2024/2025 AICUR-J Papers
Aisling McDonald, BSc Psychology, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ
Aisling MacDonald is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. She has a strong interest in developmental and social psychology, with aspirations to become a Clinical Psychologist specialising in working with children and adolescents. Throughout her time ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Aisling has developed a broad skill set through both academic and practical experiences, including her role on the Welfare Team, her work as a Clinical Assistant Psychologist, and a study abroad semester at Utrecht University. These opportunities, along with the support of UL’s dynamic psychology department, have provided a solid foundation for her future career. She has particularly enjoyed undertaking her first major research project for her undergraduate thesis and looks forward to continuing research in the field.
Abstract
Trust is foundational to societal functioning, enabling collaboration and relationships. It is particularly crucial in the doctor-patient relationship, which is characterised by uncertainty and sensitivity. However, recent shifts in healthcare have strained this relationship, requiring doctors to emphasise patient satisfaction and autonomy. This shift necessitates doctors' active trust in patients, yet research on doctors' trust remains limited. This study examines doctors’ trust judgements in patients, focusing on competency- and integrity-based trust. Using an online questionnaire, participants were randomly assigned to either a doctor-primed condition or a control group as an onlooker. Participants then evaluated trustworthiness in a hypothetical patient scenario. Results indicated that those in the doctor role exhibited higher general trust in patients; however, competency- and integrity-based trust did not differ by condition. These findings suggest that doctors may extend trust strategically in response to professional constraints, rather than as an inherent or autonomous judgment of patient trustworthiness. Further research should investigate clinical trust mechanisms to enhance healthcare relationships and guide doctors in navigating evolving patient dynamics.
Charlotte Van Bogaert, Psychology, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ
My name is Charlotte Van Bogaert, and I am a clinical psychology student at the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), specializing in children and youth. During my exchange at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ (Spring 2025), I had the opportunity to present some of my research on digital therapy at a seminar and receive peer feedback. Digital therapy and intercultural approaches are among my key research interests, and I am deeply committed to advancing evidence-based mental health care. I intend to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Abstract
Mental health is a critical issue worldwide. 1 in every 8 people in the world lives with a mental health disorder, and many do not have access to effective care (Health Organization, 2022). In response, England's National Health Service initiated the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program to improve access to evidence-based psychological therapies through a stepped-care model (National Health Service Digital, 2023). Mental health is a global issue, so the IAPT model has inspired other countries like New Zealand, Australia, Norway, and Sweden to start similar programs. This paper describes the current global mental health situation, researches and compares the IAPT programs from Australia and England, discusses the opportunities and challenges of implementing the IAPT program in Hong Kong, and lastly reflects and provides recommendations on local mental health policymaking.
Keywords: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT); Mental health policy; Hong Kong; Stepped-care model; Global mental health; Cultural adaptation; Digital mental health
Abstract
Digital psychotherapies are increasingly used in mental health treatment and play an expanding role in the UK’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, which aims to expand evidence-based mental healthcare. Often they offer scalable solutions to address common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Firstly, this essay will evaluate whether digital psychotherapies are as effective as face-to-face interventions. Secondly, it will address the potential further integration into the IAPT program. Finally, a recommendation will be made on whether to use Woebot or What’s Up as a digital intervention to address moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Keywords: Digital psychotherapy; Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy; Telehealth; Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT); Mental health apps; Anxiety and depression; Therapeutic alliance