Alexa Spence
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Alexa Spence

I am an Associate Professor based at the University of Nottingham, based in the School of Psychology.

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My research interests lie within social and environmental psychology focusing primarily on perceptions, social interactions, and behaviour.  I'm often very applied in my research, using this to explore current perceptions of topical risk issues.  In particular, I am involved in research on climate change and energy issues, examining related public perceptions, issues of acceptance, and behaviour.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Strathclyde University and my PhD at the University of Nottingham. Subsequently, I held postdoctoral positions at the University of Nottingham and Cardiff University before returning to Nottingham as a permanent member of staff in 2010. I retain strong links with the Understanding Risk Research group at  Cardiff University.

I am a current co-investigator in the Horizon Digital Economy Research Institute and in the Trust in Autonomous Systems Hub.

Cyberbullying may play a role in asthma fatalities (July, 2022)


​Some of my latest research, led by Dr Vanja Ljevar in her PhD research, has hit the headlines in identifying cyberbullying as a factor relating to asthma fatalities. This study is notably the first we know of to compare patients' perceptions of asthma with perceptions of asthma held by the wider public. 
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Asthma patients often believe they are viewed as 'weak', 'nerds', or 'outcasts' and an analysis of Twitter perceptions discovered evidence of such perceptions expressed by others, which could be considered as cyberbullying. Stigmatisation of people with asthma can lead to marginalisation among asthma patients, likely to lead to less adherence to medication.  
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