What is trauma? Conversations about trauma often focus on individual experiences. But trauma can also be shaped by social and political contexts, affecting entire communities as well as the people within them.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Orla Muldoon, Head of Department and Professor of Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research explores the links between identity, conflict, and trauma, with a particular focus on how social and political contexts shape psychological experiences.

They discuss how trauma can be understood not only as an individual experience but also as something shaped by social and collective contexts. The conversation explores what makes social trauma distinct, how it can affect communities as well as individuals, and what the latest research reveals about its long-term impacts.

Orla also shares insights from her work on how understanding the social dimensions of trauma can help inform more effective responses in research, policy, and mental health support.

Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Andrew McIntosh, a psychiatrist and researcher specialising in the genetics of mental health at the University of Edinburgh.

They discuss Andrew’s background in psychiatry and genomics, and how his work aims to better understand the biological underpinnings of mental health conditions. The conversation explores the growing role of genomics in mental health research and the importance of patient and public involvement in shaping meaningful, impactful studies.

Andrew also shares his commitment to ensuring that research includes underrepresented communities and why broadening participation is essential to improving outcomes and reducing inequalities in mental health care.

Season 4 of Open Mind has been an incredible journey, and we want to thank you for tuning in to the first half of the series. We hope it offered new insights into mental health research, while also helping you reflect on your own experiences and those of the people around you.

In this special episode, we revisit some of the conversations that resonated most with our audience, highlighting the personal stories and research that sparked discussion and reflection.

Open Mind returns in the new year, bringing more lived experiences and cutting-edge mental health research.

You can watch the podcast on MQ’s YouTube channel or listen on all major podcast providers.

Season 4 of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies.