Sofie Verhaeghe
Motivation
What is your main motivation for research?
For me, research is a source of knowledge development. Results from research increase our understanding about the world we live in. To avoid falling into a narrow and one-sided view of what is happening, diversity in research is needed. Different methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) are necessary to maintain a broad perspective. Conducting research from a variety of disciplines and actors also helps keep critical, open and broad thinking and working. In this way, knowledge from research is a crucial complement to knowledge from experience. Especially for a complex issue like mental health, this is important.
Why do you think strengthening mental health care is so important?
Evolutions and insights from different domains, have taught us that mental health often underlies both individual and societal outcomes. Not only the close connection between physical and mental well-being has been demonstrated, but also the impact of mental health on social, economic, demographic evolutions, among others, has been documented. Strengthening mental health is therefore strengthening the individual and society. It is the basis for societal growth from a positive perspective and can protect and resist negative undercurrents and trends.
How can research change the world?
Research can only lead to change if it forms the basis for broad reflection and debate. A research study offers only a fragmented picture of a phenomenon. Only by bringing together results from multiple studies and discussing them do we arrive at insights that can form a meaningful basis for change. But more is needed. Although the importance of mental health has been frequently demonstrated, it remains undervalued. The focus on the physical predominates and investment in mental health (care) remains relatively limited. Hopefully, joining (research) forces in consortia like PSYNC can catalyse a process of change.
With whom outside academia have you already collaborated and achieved significant results?
From my nursing science background, my research projects and trajectories, closely connect with mental health nursing practice and education. In cooperation with psychiatric hospitals and primary care organisations, universities and colleges, patients and family (organisations), interest groups, experts by experience, policy makers, aid and care providers, research projects are initiated, designed and implemented. The close connection with the field of mental health nursing ensures a smooth implementation and roll-out of research results. In this way, the research projects were the engine for evolutions in safety management, early signalling, patient participation, suicide prevention, outcome and quality indicators, among others. The research collaboration also led to the establishment of Letie (www.letie.be) an organisation that combines the forces of mental health nursing to stimulate knowledge development and expansion of expertise.
Publications
https://biblio.ugent.be/person/801001334516