Liesbet Goubert
Motivation
What is your main motivation for conducting research?
Driven by my passion for medical and health psychology, my research is aimed at improving the quality of life of people with chronic conditions such as chronic pain and cancer, and their loved ones (children, parents, partners). In my research, I focus on understanding psychosocial risk factors and resilience mechanisms in (the development of) chronic pain and (the care surrounding) cancer, with special attention for the crucial role of the social environment of patients, including society, caregivers, parents and partners. I am highly motivated to translate scientific insights into practice, so that patients, their families and caregivers can benefit directly. I also want to contribute to better care by mapping interactions between caregivers and patients. I believe in the power of interdisciplinary research and work together with experts from the fields of health sociology (SVO HEALTH, SELF AND SOCIETY: Bridging Minds in Society), medicine and pharmaceutical sciences.
Why do you think strengthening mental health is so important?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. Physical and mental health are inextricably linked: psychological processes can have both a protective and a hindering effect during illness and recovery. Fear and worrying, for example, can worsen pain and fatigue, while resilience, acceptance and a supportive social environment promote well-being and functional outcomes. This applies not only to patients but also to their loved ones, such as parents and partners, who play a crucial role in the care process.
In the context of chronic physical conditions, strengthening mental health is therefore at least as important as medical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach, in which psychological interventions are explicitly included, is essential to promote both physical and mental well-being.
How can research change the world?
Research has the power to change the world by generating new knowledge and insights that can lead to innovations and improvements in healthcare. For example, in my research work I focus on understanding (intersectional) stigma around chronic pain and the use of medication (opioids). The goal is to better understand how stigma arises and how the impact of stigma can be reduced, in order to improve the quality of life of patients, but also to make care more effective and accessible for various patient groups. By actively disseminating research results to clinicians, policymakers and the general public, we can realize concrete improvements in prevention, treatment and care organization.
With whom outside the academic world have you already collaborated and achieved important results?
My research is closely linked to clinical practice and I work together with various non-academic partners such as patient associations (e.g. Flemish League for Fibromyalgia Patients, Flemish Pain League) and various hospitals. As a clinical psychologist, I am also active in a multidisciplinary general practice. This practical experience is indispensable - it keeps me in direct contact with patients and their needs, allowing me to integrate these valuable insights into both my research and my teaching.
Publications
https://biblio.ugent.be/person/801001362202