Dr Hayley Young

Associate Professor

Psychology

+44 (0) 1792 295908

h.a.young@swansea.ac.uk

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6954-3519

About

My research focuses on understanding how nutrition influences cognition, mood and / or eating behaviour.

Recent examples include:

(1) the role of dietary carbohydrates and glucoregulation on the performance of children in school, ageing, and sleep,

(2) the cognitive, affective and cardiovascular consequences of minor changes in hydration,

(3) individual differences in the processes underlying satiety.

I have a particular interest in unravelling the interoceptive, autonomic and neural underpinning of emotion regulation, and how diet may impact upon these processes.

In order to achieve these goals my research utilises methods spanning the social, behavioural and biological sciences.

Areas Of Expertise

Nutrition
Glycaemic control
Hydration
Emotion regulation
Interoception
Psychophysiology (e.g., sleep polysomnography)
Cardiovascular functioning (e.g., heart rate variability and endothelial functioning)
Satiety / eating behaviour

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

I teach third year modules in Psychology of Sports and Exercise and Nutrition and Behaviour.

PhD supervision

Danielle George

Tuning into your body to manage self-harm (ESRC collaborative studentship starting October 2020)

Tom Seabury

Title: The effect of interoceptive awareness and alexithymia on performance (current).

Chantelle Gaylor

Title: The influence of polyphenols on glycaemic control, mood, and cognition in older adults (current).

Anthony Brennan

Title: Associations between disordered eating, obesity and interoception (current).

Alecia Cousins

Title: Hydration, Cognition and Physiological Behaviour (awarded 2020).

Simon Newstead

Title: A multimodal investigation of the effects of fronto-cerebellar transcranial stimulation (awarded 2020)

Research Award Highlights Collaborations

Publications

Research Highlights

Young, H., Cousins, A., Byrd-Bredbenner, C., Benton, D., Gershon, R., Ghirardelli, A., Latulippe, M., Scholey, A., & Wagstaff, L. (2024). Alignment of Consumers’ Expected Brain Benefits from Food and Supplements with Measurable Cognitive Performance Tests. Nutrients, 16(12), 1950
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121950, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68070
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu16121950
Young, H. (2024). Defining a vitamin A5/X specific deficiency – vitamin A5/X as a critical dietary factor for mental health. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 94
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000808, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68069
Pink, A., Williams, C., Lee, M., Young, H., Harrison, S., Davies, A., & Price, M. (2021). Manipulating the sensation of feeling fat: The role of alexithymia, interoceptive sensibility and perfectionism. Physiology & Behavior, 239, 113501
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113501, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57159
Brennan, A., Marstaller, L., Burianova, H., Benton, D., Hanley, C., Newstead, S., & Young, H. (2022). Weaker connectivity in resting state networks is associated with disinhibited eating in older adults. International Journal of Obesity, 46(4), 859-865.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-021-01056-1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59148
Edwards, D., Young, H., & Yoris, A. (2022). Editorial: Neurobiological and psychophysiological underpinnings of wellbeing and prosocial connectedness. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.995909, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60769

