Dr Maia Thornton

Maia Thornton is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Appearance Research. Her work is focussed on the experience and psychosocial impact of living with appearance-affecting conditions or injuries, otherwise known as visible differences. Maia has a particular interest in developing evidence-based interventions to support the psychosocial adjustment of these individuals and their families. 

Maia is currently working on developing an ACT-based intervention focussed on intimacy and relationships for adults with a visible difference. She completed a PhD focussed on the development of psychosocial support for parents and carers of children and young people with a visible difference.  

In her previous work, Maia has conducted research at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children with families of children born with variations of sex development. She has also conducted research exploring the experience of body appreciation in women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer.

Prior to starting her PhD, Maia worked in a number of psychological health settings including, outpatient eating disorders services, adolescent and young people's mental health, and community adult mental health services. 

Maia enjoys working closely and collaborating with charities, health professionals, and other external organisations. She values the input of individuals with lived experiences and prioritises the inclusion of public involvement in her research design and implementation.