Carol Gray Brunton
Carol Gray Brunton

Dr Carol Gray Brunton BA (Hons) MSc PhD CPsychol AFBPsS FHEA

Lecturer

 0131 455 5605

  C.GrayBrunton@napier.ac.uk

  

Biography

I am a Lecturer in Health and Social Care Sciences. I am a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow with the British Psychological Â鶹ÉçÇø (highest standards of knowledge and experience in the field of psychology). I have strong theoretical knowledge and skills around applying behavioural, psychological and social sciences to health.

I am a specialist methodologist with wide expertise in Qualitative research and evaluation (discourse analysis; thematic analysis; IPA; grounded theory; thematic synthesis for evidence synthesis).

I am a member of various BPS associated groups including the Division of Academics, Teachers and Researchers in Psychology; Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section; Division of Health Psychology. I am a member of the International Â鶹ÉçÇø of Critical Health Psychology (ISCHP); European Qualitative Methods in Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø (EQUIP); British Psycho-Oncology Â鶹ÉçÇø; Behavioural Research UK (BR-UK) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

My research interests and expertise are focused on working with hard-to-reach, vulnerable groups using behavioural, psychological and science theories including:
1) Leading the Vaccine Hesitancy and Confidence Research programme over the past 12 years in SHSC
2) Qualitative Research and Evaluation
3) Professional roles and service evaluation
4) Psycho-oncology for rare cancers

I previously worked as a postdoctoral research fellow for 5 years at ENU in cancer and public health where I developed my own interests/expertise in vaccine uptake and confidence/hesitancy on a range of childhood vaccines e.g. for MMR, HPV, H1N1 and now for COVID-19 amongst Health & Social Care professionals. I worked as a research assistant for QMU and taught widely in psychology. I have previously worked as a psychology research assistant in the NHS on a range of research projects. I have been involved in service evaluation and consultancy for the NHS and charitable sector (Attention Fife, Macmillan Cancer Support). I worked at the Open University teaching Social Psychology.

I have over 15 years' experience of working in Higher Education and have taught widely across undergraduate and postgraduate provision for Nursing (all branches), Psychology and Business school students. I have taught at ENU, Queen Margaret University and the Open University.

During 2019-2022 I was the School Research Degrees Lead for over 50 research degrees students in the SHSC. I lead and monitored the development and overall progress for students and provided support for supervisors.

My work has achieved local, national and international attention. I have presented widely at national and international conferences. I am active in pursuing research funding and in publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

I have successfully supervised PhD students (four completions - one of these subject to revisions). Open to new PhD students in vaccine hesitancy/confidence and other areas within my expertise.

School

Research Groups

Themes

Research Areas

Esteem

Advisory panels and expert committees or witness

  • Invited member Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Research, Insights and Evaluation Group : ENU Lead
  • Scottish Government Cross Party Group for Cancer
  • Scottish HPV Investigators Meeting (SHINE)
  • Behavioural Research UK
  • UK HPV Behavioural Science Special Interest Group

 

