Karen's general research interest is health behaviours. She is particularly interested in Type II diabetes and physical inactivity; physical inactivity; motivation; eating disorders; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); obesity with a particular focus on childhood obesity and the consequences of that in later life; and palliative care. Her research interests make a positive contribution to health by helping people to appreciate and to realise that their behaviour has a huge effect not only on their health but also on the health of those around them.

Crosland, Ann, Dickens, April and Carling, Karen (2008) Keep Improving The Experience (KITE) standards for palliative and Cancer care: evaluation report. University of Sunderland.