Dr Ruth Lamont

Personal statement:

I am an experienced social psychologist, with 15 years of research experience at the University of Kent (2011-15), the University of Exeter (2015-21), and now Natural England (2021-present).

My research has used a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, most often large-scale surveys, semi-structured interviews, systematic review and participatory methods (including the IDEAL study, PANS, CoGS, research on gardening groups for people with dementia and an advisory role on RENEW).

I have worked with and for a range of government departments, third sector organisations and academic institutions, including Alzheimer’s Society, the Stroke Association, the Cabinet Office and the Department for Health and Social Care.

Key topic areas of research or interest:

My research has broadly focused on the social, psychological and environmental determinants of health and well-being. Before moving to Natural England, I published extensively on factors influencing living well in later life/with long-term health conditions.

At Natural England I have delivered, commissioned and advised on social science research within several priority areas, including: engagement with nature and human health/well-being, pro-environmental attitudes/behaviours, and national indicators for the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan.

More recently, I have taken a lead role in overseeing Natural England’s research ethics committee. I particularly value cross-sector and participatory research that brings together programme/policy needs, academic rigour and the voices of ‘user’ groups to produce applied research insights that inform practice

Publications:

Selected outputs: 

• Lamont, R. A. & Hinson, C. (2024). A narrative review of reviews of nature exposure and human health and well-being in the UK. Natural England Evidence Review NEER030.
• Foster-Collins, H., Calitri, R., Tarrant, M., Orr, N., Whear, R., & Lamont, R. A. (2024). ‘I can still swing a spade’: a qualitative exploratory study of gardening groups for people with dementia. Ageing & Society. 1-17. doi:10.1017/S0144686X23000892
• Indicator lead for 25 Year Environment Plan indicators G4 to G7 
• Led and published release of the 2021 and 2022 ‘Children’s People and Nature Survey’ Official Statistics  
• Lamont, R. A., Calitri, R., Mounce, L. T. A., Hollands, L., Dean, S. G., Code, C., Sanders, A., & Tarrant, M. (2022). Shared social identity and perceived social support among stroke groups during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationship with psychosocial health. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 1– 21. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12348  
• Clare, L. et al. (2018). A comprehensive model of factors associated with subjective perceptions of living well with dementia: findings from the IDEAL study. Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders. doi: 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000286. 
• Lamont, R.A., Swift, H.J., & Abrams, D (2015). A Review and Meta-Analysis of Age-Based Stereotype Threat: Stereotypes, Not Facts, Do the Damage. Psychology and Aging, 30, 180-193. doi: 10.1037/a0038586 
• Swift, H. J., Abrams, D., Lamont, R. A., & Drury, L. (2017). The risks of ageism model: How ageism and negative attitudes toward age can be a barrier to active aging. Social Issues and Policy Review, 11, 195-231. doi: 10.1111/sipr.12031