Jessica Polhill: Turning research into practice

When research reaches the clinic

It was in a hospital meeting room – rather than the lab – where Jessica Polhill felt the tangible impact of her Masters research. Speaking to practising clinicians, she was able to discuss how her findings might inform therapeutic work directly with those in the field.

The opportunity also clarified the importance of her research and its potential to benefit people: it showed how academic work can shape real clinical decisions and support psychologists to respond more effectively to people experiencing distress. There was also the added magic of being able to share her hard work with the clinicians who had supported her through her studies.

It was very special to have the opportunity to present my research to the psychology team at the hospital where I was completing my clinical placement.

Research grounded in everyday experience

Jessica’s research explores the connections between emotion, language and mental health. At its centre is a deceptively simple question: does putting feelings into words help people feel better when they encounter upsetting information?

Her study explored how labelling emotions can influence emotional responses, and whether this process is helpful for people experiencing symptoms or features of mental disorders. A key aim was to move beyond artificial tasks and understand how these processes operate in daily life.

By grounding the research in everyday experiences, Jessica aims to contribute knowledge that feels realistic, accessible and directly relevant to clinical practice. She’s now working to publish those findings, allowing her work to go beyond the university setting and into the hands of practitioners who can apply it.

Learning as a scientist‑practitioner

A defining aspect of the degree was the ability to connect research and clinical work, rather than treating them as separate skills. Research questions were shaped by clinical experience, and the findings helped inform how psychological support might be delivered more thoughtfully.

This scientist‑practitioner approach reinforced the value of research as a practical tool, strengthening clinical judgement and supporting evidence‑based care.

Why the Elgin Prize matters

Receiving the Elgin Prize for work completed during the Clinical Master of Psychology (MPsych) carried a deep personal significance for Jessica. Entry into the program is highly competitive, and throughout the application process she deliberately kept her expectations low to manage the likelihood of disappointment.

As someone who still pinches themselves every day to have even had the privilege of gaining entry into the MPsych program, it is unfathomable to be receiving an award for my work completed in the degree.

The recognition has helped counter the self‑doubt that can linger even after finishing the program, offering reassurance that her work is valued and a meaningful contribution to the field of psychology. For Jessica, it also signals that her commitment to bridging research and clinical practice – to making psychology matter in real people's lives – is on the right track.