All Research

Journal Articles

Young, H., Cousins, A., Byrd-Bredbenner, C., Benton, D., Gershon, R., Ghirardelli, A., Latulippe, M., Scholey, A., & Wagstaff, L. (2024). Alignment of Consumers’ Expected Brain Benefits from Food and Supplements with Measurable Cognitive Performance Tests. Nutrients, 16(12), 1950
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121950, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68070
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu16121950
Young, H. (2024). Defining a vitamin A5/X specific deficiency – vitamin A5/X as a critical dietary factor for mental health. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 94
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000808, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68069
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2024). Early exposure to sugar sweetened beverages or fruit juice differentially influences adult adiposity. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(6), 521-526.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-024-01430-y, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66552
Brennan, A., Benton, D., Gaylor, C., & Young, H. (2023). The role of interoception in age-related obesity: A structural equation modelling study. Appetite, 191, 107045
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.107045, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64636
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.107045
Seabury, T., Benton, D., & Young, H. (2023). Interoceptive differences in elite sprint and long-distance runners: A multidimensional investigation. PLOS ONE, 18(1), e0278067
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278067, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62897
Young, H., Freegard, G., & Benton, D. (2022). Mediterranean diet, interoception and mental health: Is it time to look beyond the ‘Gut-brain axis’?. Physiology and Behavior, 257, 113964
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113964, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61253
Gaylor, C., Benton, D., Brennan, A., & Young, H. (2022). The impact of glycaemic load on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis and guiding principles for future research. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 141, 104824
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104824, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61157
Edwards, D., Young, H., & Yoris, A. (2022). Editorial: Neurobiological and psychophysiological underpinnings of wellbeing and prosocial connectedness. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.995909, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60769
Brennan, A., Marstaller, L., Burianova, H., Benton, D., Hanley, C., Newstead, S., & Young, H. (2022). Weaker connectivity in resting state networks is associated with disinhibited eating in older adults. International Journal of Obesity, 46(4), 859-865.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-021-01056-1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59148
Pink, A., Williams, C., Lee, M., Young, H., Harrison, S., Davies, A., & Price, M. (2021). Manipulating the sensation of feeling fat: The role of alexithymia, interoceptive sensibility and perfectionism. Physiology & Behavior, 239, 113501
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113501, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57159
Young, H., Davies, J., Freegard, G., & Benton, D. (2021). Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Is Associated With Attenuated Interoceptive Responses to Self-Critical Rumination. Behavior Therapy, 52(5), 1123-1136.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2021.02.010, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56649
Young, H., Gaylor, C., De Kerchove, D., & Benton, D. (2021). Individual differences in sensory and expectation driven interoceptive processes: a novel paradigm with implications for alexithymia, disordered eating and obesity. Scientific Reports, 11(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-89417-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56937
Davies, J., Ugwudike, P., Young, H., Hurrell, C., Raynor, P., & Young, H. (2021). A Pragmatic Study of the Impact of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention on Prisoners and Staff in a Category B Prison and Men Subject to Community-Based Probation Supervision. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 65(1), 136-156.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624x20944664, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54430
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0306624x20944664
Davies, J., McKenna, M., Bayley, J., Denner, K., & Young, H. (2020). Using engagement in sustainable construction to improve mental health and social connection in disadvantaged and hard to reach groups: a new green care approach. Journal of Mental Health, 29(3), 350-357.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1714001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52546
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2019). Water: The Cinderella Nutrient. The Journal of Nutrition, 149(12), 2081-2082.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxz226, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51911
Young, H., Cousins, A., Johnston, S., Fletcher, J., Benton, D., Young, H., Cousins, A., & Benton, D. (2019). Autonomic adaptations mediate the effect of hydration on brain functioning and mood: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 9(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52775-5, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52886
Young, H., Gaylor, C., Kerckhove, D., Watkins, H., & Benton, D. (2019). Interoceptive accuracy moderates the response to a glucose load: a test of the predictive coding framework. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 286(1898), 20190244
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0244, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49731
Edwards, D., Young, H., & Johnston, R. (2018). The Immediate Effect of Therapeutic Touch and Deep Touch Pressure on Range of Motion, Interoceptive Accuracy and Heart Rate Variability: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Moderation Analysis. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 12
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2018.00041, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43712
Newstead, S., Young, H., Benton, D., Jiga-Boy, G., Sienz, M., Clement, R., Boy, F., & Boy, F. (2018). Acute and repetitive fronto-cerebellar tDCS stimulation improves mood in non-depressed participants. Experimental Brain Research, 236(1), 83-97.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-017-5109-y, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa40417
Young, H., Williams, C., Pink, A., Freegard, G., Owens, A., & Benton, D. (2017). Getting to the heart of the matter: Does aberrant interoceptive processing contribute towards emotional eating?. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0186312
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186312, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa36187
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186312
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2017). Reducing Calorie Intake May Not Help You Lose Body Weight. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12, 703-714.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617690878, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33939
Young, H., Cousins, A., Watkins, H., & Benton, D. (2017). Is the link between depressed mood and heart rate variability explained by disinhibited eating and diet?. Biological Psychology, 123, 94-102.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2016.12.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31408
Benton, D., Jenkins, K., Watkins, H., & Young, H. (2016). Minor degree of hypohydration adversely influences cognition: a mediator analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 104, 603-612.
https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.132605, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29683
Young, H. & Watkins, H. (2016). Eating disinhibition and vagal tone moderate the postprandial response to glycemic load: a randomised controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 6, 35740
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep35740, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31042
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2016). The use of moderated mediated analysis to study the influence of hypo-hydration on working memory. Nutrición Hospitalaria, 33(3)
https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.320, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29204
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2016). A meta-analysis of the relationship between brain dopamine receptors and obesity: a matter of changes in behavior rather than food addiction?. International Journal of Obesity, 40, S12-S21.
https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2016.9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26874
Benton, D., Young, H., & Jenkins, K. (2015). The development of the predisposition to dehydration questionnaire. Appetite, 87, 76-80.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2014.11.029, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19967
Young, H., Benton, D., & Carter, N. (2015). The Effect of Chicken Extract on Mood, Cognition and Heart Rate Variability. Nutrients, 7(2), 887-904.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7020887, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31041
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). We should be using nonlinear indices when relating heart-rate dynamics to cognition and mood. Scientific Reports, 5, 16619
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep16619, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa24391
Benton, D. & Young, H. (2015). Do small differences in hydration status affect mood and mental performance?. Nutrition Reviews, 73(suppl 2), 83-96.
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuv045, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa22942
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). The effect of using isomaltulose (Palatinose™) to modulate the glycaemic properties of breakfast on the cognitive performance of children. European Journal of Nutrition, 54, 1013-1020.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0779-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa22092
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2015). The glycemic load of meals, cognition and mood in middle and older aged adults with differences in glucose tolerance: A randomized trial. e-SPEN Journal, 9(4), e147-e154.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnme.2014.04.003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20221
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2014). The nature of the control of blood glucose in those with poorer glucose tolerance influences mood and cognition. Metabolic Brain Disease, 29(3), 721-728.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-014-9519-2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20220
Young, H. & Benton, D. (2013). Caffeine can decrease subjective energy depending on the vehicle with which it is consumed and when it is measured. Psychopharmacology, 228(2), 243-254.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3025-9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18265

