Jeni Baykoca is a PhD Student in the Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. She is the recipient of the 3.5-year Doctoral Training Centre grant from the MS Society. Her doctoral research focuses on the development of digital interventions to support people living with Multiple Sclerosis who experience psychological distress.

Jeni holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Mental Health Studies from King’s College London, graduating with distinction in both degrees. Her academic work has consistently focused on health psychology, with both her undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations exploring perinatal mental health in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Her research examined its impact on mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding experiences in the UK and Iran.

Jeni has gained valuable research and clinical experience working with individuals with diabetes. Her work has explored the psychological impact of type 1 diabetes, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Her current research is driven by a commitment to creating accessible, evidence-based supportive adjustment for people with long-term conditions. Through her work, she aims to address the complex psychological needs of people living with long-term physical health conditions.

Thesis title: ​​Developing and implementing an app-based digital intervention for people with multiple sclerosis with psychological distress​.

Supervisors: Professor Rona Moss-Morris, Dr Joanna Hudson, Professor Sam Norton

Research interests

• Health psychology
• Multiple sclerosis
• Psychological distress
• Perinatal mental health
• Gestational diabetes mellitus

Expertise and public engagement

• Steering committee member at Multiple Sclerosis Society