Ten individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (eight women, two men) participated in interviews and could share and discuss photographs to convey their illness experiences. Data analysis was informed by 鈥業nterpretative Phenomenological Analysis鈥�. Two themes are presented: 鈥楨xperiences of Care鈥� and 鈥楶sychological Distress鈥�. Individuals experienced a lengthy diagnostic journey with little follow-up support. Women also reported negative impacts on body image due to abdominal swelling and scaring, diminished sexual ability and loss of fertility. Individuals recalled vivid feelings of anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and tried to cope by compartmentalising their fears and modifying diets. These findings demonstrate the need to further signpost services, help individuals manage gendered issues, and alleviate feelings of anxiety. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators impacting patient enrolment in clinical trials for lung cancer dc.contributor.author: Lond, Benjamin; Dodd, Christopher; Davey, Zoe; Darlison, Liz; McPhelim, John; Rawlinson, Janette; Williamson, I. R.; Merriman, Clair; Waddington, Francesca; Bagnallainslie, Dominic; Rajendran, Balaji; Usman, Jesse; Henshall, Catherine dc.description.abstract: Purpose Clinical research trials are needed to enhance the medical care and treatment for lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While clinical trials allow for the development of novel therapies to treat cancer, the recruitment of lung cancer patients to trials is low. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available literature concerning barriers and facilitators affecting lung cancer patients鈥� decisions to enrol in clinical trials to guide future cancer research efforts. Methods Four databases were systematically searched: Academic Search Complete, CINHAL, PubMed, and PsycINFO in August 2023. A supplemental grey literature search was also conducted alongside this. Articles were quality appraised using CASP and JMI checklists, and results were narratively synthesised. Results Eighteen articles of varied design met the inclusion criteria, and results were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) Model to help structure and conceptualise review findings. Evidence suggests that the decision to enrol in a trial is multifaceted and informed by: when and how study information is presented, travel and trial eligibility, and altruistic hopes and fears. Conclusions There is need to address the many different concerns that lung cancer patients have about participating in a clinical trial through the supply of accessible and timely trial information, and via the reduction of travel, expansion of study eligibility criteria, and recognition of a person's altruistic wishes, hopes, fears, and family-oriented concerns. Future research should aim to work alongside lung cancer patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders to increase research accessibility. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Transitioning services for eating disorder treatment, the relative importance of factors from patient, carer and clinician perspectives: a Q-methodology study dc.contributor.author: Wales, Jackie; Brewin, Nicola; Williamson, I. R.; 艩tick媒, Jakub; Lawrence, Rachael; Eivors, Alison dc.description.abstract: Purpose Effective transitions from child and adolescent to adult services are important for continuity of care for patients with eating disorders. This study aims to examine the relative importance of a series of statements about the transition process, elicited from an earlier service evaluation, from the perspectives of patients, parents/carers and clinicians. Design/methodology/approach Twenty-eight participants completed a Q-sort task ranking 40 statements, developed from an earlier study, using a normal distribution pattern on a scale, which ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree, to identify their priorities for transition. Analysis resulted in the extraction of four factors explaining 52% of the variance. Findings Four distinct factors were elicited: 鈥減arents and carers need including too鈥�, 鈥渇acilitating effective transfer between services鈥�, 鈥渟upporting the patient through transition鈥� and providing 鈥渢imely, patient-centred care鈥�. The study enabled similarities and differences in priorities to be observed for the three respondent groups. Practical implications These rankings, noting the differences between the respondent groups, can be used to inform the development of effective transition protocols. This study suggests these protocols should ensure a person-centred approach; timely planning; include parents/carers; provide continuous care and have good transfer of information and sensible timing of transitions. Differences in priorities/opinions can be addressed through open communication channels. Originality/value To the best of the authors鈥� knowledge, this is the first UK-wide study examining priorities for transition from the perspectives of patients, parents/carers and clinicians.

  • dc.title: Researching Local Public Health Priorities in The Locked Down City Using Online Community Focus Groups: Reflections and Recommendations dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Lond, Benjamin J.; Hart, Tania; Clifton, Andrew; Ochieng, B. dc.description.abstract: In this commentary paper we reflect on our experiences of conducting two qualitative public health projects in Leicester UK around health inequalities and marginalised groups during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. To contextualise the commentary, we first provide information about Leicester and how and why it was disproportionately affected by the pandemic, as well as describing the origins, aims, and methodologies of the two projects. In the second half, we describe and evaluate some of the adaptations we made to our studies and conclude with suggestions for future qualitative community health research as we adapt to the post-pandemic research landscape. dc.description: Open access article

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Research interests/expertise

  • Critical/qualitative health psychology
  • Breastfeeding and infant nutrition
  • Chronic Illness
  • Social and cultural diversity
  • Lesbian and gay health and well-being
  • Eating disorders 

Dr Williamson has methodolgical expertise in interpretative phenomenological analysis, interviewing and audio-diaries and Q-methodology.

