We are pleased to announce that we have signed a contract with Routledge for the first International (and interdisciplinary) Handbook of Visual Psychology, edited by Prof Erminia Colucci, Jude Smit and Dr Deborah Bailey-Rodriguez as part of the Middlesex University Visual and Creative Research Group titled ‘Routledge International Handbook of Visual Psychology: Arts-based and Visual Methods in Mental Health and Suicide Research’.

Other members of the group and scholars (including people with lived/living experiences) from across the world will also contribute examples and reflections related to a range of creative and visual methods.

BOOK SOUNDBITE:

In an increasingly visuals-dominated world, the interest in creative and image-based research has surged, particularly in psychology. Visual methodologies offer insights beyond language, capturing how lived realities are experienced through images. These methods can address complex mental health questions that traditional methods struggle with. They enable a participatory approach, making participants co-producers of knowledge, and are ideal for exploring sensitive topics like mental health and suicide, which can be hard to verbalise.

This book aims to provide up-to-date knowledge on creative, arts-based and visual methods in psychology with a focus on mental health and suicide research. It seeks to expand understanding of these methods’ value, and provoke new ways of thinking about mental health and suicide research.

By presenting inclusive, decolonising and diverse spectrum of research, methodological and ethical reflections, and lived and living experience, the book supports the 2030 UN SDG’s mental health priorities.

Targeting a broad audience, from academics to practitioners, this book fills a gap in visual psychology literature. It is valuable for researchers at all levels, including students and peer-researchers, offering tools to explore psychology and mental health through visual and creative methods.

EXPECTED PUBLICATION DATE AUTUMN 2026 WITH BOOK LAUNCH EVENT/CONFERENCE (TBC)

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