Dr Emily Nicholls, Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology

Emily is a Sociologist whose work focuses on alcohol, sobriety, (non)drinking and (non)consumption more widely. She completed a BA (Politics and Philosophy) at the University of Leeds and a Masters (Gender Research) and PhD (Sociology) at Newcastle University, working as a Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth from 2015 and starting a lectureship at York in 2021.

email: emily.nicholls@york.ac.uk


Our 60-second interview with Emily:

Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?

I work primarily around the topics of alcohol, sobriety and (non)drinking, so I didn’t originally see myself as a researcher in the field of mental health. However, the topic of metal health and wellbeing is becoming increasingly relevant in my research (for example as a motivator for sobriety and non-drinking and an explanatory factor in declining drinking rates amongst young people in the UK and more widely). In my recent work around the consumption of No and Low Alcohol drinks, I’ve found mental health to be a significant factor in shaping people’s decisions to stop drinking or moderate their alcohol consumption (even more so than physical health).

What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?

As a qualitative researcher, talking to people and understanding their lived experiences – and then giving voice to these - is the most rewarding part of my work.

What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?

Finding the balance! In other words, recognising and giving voice to the role alcohol can have in people’s lives and its many social functions and embodied pleasures whilst also acknowledging its role as a harmful substance with consequences (for mental health and wellbeing but also more widely).

What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?

My work on no and low alcohol drinks has been shared with government agencies and departments, and has fed into consultations, including one on tightening up the marketing of these products. This has led to further regulation around how no and low alcohol drinks are marketed. Steps like this are important (for example to help avoid exposure of young people to marketing materials that could ultimately encourage alcohol consumption).

Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?

For me, getting outside makes a huge difference. I started running over 10 years ago and it gives me the fresh air, endorphins and headspace to really benefit my mental health (although a walk / time in nature does the trick too!).

Read more about Emily