Conference Organising Activity

  • Vaccine hesitancy and the role of qualitative research in behaviour change: a Scottish case study exploring Covid-19 vaccine concerns amongst nurses and other care staff. Paper presented at the European Qualitative in Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference, Milan, August 2024
  • KE: Research Symposium: Addressing suboptimal uptake rates of the HPV vaccine amongst boys/young men; 5 June ENU
  • PGR Lead for SHSC PGR Conference Organising Committee with PGR Reps and team , 2 June
  • Gray Bunton, C. (2021, August). Vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 vaccination and healthcare workers. Snapshots Symposium: Photo-essay Paper presented at International Â鶹ÉçÇø of Critical Health Psychology 12th Binennial Conference, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand (online)
  • Invited, Organised and Chaired external and internal guest speakers for PGR seminar series (online)
  • Gray Brunton, C., Carnegie, E., Pow, J., Whittaker, A., & Todorova, I. (2017, June). Qualitative, critical and discursive methodology for exploring ambivalence around the HPV vaccine amongst marginalised groups. Poster presented at Sympoisum for the Vaccine Confidence Project, London School of Tropical Medicine: Building trust, managing risk: vaccine confidence and Human Papillomavirus vaccination.
  • Gray Brunton, C., & Carnegie, E. (2017, July). Media and Social Media representations of the HPV vaccine. Paper (Pecha Kucha) presented at 10th Biennial International Â鶹ÉçÇø for Critical Health Psychology Conference, Loughborough
  • Gray Brunton, C., & Carnegie, E. (2017, May). Young people, constructions, context and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine. Paper presented at International Week, School of Health and Social Care, Global issues in Healthcare
  • Gray Brunton, C., Carnegie, E., Whittaker, A., Kennedy, C., Hogg, R., Harding, S., …Willis, D. (2016, August). Young men with intellectual disabilities, the HPV vaccine, and constructions of sexual health risk. Paper presented at The 30th joint European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference/British Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Division of Health Psychology
  • Carnegie, E., Whittaker, A., Gray-Brunton, C., Kennedy, C., Hogg, R., Pow, J., …Hanif, N. (2016, April). The human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine: accounts from young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups in Scotland aged 16-26 years. Paper presented at RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2016
  • Gray Brunton, C., Carnegie, E., Whittaker, A., & Todorova, I. (2016, August). Critical discursive psychology as methodology for exploring ambivalence around the HPV vaccine amongst marginalised groups. Poster presented at The 30th joint European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference/British Psychological Â鶹ÉçÇø Division of Health Psychology
  • Symposium organiser: Young men's constructions of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine from an International perspective: Gareth Treharne, Carol Gray Brunton and Irina Todorova; International Â鶹ÉçÇø for Critical Health Psychology 2015, South Africa
  • Symposium Organiser: Whittaker, A., Carnegie, E., Todorova, I., & Gray Brunton, C. (2015, July). Young men’s constructions of the HPV vaccine from the United States: ‘It’s optional but not crucial to health’. Symposium presentation at 9th Biennial International Â鶹ÉçÇø of Critical Health Psychology Grahamstown, South Africa. e
  • Symposium Organiser: Carnegie, E., Whittaker, A., Gray Brunton, C., Gullone, A., Pow, J., Petrova, D., & Garcia-Retamero, R. (2015, July). ‘I didn’t think men were affected’: Scottish and Spanish men’s constructions of risks, responsibilities and knowledge in relation to the HPV vaccine. Symposium presentation at 9th Biennial International Â鶹ÉçÇø of Critical Health Psychology Conference, Grahamstown, South Africa.
  • Organising Committee Member and Chair for the Nursing and Healthcare Seminar Series with NHS Lothian, University of Edinburgh, Â鶹ÉçÇø and Queen Margaret University.
  • Symposium Organiser: Gray, C., Hogg, R & Kennedy, C (2012). Health literacy and empowerment in child and adolescent vaccination: A qualitative study focusing on the MMR, H1N1 and HPV vaccines. Symposium presentation on Beliefs, Attitudes and dilemmas about Vaccination in a Cross-Cultural Perspective at the 26th European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference, 21-25 August, Prague.
  • Symposium Organiser: Petrova, D., Gray, C., Farver, I., Jaeger, M., Lenneis, A., Parve, K., Patarcic, D., Hogg, R., Todorova, I. & Kennedy, C (2012). Young women’s experiences of the HPV vaccine: A Qualitative, Cross-Cultural Study in Scotland, Serbia, Spain and Bulgaria. Symposium presentation on Beliefs, Attitudes and dilemmas about Vaccination in a Cross-Cultural Perspective at the 26th European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference, 21-25 August, Prague.
  • Kennedy, C., Gray, C., Black, P., Campbell, K. & Nicol, J. (2011). Crossing boundaries: the role of the advanced nurse practitioner in an integrated specialist palliative care service in Scotland. Paper presentation at the European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, 23-26 Sep, Stockholm
  • Kennedy, C., Gray, C., Black, P., Campbell, K & Nicol, J. (2011). ‘Crossing boundaries’: the role of the advanced nurse practitioner in an integrated specialist palliative care service in NHS Tayside. Poster presentation at the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care Conference, 6 October 2011, Edinburgh
  • Gray, C., McIntosh, P. & Kennedy, C. (2011). More than just a jag? The delivery of childhood vaccinations as an interpersonal over a technical skill. Roundtable discussion at the 2nd International Conference on Compassionate Care, June, Edinburgh
  • Gray, C. & Kennedy, C. (2011). The complexities of trust in the delivery of childhood vaccines in Scotland: A qualitative study. Paper presentation at the 25th European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference; 20-24 Sep; Crete
  • Gray, C. & Kennedy, C. (2010). The discursive construction of risk and responsibility in childhood vaccinations: A qualitative study of parental talk in Scotland. Paper presentation at the 24th European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Conference; 1-4 Sep; Cluj, Romania
  • Kennedy, C., Gray, C., McIntosh, P., Craig, A., Rust, S. & Harden, J. (2010). Exploring stakeholder views for the MMR and HPV vaccines: A qualitative study in progress. Poster presentation to the Lothian NMAHP Research Framework and Clinical Academic Research Careers Scheme and Edinburgh Health Services Research Unit Launch, 6 May 2010. Edinburgh: Queen’s Medical Institute
  • Gray, C., Hogg, R. & Kennedy, C. (2010). Occupational boundary work, community nurses and changes to generalist working: A qualitative case study and the implications for patient care. Poster presentation to the Lothian NMAHP Research Framework and Clinical Academic Research Careers Scheme and Edinburgh Health Services Research Unit Launch, 6 May 2010. Edinburgh: Queen’s Medical Institute
  • Gray, C., Hogg, R. & Kennedy, C. (2010). Occupational boundary work, community nurses and changes to generalist working: A qualitative case study and the implications for patient care. Poster presentation to the Scottish School of Primary Care Conference; 27-28 April; Crieff, UK
  • Gray, C., Kennedy, C., McIntosh, P., & Hogg, R. (2010) Exploring stakeholder experiences for the MMR and HPV Vaccines: A Qualitative Study in Progress. Oral presentation to the Scottish School of Primary Care Conference; 27-28 April; Crieff, UK
  • Gray, C., Kennedy, C. & Hogg, R. (2009). (Mis)Communication and Context for Childhood Vaccinations: A Role for Critical Health Psychology? Poster presentation for the 6th International Â鶹ÉçÇø for Critical Health Psychology,Lausanne, Switzerland, 8-11 July 2009
  • Kennedy, C., McIntosh, P., Hogg, R., Gray, C. & Christie, J. (2009). Beyond the ‘Conveyor Belt’ Experience: Parents and Professional Views of Childhood Immunisation Services in Edinburgh. Poster presentation at the NHS Lothian Best Practice Day/Improving the Quality of the Patient Experience, Edinburgh, 4-5 June 2009
  • Gray, C. (2009). ‘Resisting’ Ritalin: Parental Talk about Treatment Medication in Childhood ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Paper presentation at the 6th International Â鶹ÉçÇø for Critical Health Psychology, Lausanne, Switzerland, 8-11 July 2009.
  • Gray, C. (2008). Negotiating the 'good parent': Parental talk about their child's ADHD diagnosis. Paper Presented at the 22nd Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø/11th Annual Conference of the British Psychological Â鶹ÉçÇø Division of Health Psychology, 9-12 September, Bath, UK.
  • Kennedy, C., McIntosh, P, Hogg, R., Christie, J & Gray, C. (2008). A Profiling Exercise of Childhood Immunisations Practices in Edinburgh. Poster presentation to NHS Lothian Research Day, 30 October, Edinburgh.
  • Gray, C. (2007). Parent's experiences of their child's ADHD: A Critical Review. Poster Presentation at the 21st Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø, 15-18 August, Maastricht, Netherlands.

