Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

Expertise

Attachment Styles, Research Methods, Psychology Theories


Education

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Highlights

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. Saul has a knack for breaking down complex information into easily digestible pieces.

His main areas of teaching responsibility included:

  • Teaching A-level psychology, psychology BSc. tutorial and seminar classes, and supporting the teaching of lab lectures and statistics.
  • Assessing assignments and giving constructive feedback to students across a range of A-level and undergraduate psychology modules.
  • Curriculum development of psychology modules through applying an appropriate pedagogical and instructional design framework to the course development and delivery process.

In 2021, Dr. McLeod obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Manchester, examining the relationship between romantic attachment and social support.

Contact: saulmcleod@simplypsychology.org

Publications

  • McLeod, S., Berry, K., Taylor, P., Wearden, A., & Oakes, L. (2024). Attachment styles in romantic relationships and perceived support in postpartum couples. Journal for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, 38(2). https://doi.org/10.62858/apphQzbOtOoY
  • McLeod, S., Berry, K., Taylor, P., & Wearden, A. (2021). Romantic attachment and support preferences in new mothers: The moderating role of stress. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38 (5), 1535-1552. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407521990432
  • Mcleod, S., Berry, K., Taylor, P., & Wearden, A. (2021). Romantic attachment and support adequacy in new mothers. The Journal of Social Psychology164(1), 112-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2021.2006125
  • McLeod, S., Berry, K., Hodgson, C., & Wearden, A. (2020). Attachment and social support in romantic dyads: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76 (1), 59-101. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22868

His articles on Simply Psychology have been referenced by numerous media outlets and publications, including:

  • The New York Times
  • CNN
  • The Telegraph
  • BBC
  • Washington Post
  • Guardian

According to Google Scholar, his articles have collectively been cited more than 8000 times during the past 5 years in academic journal papers. You can follow Saul on ResearchGate.

Professional Experience

  • Owner and Administrator of ClinPsy.org.uk – In June 2025, I took ownership of ClinPsy.org.uk from Dr Miriam Silver. ClinPsy.org.uk is the UK’s leading online forum and resource hub for clinical psychology. With almost two decades of archived discussions and guidance, it supports thousands of psychology graduates, DClinPsy trainees, and mental health professionals. I am now overseeing its redevelopment to expand access to training advice and research-informed content.
  • Founder, content writer, and editor-in-chief for Simply Psychology (2007-present).
  • International Affiliate Member of the (APA) American Psychological Association (2023).
  • Chartered Member of The British Psychological Society: CPsychol (2023).
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant on the Undergraduate Psychology degree at The University of Manchester (2014-2020).
  • Lecturer at Wigan and Leigh College, primarily teaching A-level psychology (2003-2013).
  • Lecturer at Edge Hill University College, during PGCE work placement (2001-2002).
  • He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology, and the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Education

  • PhD in Psychology, The University of Manchester (2021)
  • MRes in Experimental Psychology with Data Science, The University of Manchester (2012)
  • PGCE in Further, Higher and Adult Education, University of Bolton (2002)
  • Psychology BSc. (Hons), University of Bolton (2002)

Publications