Explore our cutting-edge research at the intersection of health psychology and public health. From vaccination uptake and pain perception to breast screening engagement, our work uncovers the psychological barriers and enablers shaping health behaviours - delivering insights that drive real-world impact.
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Dr Daniel Gaffiero, a Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Derby (UK), leads the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group with a vision to drive meaningful, evidence-based change in the field. His leadership focuses on uncovering the psychological mechanisms that shape health behaviours, with the Group working at the intersection of psychology, healthcare, and policy. Under Dr Gaffiero’s direction, the group addresses critical public health challenges including improving engagement with cancer screening and vaccination programmes, and exploring the cognitive processes behind health-related decision-making. With a strong emphasis on applied research and interdisciplinary collaboration, the team develops practical, impactful solutions to complex health issues. Central to the Group’s ethos is putting students at the heart of its work. By actively involving students in research, mentorship and scholarly activities, the Group fosters hands-on learning and professional development. Through this approach, Dr Gaffiero is not only advancing the field of health psychology but also cultivating a new generation of psychologists equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
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Sarah Chapman, valued member of the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group has had her work titled "Understanding vaccine hesitancy: The role of fear and message framing in COVID-19 vaccination intention in adults in the UK" accepted for publication in the journal Vaccine (Taylor & Francis). Congratulations on your very first publication! A fantastic achievement, we are all extremely proud of you.
15/11/25
Congratulations to Brian Fenech, who has graduated from the University of Derby with a Distinction in MSc Health Psychology. Brian was also the recipient of the 'Highest Achiever for Postgraduate Programmes' Award. Everyone at the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group extend their congratulations to Brian for his fantastic achievement. Well done!
15/11/25
HPV vaccination is a vital tool in preventing cancers that affect all genders — yet uptake among boys in the UK remains below target. Our latest commentary explores why. Historical framing of HPV as a “girls’ vaccine,” low awareness of boys’ eligibility, and barriers in school-based delivery have all contributed to unequal coverage. Misconceptions, limited teacher training, and the underuse of healthcare professionals such as GPs, dentists, and pharmacists further widen the gap. We propose gender-inclusive messaging, streamlined consent processes, and digital tools to better support parents and improve uptake. Our ongoing research into parental attitudes toward vaccinating boys aged 9–12 will help shape future interventions and policy to achieve true gender equity in HPV protection. This commentary was authored by Dr Daniel Gaffiero, Stephanie Davey, Amelia Dytham, Rebecca Cotton, Rahim Hussein and Dr Michaela Christodoulaki.
11/11/25
On Friday 19th September 2025, Brian Fenech, who recently completed his MSc in Health Psychology at the University of Derby and is now undertaking a PhD at the University, presented his thesis at the EMDOC 2025 Conference — a leading event showcasing postgraduate and early-career research in psychology. His talk, “When confidence matters more than benefits: a health belief model paradox in breast cancer screening intentions”, explored how young women’s confidence in navigating screening procedures may outweigh perceived benefits in shaping intentions to attend screening. This finding has implications for designing more effective breast cancer screening campaigns. All of us at the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group extend our warm congratulations to Brian, a valued member of our research group.
25/09/25
