I am a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS).

After graduating with a PhD from the University of Glasgow in 1997, I held post-doctoral research posts at the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Glasgow and the Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde, before moving to lectureships at Heriot-Watt University and then the University of the West of Scotland.

 My teaching interests lie in the areas of Cognitive Psychology and the application of Psychology within educational contexts.

My research interests lie in the areas of education and health. I have acted as Principal Investigator on research concerning parental involvement and behaviour problems in pre-school settings funded by the Nuffield Foundation, and the psycho-social impact of Dyslexia funded by Scottish Executive (CSO). As well as schools, I am also interested in higher education, especially the use of educational technology. In particular this research has focused on the psychological challenges presented by the use of technology in both educational and social contexts.

I have a long standing collaborative relationship with the Learning Disability Service in NHS Ayrshire and Arran which received external funding to examine factors influencing the inclusion and healthcare decision making of people with learning disabilities and have recently completed a project exploring the use of accessible information to support the healthcare of people with learning disabilities. More details about this research can be obtained in Jarrett, D., Terras, M.M., & McGregor, S.A. (2015). Accessible information for all – insights from a learning disability context.www.saifscotland.org.uk/accessible-information-for-all-insights-from-a-learning-disability-context/#sthash.Kf0Nis7W.dpbs

• Psycho-social functioning of individuals with dyslexia across the lifespan
• The inclusion of children and adults with learning disabilities/difficulties in education and healthcare
• The role of carers in supporting the healthcare process
• Health literacy and accessible health related information
• Digital literacy and educational technology

Research Grants

1. Terras, M.M, Edgerton, E.A, MacDonald, R & Jarrett D.(2016). Girvan as a Dementia Friendly Community: Identifying the Needs of People with Learning Disabilities and Dementia. RS Macdonald Charitable Trust and The Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, UWS £5000.
2. Jarrett, D., Terras M.M., Ferguson, M. & Malcolm, L. (2014). The use of accessible information in the healthcare of people with learning disabilities. NHS Ayrshire and Arran & Scottish Executive (CSO) West of Scotland Research and Development fund: Social Determinants of Health, Ref: 2012AA002, (£37,858, of which £28,220 paid to UWS).
3. Knoll, M. & Terras, M.M (2014).  Language skills of deaf children. Seed corn funding from Applied Psychology Research Group, University of the West of Scotland, £984. 
4. Knoll, M & Terras M.M. (2013). Transition experiences of deaf students. Seed corn funding from Applied Psychology Research Group, University of the West of Scotland, £800.
5. Banks, P., & Terras, M. M. (2009). Best Value Review of Day Opportunities for Adults with disability. South Lanarkshire Council, Department of Social Work (£9,883).
6. Jarrett, D., Scott M, Barclay V, Taylor A, Terras M.M. (2004).  Choice and non-attendance at therapy appointments among adults with a learning disability. Scottish Executive (CSO), West of Scotland Research & Development Initiative (£9,835.98 all paid to UWS).
7. Terras M.M., Minnis H, McKenzie E & Barton J (2002). Behaviour problems, self-esteem & dyslexia. Scottish Executive (CSO), Ref: CZG/4/2/54 (£21,406).
8. Terras M,M., Woolfson L, & Foot H (2001). Social Inclusion and behaviour management in the pre-school sector, The Nuffield Foundation (£8522).

I am currently leading on a project funded from the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust and The Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice in collaboration with the Learning Disability Service NHS Ayrshire and Arran and members of the Girvan Town Team. The Girvan Town team is a dynamic community group that recognises the importance of meeting the needs of individuals with dementia within their local community.  Girvan and the surrounding area has an aging population and a higher than average number of community members with a learning disability.  Therefore this project aims to ensure that the needs of individuals with dementia and a learning disability are accommodated within the wider dementia friendly community initiative. This exciting community-focused project has the potential to make a real difference to daily lives of people with dementia and a learning disability, their carers, and the wider community.

Aim to continue and extend my work in the area of carer involvement in the healthcare of people with a learning disability and extend work with respect to the socio-emotional functioning of individuals with dyslexia by adopting a lifespan perspective.

Companies and organsiation that provide health related information and support

Health care providers for people with learning disability and/or dementia

Parental involvement in education

Transitions for children with additional support needs