Areas of teaching

  • Health psychology
  • Qualitative research methods
  • Health inequalities
  • Social and cultural perspectives on health and well-being.

Qualifications

  • BA (Lancaster)
  • Postgraduate Diploma (Open)
  • PGCE (Leicester)
  • MSc (Manchester)
  • PhD (Huddersfield)

Courses taught

  • MSc Health Psychology
  • MSc Psychological Well-Being
  • BSc Psychology with Health Studies
  • BSc Psychology 

Membership of external committees

  • Expert member of the NHS Leicester Research Ethics Committee since May 2008.
  • Member of the Division of Health Psychology Training Committee since September 2012.

Membership of professional associations and societies

  • Chartered with the British Psychological Society and Member of the Society's Division of Health Psychology and Qualitative Methods Section.
  • Member of the International Society for Critical Health Psychology and the Midlands Health Psychology Network.
  • Member of the Islamic Studies Network.

Professional licences and certificates

Registered as a practitioner psychologist (speciality: health) with the Health Professions Council in July 2009 until June 2013.

Conference attendance

Williamson, I. & Sacranie, S. M. (2008, September).  Nourishment for body and soul: Exploring British Muslim mothers' accounts of breastfeeding (oral presentation).  British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods Section Inaugural Conference, Leeds, UK.

Williamson, I., Lyttle, S., Johnson, S. & Leeming, D. (2008, September). The benefits and drawbacks of using audio-diaries to capture lived experience: Participants' and researchers' views (Poster presentation). British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods Section Inaugural Conference, Leeds, UK.

Williamson, I. (2009, June).  Exploring accounts of breastfeeding experience among British Asian and white women. Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Annual Conference (Invited address) Leicester, UK.

Leeming, D., Williamson, I., Johnson, S. & Lyttle, S. (2009, September). ‘This is a natural thing, why can I not do this?’ :  The impact of early breastfeeding difficulties on first-time mothers.(Poster presentation). Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology Annual Conference, Newcastle, UK.

Johnson, S., Leeming, D., Lyttle,S.  &  Williamson, I. (2010, March).   Empowerment or regulation?  Exploring the implications of women’s perspectives on pumping and expressing milk. Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposium 2010: Informing Public Health Approaches Greensborough, North Carolina, US.

Johnson, S., Leeming, D., Lyttle, S. & Williamson, I. (2011, April). Being a good mother: Expressing breast milk as a way of negotiating the moral imperative that breast is best (oral presentation). Paper presented at the 7th Biennial Conference of the International Society of Critical Health Psychology, Adelaide, Australia, April.

Leeming, D., Williamson, I., Johnson, S. & Lyttle, S. (2011, June).  Becoming a breastfeeding mother :  An interactionist perspective (oral presentation).  Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood: Bio-Cultural Perspectives. Grange-Over-Sands, UK.

Williamson, I., Song, J. & Lyttle, S. (2011, June). Developing undergraduate students’ skills in qualitative data analysis through the exploration of on-line Hajj diaries (oral presentation). Higher Education Academy Centre for Sociology, Anthropology and Politics Teaching Islam in the Social Sciences. Birmingham, UK.

Williamson, I., Quincey, K., Hodges, K., Mitchell, H., Fox, G., Ogbonna, M. & Wood, N. (2011, September). Exploring the experiences of informal primary carers for individuals with Parkinson's Disease in the UK [poster presentation].  British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Southampton UK.

Fox, G. & Williamson, I. (2012, February). Living with an eating disorder: An exploration of the effects on a co-habiting relationship from both partners’ perspectives (oral presentation). Midlands Health Psychology Network Annual Conference, Coventry UK

Fox, G. & Williamson, I. (2012, August). “Always the two of us and then Anorexia”. Co-habiting couples’ accounts of living with eating disturbance (poster presentation). European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, Prague, Czech Republic.

Williamson, I., Ogbonna, M. & Mitchell, H. (2012, August). “It was never an option not to breastfeed.” Exploring breastfeeding accounts of middle class Nigerian women (poster presentation). European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, Prague, Czech Republic.

Consultancy work

Dr Williamson is currently working with Dr Scott Yates (羞羞视频) and, Dr Rachel Westacott and Professor John Feehally (University Hospitals Leicester) on a mixed methods project looking at self-efficacy and self-management of young people with Chronic Kidney Disease, funded by NHS Kidney Care.

Current research students

Dr Williamson is supervising a PhD student on a project relating to lesbian and gay sexual health and well-being with Dr Julie Fish.

Externally funded research grants information

2012 NHS Kidney Care with Dr Rachel Westacott and Professor John Feehally (UHL) and Dr Scott Yates (羞羞视频)

Professional esteem indicators

Dr Williamson has reviewed for several funding organisations including the Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy and National Institute of Health Research.

Dr Williamson has reviewed for publishing houses such as Sage and Open University Press. He has reviewed articles for numerous journals including International Journal of Men’s Health, Sex Roles, International Journal of Social Research Methodologies, European Eating Disorders Review and Critical Public Health.