 

Fellowships and Awards

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
  • Chartered Status CPsychol (British Psychological Â鶹ÉçÇø)
  • Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Â鶹ÉçÇø (AFBPsS)

 

Grant Reviewer

  • Reviewer for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Partnership (2017); NIHR (qualitative research and Methodologist incubator) since 2024; Lead reviewer for ENU PGR Proposals for Funding (2019-2022).

 

Invited Speaker

  • Vaccine hesitancy research expertise; Health Services Executive, National Immunisation Office, Dublin, Ireland; 3 March 2025
  • Nursing Conversations (You tube): Vaccine hesitancy amongst health and social care professionals; University of Worcester
  • Keynote: Psychosocial constructions of the HPV vaccine amongst young women in Scotland, Spain, Serbia and Bulgaria. 26th September, 2014; Global Health Department and Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston.
  • Seminar: The assessment of vulnerability for public health nurses: Mothers and health visitors’ perspectives, with a focus on the Lothian Child Concern Model. Joint Â鶹ÉçÇø, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Care / University of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Sciences/QMU/NHS Lothian Research Seminar Series , 13th January 2013, NHS Lothian., Waverley Gate
  • Seminar: Exploring Stakeholder views for the MMR and HPV Vaccines: A Qualitative Study in Progress. Joint Â鶹ÉçÇø, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Care / University of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Sciences Research Seminar Series/QMU/NHS Lothian, 24 June 2010., Â鶹ÉçÇø
  • Seminar: Parental talk about Ritalin for Childhood ADHD: A Discourse Analysis. Â鶹ÉçÇø, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Care Research Seminar Series, 29th January 2009

