Dr Nic Gibson

Nic is interested in Applied Psychology, particularly well-being, resilience, and pro-sociality as personal strengths that influence positive outcomes. Research areas include play and playfulness in adults, human-animal companionship, gaming, and individual differences.

[email protected]

Background

Nic joined ARU in May 2017. They worked in mental health (Penumbra Self Harm Project) and youth work (Aberdeen City Council) in Aberdeen for ten years prior to commencing their PhD at Aberdeen University in 2011.

Their PhD research focused on the influence of positive psychological strengths and non-intellectual abilities on successful learning and academic attainment in adolescents across two schools in Aberdeen. They were also a teaching assistant and tutor at Aberdeen University between 2011 and 2015.

Their research interests focus on applied positive psychology, particularly well-being, resilience, and pro-sociality as personal strengths that influence positive outcomes. Research areas include play and playfulness in adults, human-animal companionship, gaming, and individual differences.

Nic is a member of the ARU Centre for Societies and Groups.

Research interests

• Positive psychology
• Play and playfulness in adults
• Human-animal companionship
• Resilience
• Individual differences
• Coping
• Emotion and cognition
• Pro-sociality
• Wellbeing

Areas of research supervision

Nic would welcome research applications in the following areas:

• Pro-sociality
• Play and playfulness
• Human-animal companionship
• Gaming
• Individual differences (LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence)

Teaching

• Psychology Of Everyday Life (Module Leader)
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Research In Action
• Brain, Body and Mind

Qualifications

• PhD Psychology, University of Aberdeen (UK)
• PgDip Psychology, University of Aberdeen
• BSc Hons Psychology, University of Aberdeen

Research grants, consultancy, knowledge exchange

• Consultant on “myappa” project (resilience assessment app) November 2016–present
• Data Analyst / Consultant, ChildLine, Wales (voluntary) June 2016–August 2016
• Data Analyst / Consultant, Arbitration Law Project, Aberdeen University April 2015

Selected recent publications

Keyes, H., Gradidge S., Gibson N., Harvey A., Roeloffs S., Zawisza M., Forwood S. (2023),Attending live sporting events predicts subjective wellbeing and reduces loneliness, Frontiers in Public Health, 10.3389/fpubh.2022.989706

Recent presentations and conferences

Posters

Gibson, N.H., Pearson, D.G. and Hosie, J.A., 2013. Strengths and success in Students. International Positive Psychology Association World Congress, Los Angeles, United States, 27-30 June 2013.

Talks

Gibson, N.H. Strengths in Education: a longitudinal study of strengths and academic attainment in the UK. BPS Developmental Conference, Amsterdam, 3-5 September 2014.

Gibson, N.H. Non-Intellectual Influences on Success. Character, Culture and Values Conference, Character Scotland, University of Glasgow, 15 and 16 June, 2015.

Media experience

• Broadcast radio interviews discussing character strengths and their relevance to education for: BBC Radio Aberdeen, Northsound, Good Morning Scotland and Original FM; also local Press and Journal article; Monday 28 April 2014.
• Cafe Scientifique Talk (Public engagement with science, 16 July 2014).
• Short article on Aberdeen University news page