Matt Brooks

Matt Brooks, PhD (he/him), is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Drawing on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, his research focuses on understanding how people respond to adversity and identifying strengths that can promote resilience, wellbeing, and positive adaptation following challenging life experiences.

Dr Brooks has interests in posttraumatic growth, resilience, psychological preparedness for adversity, and strengths-based approaches to mental health and wellbeing. His work also examines the impacts of victimisation and trauma within forensic and criminal justice contexts, including the experiences of victims and forensic professionals.

A growing strand of his research explores juror wellbeing and the psychological consequences of jury service, with the aim of informing policy and practice within the justice system. More broadly, he is interested in how individuals, communities, and systems can better support psychological wellbeing in the face of adversity.

Dr Brooks co-led the launch of the UK’s first Jury Duty Appreciation Week in 2024 and regularly shares research findings through public engagement, media contributions, and collaborations with policymakers and practitioners. Prior to entering academia, Dr Brooks worked as an Assistant Psychologist, delivering therapeutic interventions with young people in community settings.