Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology

The Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology (COHP, Canolfan Seicoleg Alwedigaethol ac Iechyd) is a Cardiff University research centre founded in 1999 to conduct research into the effects of occupational factors on health and performance efficiency. In addition, the risk factors relating to ill-health are investigated and the effects of health-related behaviour and health status on cognitive performance, mood and physiological functioning examined.

The Unit is directed by Professor Andy Smith and research is conducted by post-doctoral fellows, research associates and post-graduate students.



Topics of research
Previous research projects have included:
 * 1) Minor illnesses and cognition
 * 2) The Psychology of the common cold
 * 3) Combined effects of occupational health hazards
 * 4) Method development study to assess the effect of colds on performance, perceived workload and mood
 * 5) Effects of guarana and alcohol on mood and performance changes following consumption of lager
 * 6) Adverse effects of night-time aircraft noise
 * 7) Physiological and psychological markers for adjustment to shiftwork offshore
 * 8) Noise and insomnia
 * 9) Health-care evaluation and assessment of education in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
 * 10) An investigation of the effects of fibre in breakfast cereal on subjective reports of energy and mood
 * 11) Aromas, cognitive performance and mood
 * 12) The scale and impact of illegal drug use by workers
 * 13) Use and impact of prescribed medication on work performance
 * 14) Psychological markers for adjustment to shiftwork offshore
 * 15) Ethnicity, work characteristics, stress and health
 * 16) Effects of caffeine on mood, cognition and drink acceptability
 * 17) Aromas and cognitive performance
 * 18) Seafarer Fatigue: The Cardiff Research Programme
 * 19) An investigation of the effects of inulin on energy, mood and cognitive function
 * 20) The acute effects of inulin on subjective reports of well-being and objective measures of cognitive performance
 * 21) An investigation of the effects of Yakult fermented drink on mood and cognitive function
 * 22) Effects of probiotics on subjective reports of energy and mood
 * 23) Evaluation of free school breakfasts initiative
 * 24) An investigation of the effects of breakfast cereals on well-being
 * 25) Prediction and reduction of car crashes
 * 26) Occupational Health and Safety: culture, advice and performance
 * 27) Seafarers' Fatigue: The International Perspective
 * 28) Effects of chewing gum on memory and test performance
 * 29) European Framework for safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly ship operations (FLAGSHIP)
 * 30) Healthy Minds at Work
 * 31) The relationship between work/working and improved health, safety and well-being