Conference Contributions

Pink, A., Price, M., Lee, M., Young, H., & Williams, C. (2018). Why do I feel so fat? The role of poor emotional and physical sensation processing in feeling fat. In Appetite (pp. 311-312). Elsevier BV.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2018.05.218, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48914

Supervision

Using Dietary Pattern Analysis to Understand the Relationship Between Nutrition and Neurodegeneration (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Owain Howell
The role of Taurine and 'peak focus' supplementation in the cognitive health of older adults in the context of plant-based diets. (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alecia Cousins
Dietary Affordance: A Novel Concept to Identify Individual’s at Risk of Consuming a Sustainable but Unhealthy Diet. (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Amy Griffiths
Beneficial Effects of Hesperidin on Interoception and Subjective Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /» (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Owain Howell
An interdisciplinary examination of digital phenotyping in relation to unhealthy snacking - An HCI &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Health Psychology approach (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Jaynie Rance
AGE DIFFERENCES IN OBESOGENIC EATING BEHAVIOUR: THE ROLE OF INTEROCEPTION (awarded 2024)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof David Benton

Other supervisor: Prof David Benton
The effect of interception on elite human performance (awarded 2023)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof David Benton
The influence of diet on glycaemic control, sleep, and cognition. (awarded 2024)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof David Benton

Taught Modules

PSY319 Independent Research Project

Students conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff. The research topic is decided in conjunction with supervisors and Research topics. Students must design, conduct, analyse and write up a piece of research in order to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS). They must also complete an Ethical Considerations Form, showing that they have considered and resolved ethical issues relating to their project, and that they have implemented appropriate best practices for improving the reproducibility of their research.
PSY319W Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol

Mae myfyrwyr yn cynnal prosiect ymchwil annibynnol dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Penderfynir ar bwnc yr ymchwil ar y cyd â goruchwylwyr a phynciau Ymchwil. Rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn o ymchwil er mwyn cyflawni Sail Graddedig ar gyfer Siarter gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS). Rhaid iddynt hefyd lenwi Ffurflen Ystyriaethau Moesegol, gan ddangos eu bod wedi ystyried a datrys materion moesegol sy'n ymwneud â'u prosiect, a'u bod wedi gweithredu arferion gorau priodol ar gyfer gwella atgynyrchioldeb eu hymchwil.
PSY325 Independent Research Project - Joint Honours

Students conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff. The research topic is decided in conjunction with supervisors and research topics. Students must design, conduct, analyse and write up a piece of research in order to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS). They must also complete an ethical considerations form, showing that they have considered and resolved ethical issues relating to their project, and that they have implemented appropriate best practices for improving the reproducibility of their research.
PSY325W Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol - Anrhydeddau ar y Cyd

