Dr Karen Twiselton

I am a Lecturer (Staff Tutor) in Psychology and Counselling at The Open University, where I support teaching excellence, tutor development, and student success across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. My work combines research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a focus on applying psychological knowledge to enhance wellbeing, learning, and professional practice.

Research Interests

My research focuses on psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and close relationships, exploring the processes that help people adapt to challenges and maintain meaningful social connections. I am particularly interested in the links between psychological flexibility, individual wellbeing, and relationship quality.

I also have an interest in student engagement and belonging in higher education, particularly within online and distance-learning environments. Drawing on an early career in forensic psychology, I retain broader interests in behaviour change, psychological intervention, and the application of psychology in real-world settings.

Professional Affiliations

• Associate Fellow, British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Chartered Member, Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers in Psychology, BPS
• Committee Member, BPS Scotland Branch

Teaching

I have taught psychology since 2012 across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with interests in counselling psychology, forensic psychology, wellbeing, and research methods.

Current Roles

• Deputy Chair, Counselling and Forensic Psychology (DD310)
• Regional leadership for:
• Exploring Mental Health and Counselling (D241)
• Living Psychology (DD210)
• Applying Psychology (D250)
• Counselling and Forensic Psychology (DD310)
• Production team member, Critically Exploring Psychology 2 (D811)

Impact and Engagement

I am committed to ensuring that psychology has a positive impact beyond the university. Through my work with the British Psychological Society in Scotland, I support activities that promote student development, professional engagement, and public understanding of psychology.

Across my research, teaching, and leadership roles, I aim to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practice, supporting wellbeing, educational success, and professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD, Social Psychology – University of Edinburgh
• PgCert, Higher Education – University of the Highlands and Islands
• PgCert, Counselling Skills – University of Aberdeen
• MSc (Distinction), Forensic Psychology – University of Leicester
• PgDip, Psychology Conversion – The Open University
• MSc, Psychology & Health – University of Stirling
• BSc (Hons), Behavioural Science – University of Abertay

Research Areas

• Psychological flexibility
• Wellbeing and mental health
• Close relationships and relationship quality
• Student engagement and belonging
• Distance and online learning
• Behaviour change
• Applied and forensic psychology