 

Media Activity

  • Evidence Based Nursing Journal Blog: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: the role of Nurses and other Health and Social Care Professionals in Vaccine Concerns
  • Exploring Vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 amongst the Scottish health force - School of Health and Social Care

 

Membership of Professional Body

  • British Psycho-Oncology Â鶹ÉçÇø (BPOS)
  • European Qualitative Methods in Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø (EQUIP)
  • Chartered Psychologist (BPS)
  • Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section (BPS)
  • International Â鶹ÉçÇø for Critical Health Psychology Â鶹ÉçÇø Member
  • Division of Health Psychology
  • Division of Teachers, Academics and Researchers in Psychology (BPS)

 

Public/Community Engagement

  • Illustrating the impact of district nursing teams on patients, carers, families and communitities to shape local services: findings from Bruce Harper-Ovstebo PhD thesis
  • Covid vaccination: the views of the public and health and social care professionals
  • A Workshop with young people, their significant others and health professionals for findings from Wendy McInally's PhD thesis
  • The Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: The voices of young people with learning disabilities; and Black, Asian, Minority ethnic background

 

Reviewing

  • Reviewer: technical report for University of Otago, New Zealand for postgraduate students, government and international audience at ISCHP conference
  • Expert User reviewer for criteria used to evaluate qualitative research; Health Psychology Research Team, University of Lausanne
  • Active peer reviewer for a number of journals including: Journal of Clinical Nursing; Health; Sociology of Health & Illness; Qualitative Health Research; Psycho-Oncology; Journal of Advanced Nursing; Psychology and Health; BMC Public Health ; PLOS One; Health Psychology Open

 

Visiting Positions

  • Visiting Scholar Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, US; 7 Sep - 3 Oct 2014
  • Visiting Scholar to Health Psychology Research Centre, Sofia, Bulgaria; 23-30 April 2012.
  • Visiting Research Supervisor, Junior Researcher Programme EFPSA Summer School, University of Cambridge,
  • Visiting Research Supervisor, European Federation of Psychology Students,23-31 July 2011, Balaton, Hungary;

 

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53 results

Beyond the ‘Conveyor Belt’ experience: parents and professional views of childhood immunisation services in Edinburgh.

Presentation / Conference
Kennedy, C., Gray Brunton, C., McIntosh, P., Hogg, R., & Christie, J. A. (2009, June)
Beyond the ‘Conveyor Belt’ experience: parents and professional views of childhood immunisation services in Edinburgh. Poster presented at NHS Lothian Best Practice Day/Improving the Quality of the Patient Experience
Aims: This initial six month study was instigated by Patricia McIntosh and funded by Â鶹ÉçÇø. The work involved collaboration between NHS Lothian and Edinb...

A profiling exercise of childhood immunisation practices in Edinburgh

Presentation / Conference
Kennedy, C., McIntosh, P., Hogg, R., Christie, J. A., & Gray Brunton, C. (2008, October)
A profiling exercise of childhood immunisation practices in Edinburgh. Poster presented at NHS Lothian Research Day
Background: Childhood immunisation is a complex area in the research literature with a range of influences affecting uptake. Uptake is important to ensure herd immunity from i...

Negotiating the ‘good parent’: Parental talk about their child’s ADHD diagnosis

Journal Article
Gray, C. (2008)
Negotiating the ‘good parent’: Parental talk about their child’s ADHD diagnosis. Psychology and Health, 23(sup1), 133. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440802299543
Background: ADHD is a contemporary and contested public health area, with rising diagnoses predicted in European contexts due to increased use of American classification. Pare...

Pre-Napier Funded Projects

  • Gray, C. (2007). Parent’s experiences with the services of a holistic charity for children’s attentional difficulties: a Qualitative Evaluation. Report for ATTENTION Fife; Kirkcaldy, June
  • Older men’s talk about health, ill health and help-seeking behaviour; Queen Margaret University.
  • Gray, C. & Schwannauer, M. (2004). Audit and Evaluation of the NW Edinburgh ADHD Project: A Multi-Agency Approach. Report for NHS Lothian

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