R. Barry Smith is currently a doctoral research student at the University of Central Lancashire and engaged in a three year investigation into family resilience. This study involves a knowledge transfer partnership between the university and the Sure Start organisation, the Howgill Family Centre. After working as an Assistant Psychologist in brain rehabilitation, he then became a Lecturer in Psychology and Health and Social Care and has a particular interest in developmental psychology and the influences of temperament and personality as a resilience protective factor. He is a certified psychometrics assessor and has a strong interest in the influence of individual differences on family communications, relationships and resilience.