Pain & Cognition
Exploring how cognition shapes pain and emotional experience.
Evidence. Behaviour. Impact.
We conduct rigorous, theory-driven research to understand health behaviour and improve healthcare, public health and policy.
Vaccination
Understanding uptake, hesitancy and communication.
Breast Screening
Optimising participation and outcomes in breast cancer screening programmes.
Women’s Health
Researching behaviours across the female health span.
Eating Disorders
Investigating cognitive biases in eating disorder psychopathology.
About the Group
Understanding behaviour
to improve health.
The Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of behavioural science, health and policy. Our work is guided by scientific rigour, theoretical insight and a commitment to meaningful, real-world impact.
Learn more about usTheory-driven
Our research is grounded in established theory and advances understanding of human behaviour.
Methodologically rigorous
We use robust quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods to generate reliable evidence.
Real-world impact
We translate evidence into actionable insights for healthcare, public health and policy.
Featured Research
Selected research projects
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Exploring the psychosocial factors influencing breast screening uptake among eligible women aged 51-69 in Malta
The aim of this study is to understand the psychosocial factors that influence behaviour related to participation in the Maltese National Breast Screening Programme. By understanding these factors, we hope to contribute to promoting engagement with the National Breast Screening Programme in Malta.
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Exploring barriers and facilitators to effective self-management in individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The aim of this project was to explore the lived experiences of individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to identify barriers and facilitators to effective self-management of their condition. This project was undertaken as part of Molly Roberts MSc Health Psychology thesis. Status: Published in 'Cogent Psychology'.
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Understanding Breast Screening Intentions in Malta Among Women aged 18-49: Comparing the Predictive Ability of the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour
The aim of the present study was to investigate how psychological and socio-demographic factors influence breast screening intentions among women aged 18-49 who are not yet eligible to partake in the NBSP in Malta. This project was undertaken as part of Brian Fenech' MSc Health Psychology thesis. Published in 'Cogent Psychology'.
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Applying the Health Belief Model to Understand Participation of Women Aged 50-70 in the NHS England Breast Screening Programme
By measuring HBM constructs - such as perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and health motivation - alongside BC awareness and key sociodemographic variables, this study aimed to identify the strongest predictors of breast screening participation among women in England. This project was undertaken as part of Sarah Chapman' MSc Health Psychology thesis. Pending journal submission.
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Exploring barriers and facilitators to help-seeking behaviour in rural and urban women with breast cancer in Scotland
This study explores the barriers and facilitators affecting help-seeking behaviour among women living with breast cancer in rural and urban Scottish communities. By addressing personal and practical obstacles alongside individual risk factors, the research aims to improve early cancer diagnosis and ultimately enhance survival rates across the UK.
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Understanding barriers to influenza vaccination among parents is important to improve vaccine uptake among children
Based on her prior work, Stephanie Davey was invited to submit a commentary. This commentary sets the stage for Stephanie's PhD by outlining key factors influencing childhood influenza vaccination rates and providing preliminary policy recommendations to address these challenges. Moreover, Stephanie highlights how her future research will build upon existing literature in this area. Status: Published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.
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Exploring the lived experiences of patients with fibromyalgia in the United Kingdom: a study of patient-general practitioner communication
The aim of this project was to explore the lived experiences of individuals with fibromyalgia in the United Kingdom, focusing on their interactions with general practitioners. This project was led by Crystal Maher as part of her MSc in Health Psychology. Status: Published in Psychology & Health.
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Investigating Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement With the National Breast Screening Programme Among Women in Malta: A Systematic Review
This aim of this project was to conduct a systematic review to identify the barriers and facilitators affecting engagement with Malta’s National Breast Screening Programme (NBSP) among women aged 50–69, focusing on studies published over the past decade. This project was a joint effort between Brian Fenech and Dr. Daniel Gaffiero. Status: Published in Advances in Public Health.
Latest Insights
Recent articles and updates
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Congratulations to Sarah Chapman – First Publication!
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.
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Award Winner – Brian Fenech – Highest Achiever for Postgraduate Programmes
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!
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Towards Gender-Inclusive HPV Vaccination in England: Addressing Misconceptions and Missed Opportunities for Boys
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.
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Brian Fenech presents his MSc Work at the EMDOC Postgraduate Research Conference (2025)
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.
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William Colgrave publishes his UG Thesis on Disordered Eating
William Colgrave has had his undergraduate thesis titled "Impact of menu calorie labelling on hypothetical meal choices in the United Kingdom: An exploration of potential public health benefit versus risk for disordered eating harm" accepted for publication in the journal Advances in Public Health (Wiley). The rest of the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Group wish to extend their congratulations to William for this significant achievement.
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Empirical Research Project Conference 2025
On 15/07/25 the MSc Health and Forensic Psychology cohorts attended the annual 'Empirical Research Project' Conference. This served as an opportunity for students to present their research in a 3MT format, and listen to a range of internal and external guest speakers highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary working. Pictured are Pavel Nadlicky (Left), Karoline Podbielska (Middle), Dr Daniel Gaffiero (Right) and Pranaya Prakash (Right).
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Former UG Student Publishes Her MSc Thesis
Former UG Psychology Student Alicia Powell, supervised by Dr. Daniel Gaffiero, has had her work titled "Between the Lines: An Interpretation Phenomenological Analysis Exploring Injury, Mental Health and Support in Professional and Semi-Professional Football in the United Kingdom" accepted for publication in the journal Cogent Psychology (Taylor & Francis). The Gaffiero Health Behaviour Group wish to extend their congratulations to Alicia for this fantastic outcome, and wish her the very best for the future.
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Former MSc Health Psychology Student Publishes Her MSc Thesis
Former MSc Health Psychology Student Molly Roberts, supervised by Dr. Daniel Gaffiero, has had her work titled "Exploring barriers and facilitators to effective self-management in individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis" accepted for publication in the journal Cogent Psychology (Taylor & Francis). The Gaffiero Health Behaviour Group wish to extend their congratulations to Molly.