Delfina Bilello

I am a postdoctoral researcher working with Dr. Jack Andrews on a project investigating peer social networks and mental health outcomes among adolescents. My research interests include understanding the role of friendships in shaping young people’s mental health, with a particular interest on self-harm and social processes of help-seeking and support provision. In my current work, I aim to use large-scale datasets, longitudinal modelling techniques, and social network analysis to examine the trajectories and impact of peer relationships on a range of mental health outcomes.

Prior to my current role, I completed an ESRC-funded PhD at the Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham. My doctoral research employed a mixed-methods approach to explore friendships, peer relationships, and self-harm among young people, integrating qualitative methods and longitudinal social network analysis techniques. I also hold an MSc in the Psychology of Childhood Adversity and a BSc in Psychology from Queen’s University Belfast.