Dr Emma Haycraft

My research explores ways to support the healthy development of children and adolescents. I am particularly interested in children’s eating behaviour and how caregivers feed children. Much of my work considers the interactions between caregivers and young people, particularly in relation to feeding but I am also interested in the benefits of physical activity, the potential impacts of screen-viewing behaviour, and in understanding how we can promote children’s optimal development.

Obesity is common in the UK – it’s estimated that one in five children aged 10-11 are living with obesity. This alarming statistic has put healthy eating more firmly on people’s radars with caregivers increasingly wanting to help their children to develop good eating habits for life. It’s not always easy to encourage healthy eating in young children and this can worry caregivers who report a lack of support. My work addresses this gap, drawing on more than 15 years of research to provide practical ways to overcome common feeding pitfalls and help children eat a varied diet. I’m really proud of the Child Feeding Guide – a website and app created in collaboration with my colleagues, Dr Gemma Witcomb and Professor Claire Farrow to support families.

Post 16 Education: A Levels Psychology, English Language & Literature, Biology, General Studies

Higher Education: BSc Psychology (at the University of Birmingham); PhD Psychology (at the University of Birmingham)

Why did you want to research eating behaviour?

I love food and I am a real people person, so my research enables me to bring together two of my favourite things. A goal of my work has always been to find ways to help children to eat a variety of foods. Many young children are fussy eaters and research shows us that this is usually just a phase, so my work has helped us to understand what parents, caregivers and professionals can do to support children to develop healthy eating habits which will hopefully stay with them for life.

When I started university I was terrified of public speaking and now I do a job where I regularly talk to hundreds of people. I still don’t love public speaking but with time and practice, I've learnt to do it, so never be put off by things you find challenging.

Emma’s experience as a student

I had so much fun at university. Studying psychology was great and I felt so fortunate to be taught by world-leading experts and to learn so much, but university is so much more than just the studying. I made lifelong friends, had so many new experiences, and got to enjoy living in a city that I ended up calling home for ten years. So if you get the chance to go to university, take it with both hands and savour it, as it will fly by and then life in the real world will begin.

Emma’s Career

I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham. In 2007, I joined Loughborough as a Lecturer in Psychology and, in May 2018, I was appointed Reader in Psychology. Throughout my career, it’s been really important to me to share my research findings with those who will benefit from them. I’ve always been motivated to address real problems and – working with partners and stakeholders – find practical solutions.

I'm currently involved in research projects investigating child nutrition and child development in Kenya, Peru and South Africa, as well as the UK. We’re working with local partners to develop ways to foster optimal child development and feeding, while providing effective support for caregivers. My recent work has also been exploring children’s emotional eating behaviours – eating when they feel happy or sad or bored. We’ve also looked at children’s unhealthy snacking and screen use behaviours and how best to support families to instil healthy behaviours in their school-age children so that they develop habits which will last a lifetime.

Working in the field of psychology – and in academia – means that no two days are the same and I’m fortunate to do a job I love as I never set out to be an academic!