Summary of the impact

This case study details the impact of Professor Matthew Ratcliffe's research on existential feeling in psychiatric illness. The impact is as follows:

(i) The research is influencing the practice of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists in several countries, by enhancing understanding of patients' experiences and thus informing clinician-patient interaction, and also by featuring in clinical teaching and training.

(ii) It is having a significant influence upon research conducted by the mental health charity SANE, which in turn informs the charity's practice. It has also strengthened links between the charity's research and support services, and directly influenced the practice of front-line staff.

(iii) It helps those affected by psychiatric illness to understand and articulate their experiences.

Summary of the impact

There is strong evidence that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) plays a major role not only in preventing the recurrence of depression, but also in enhancing well-being more broadly. Much of this research was carried out at Bangor University's Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, with a focus on non-academic impact from the outset. Between 2008-2013, the Centre has delivered MBCT courses to over 1500 members of the public. We have also trained over 1300 professionals to deliver MBCT within the NHS and other contexts, leading to several successful spin-off businesses. Finally, Centre researchers lead in the creation of UK good practice standards.