Spotlights: Professor Matthew K. Nock
Professor Matthew K. Nock is a distinguished psychologist renowned for his groundbreaking research in the field of self-harm and suicide prevention. Born in 1973 in Edison, New Jersey, Nock has risen to prominence through his dedicated research and teaching efforts. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University and currently serves as a professor at Harvard University, where he continues to make significant contributions to psychological science.
Research interests
Professor Nock’s research primarily focuses on understanding behaviours that are harmful to oneself, with a special emphasis on suicide and self-injury. His approach is multi-disciplinary, employing a range of methodological techniques including epidemiologic surveys, laboratory-based experiments, and clinic-based studies. He strives to uncover how these behaviours develop, how to predict them, and most importantly, how to prevent them.
Teaching
At Harvard, Professor Nock is not only a researcher but also a dedicated educator. He teaches various courses, including statistics, research methods, self-destructive behaviours, developmental psychopathology, and cultural diversity. His excellence in teaching has been recognized with several awards, highlighting his ability to engage and inspire the next generation of psychologists.
Highly cited
Nock, M. K., Borges, G., Bromet, E. J., Cha, C. B., Kessler, R. C., & Lee, S. (2008). Suicide and suicidal behavior. Epidemiologic Reviews, 30(1), 133.
This comprehensive review of suicide epidemiology from 1997 to 2007 focuses on prevalence, trends, and risk factors. Suicidal behaviour, a major cause of injury and death globally, varies significantly across nations. Key findings include gender differences in suicide rates, consistent age of onset, and stable incidence rates despite increased treatment. Future research should explore modifiable risk factors and leverage advanced survey and clinical assessment methods to reduce suicide-related deaths.
Books
Nock, M. K. (Ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of suicide and self-injury. Oxford University Press.
This volume offers an in-depth exploration of suicide and self-injury, key causes of death globally. It compiles advances in understanding and preventing these behaviours, covering a wide range of topics such as epidemiology, assessment, intervention, and societal issues. Essential for researchers in brain and behavioural sciences, it addresses ethical considerations and the impact on survivors.
Awards and recognition
Professor Nock’s contributions to psychology have been recognized through several prestigious awards. Notably, he received a MacArthur “Genius” Award in 2011. He has also been the recipient of early career awards from the American Psychological Association, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the American Association of Suicidology. These accolades underscore his impact and leadership in the field of psychological research and education.