Mae myfyrwyr yn cynnal prosiect ymchwil annibynnol dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Penderfynir ar bwnc yr ymchwil ar y cyd â goruchwylwyr a phynciau ymchwil. Rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn o ymchwil er mwyn cyflawni Sail Graddedig ar gyfer Siarter gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS). Rhaid iddynt hefyd lenwi ffurflen ystyriaethau moesegol, gan ddangos eu bod wedi ystyried a datrys materion moesegol sy'n ymwneud â'u prosiect, a'u bod wedi gweithredu arferion gorau priodol ar gyfer gwella atgynyrchioldeb eu hymchwil.
PSY351 Nutrition and Behaviour

After initially discussing both macro- and micro-nutrients their roles in the development of the brain and their influence on mood and cognition will be examined. The influence of diet at different stages of the entire life cycle will be considered: in particular in the early stages when the brain is developing and in the aging process. Specifically their role in the development of dementia will be discussed.
PSY358 Psychology of Sport and Exercise

This module will examine psychological factors as they relate to exercise and sport. Questions addressed will include: Why do athletes fail to perform under pressure? Are athletes born or made? What are the long term consequences of sports related concussion? What psychological factors contribute to expert performance? Are athletes at an increased risk of eating disorders and drug abuse? Can physical activity / exercise be used to enhance mental health? An emphasis on the application of mental skills training (e.g. self-talk, imagery, biofeedback) will be evident throughout the module.

Key Grants and Projects

PI: The influence of glycaemic load on sleep and memory consolidation. 2019

, 86K
PI: The influence of fruit juice consumption during pregnancy and infancy on growth, dietary style, cognitive and emotional development 2017

, 42K
PI: The influence of cinnamon on glycaemic control 2017

, 36K
PI: Psychological mechanisms underlying the association between happiness and productivity. 2016

, Leverhulme 10K
CI: The impact of a brief mindfulness intervention on prisoners and staff in a Category B prison 2017

, with Professor Jason Davies, 10K
CI: The influence of minor changes in hydration on brain functioning 2015

, with Professor David Benton, 100K

Career History

Lecturer, Swansea University

2015 - 2017
Senior Lecturer , Swansea University

2017 - 2019
Associate Professor, Swansea University

2019 - Present

Public Engagements

May 2018 “You are what you eat: the science behind the headlines” Swansea Pint of Science

Regular Nutrition exhibitions and presentations at the ESRC Festival of Social Science, British Science Festival, Swansea Science Festival etc.

Invited Presentations, Lectures and Conferences

Expert panel discussion: The Psychology of fruit and vegetable consumption

2019

Juice Summit, Antwerp, Brussels

Dr Hayley Young

Telephone number

Email address

Research Links

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Research Highlights

All Research

Using Dietary Pattern Analysis to Understand the Relationship Between Nutrition and Neurodegeneration (current)

The role of Taurine and 'peak focus' supplementation in the cognitive health of older adults in the context of plant-based diets. (current)

Dietary Affordance: A Novel Concept to Identify Individual’s at Risk of Consuming a Sustainable but Unhealthy Diet. (current)

Beneficial Effects of Hesperidin on Interoception and Subjective Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /»«br /» (current)

An interdisciplinary examination of digital phenotyping in relation to unhealthy snacking - An HCI &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Health Psychology approach (current)

AGE DIFFERENCES IN OBESOGENIC EATING BEHAVIOUR: THE ROLE OF INTEROCEPTION (awarded 2024)

The effect of interception on elite human performance (awarded 2023)

The influence of diet on glycaemic control, sleep, and cognition. (awarded 2024)

PSY319 Independent Research Project

PSY319W Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol

PSY325 Independent Research Project - Joint Honours

PSY325W Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol - Anrhydeddau ar y Cyd

PSY351 Nutrition and Behaviour

PSY358 Psychology of Sport and Exercise

PI: The influence of glycaemic load on sleep and memory consolidation. 2019

PI: The influence of fruit juice consumption during pregnancy and infancy on growth, dietary style, cognitive and emotional development 2017

PI: The influence of cinnamon on glycaemic control 2017

PI: Psychological mechanisms underlying the association between happiness and productivity. 2016

CI: The impact of a brief mindfulness intervention on prisoners and staff in a Category B prison 2017

CI: The influence of minor changes in hydration on brain functioning 2015

Lecturer, Swansea University

Senior Lecturer , Swansea University

Associate Professor, Swansea University

Expert panel discussion: The Psychology of fruit and vegetable consumption

An interdisciplinary examination of digital phenotyping in relation to unhealthy snacking - An HCI &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Health Psychology approach (current)