Lisbon Addictions is a multidisciplinary conference that provides a forum for networking across the addictions field. Jessica’s paper, co-authored with her supervisor Dr Linda Dinc (Senior Lecturer in Psychology), is entitled ‘Love Addiction: Trait Impulsivity, Emotional Dysregulation and Attachment Style’ and was first published in The European Journal of Psychiatry in February 2024. It is based on research that Jessica undertook for her MSc Psychology conversion course at UWL. 

Growing attention has been given in the last few years to psychological predictors of Love Addiction (LA), defined as a compulsive need to be in a romantic relationship that persists despite adverse consequences. The paper looks at broadening the understanding of developing effective therapeutic measures, emotional dysregulation, attachment style and trait impulsivity. The findings may inform treatment plans and suggests the use of psychotherapy to identify indicators of potential LA, manage emotions and to avoid addiction replacement. 

UWL and Nottingham University are the only two universities looking into affective dependence, otherwise known as Love Addiction, in the UK. 

Presenting this paper at Lisbon Addictions is exciting and raises UWL’s profile in this new and emerging field.”

explained Jessica, whose PhD focuses on this behavioural addiction. 

Dr Linda Dinc said,

Jess has exceeded expectations in the first year of her PhD by getting her abstract accepted at an international conference and publishing a paper in the European Journal of Psychiatry. 

The conference will be an opportunity for fostering research collaborations; the knowledge she will gain will enhance the quality of her studies in her PhD and increase the chance of publication in high-impact journals which will be supportive of the Research Excellence Framework.” 

Jessica is a Vice Chancellor’s scholar, which means her PhD is fully funded. 

• Find out more about studying at UWL’s Graduate School
• Read Jessica and Linda’s paper on Love Addiction on ResearchGate 
• Read more about studying Psychological Sciences at UWL