Science of Self: How We Break

Health psychologist Vincent Deary explores what happens to us physically, mentally and emotionally when we are pushed beyond our limits.

Distress is rarely caused or maintained by one thing, but rather the interaction of several factors across many spheres in life, which tends to push us to, and past, our limits. Each of us ‘break’ in our own way, but what we share is the inability to go on too long without a rest.

Drawing on examples from his clinical research, this talk will focus on the necessity of rest and recovery, and the skills that we can learn in times of trial.

Tickets £8

Recommended for ages 16+

Production Theatre, Norwich University of the Arts

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Access Information

We offer free Essential Companion tickets for those with access requirements and need someone to accompany them to make their visit easier and more comfortable. These can be booked online at the same time as booking a ticket to this event.

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About Professor Vincent Deary

Professor Vincent Deary is a Clinical Health Psychologist and Professor of Applied Health Psychology at Northumbria University. He worked for 10 years in the UK's first trans-diagnostic fatigue clinic, providing psycho-social support to individuals with chronic health conditions. His academic work focuses on the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic illness and the development and implementation of novel behavioural interventions in healthcare.

Author of How We Are (2014) and How We Break (2024), his critically acclaimed books bring together research, clinical stories, life experience, philosophy, psychology and popular culture to explores human habits and routines, and the complexities of change, suffering and recovery.