Pain & Cognition
Exploring how cognition shapes pain and emotional experience.
Evidence. Behaviour. Impact.
Improving health through evidence-based psychological research.
Our research influences healthcare practice, public policy and behaviour change across the UK and internationally.
- Publications
- 18
- Doctoral researchers
- 3
- Collaborators
- 14
- Research funding secured
- £79,755
An independent health psychology research group led by Dr Daniel Gaffiero at King’s College London, working with researchers across the UK and internationally.
Figures updated July 2026
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.
POLICY IMPACT
Contributing evidence to the national conversation on childhood vaccination
Members of the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s inquiry into childhood vaccination. Drawing on health psychology and behavioural science, the submission highlighted psychological, structural and practical barriers to vaccine uptake and set out recommendations for more inclusive communication, improved access and stronger support for parents.
Key recommendation
Improving uptake within school-based vaccination programmes requires a more streamlined and cohesive process.
AuthorsStephanie Davey, Dr Daniel Gaffiero and Dr Michael Head.
Read the parliamentary evidence
Research
Evidence
Policy
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.
Latest Insights
Recent articles and updates
-
Are We Over-Psychologising Public Health Problems?
Dr Daniel Gaffiero wrote for Inspire the Mind about the risk of over-psychologising public health problems. The article argues that behaviour change approaches can place too much responsibility on individuals while overlooking structural barriers such as poverty, limited access to services and unequal opportunities to live healthily.
View media -
Why Can’t Europe Kick Its Antibiotic Habit?
Brian Fenech was interviewed by Medscape about his research into antibiotic prescribing and dispensing in Malta. He discussed how time pressure, clinical uncertainty, patient expectations and wider healthcare constraints can hinder antimicrobial stewardship—and why awareness alone is not enough to change practice.
View media -
Sarah Chapman Secures First Academic Publication in Vaccine
Research group member Sarah Chapman has had her study on fear, message framing and COVID-19 vaccination intentions accepted for publication in Vaccine. This marks Sarah’s first academic publication and is an outstanding achievement at an early stage of her research career.
View publication -
Highest Achiever for Postgraduate Programmes
Brian Fenech received the University of Derby’s Highest Achiever for Postgraduate Programmes award. The award recognised his outstanding academic performance, commitment to postgraduate study and achievement throughout his programme.
-
Dr Daniel Gaffiero Leads Commentary on Gender-Equitable HPV Vaccination
Dr Daniel Gaffiero led a commentary examining why HPV vaccination uptake among boys remains below target in the UK. The authors highlight gendered messaging, limited awareness and barriers in school-based delivery, and recommend more inclusive communication, simpler consent processes and stronger professional support.
View publication -
William Colgrave publishes his UG Thesis on Disordered Eating
Research group member William Colgrave has had his undergraduate thesis on menu calorie labelling accepted for publication in Advances in Public Health. Supervised by Dr Vicki Staples, Paul Staples and Dr Daniel Gaffiero, the study explores potential public health benefits alongside risks for disordered eating. William’s thesis was also Highly Commended in the 2023 Global Undergraduate Awards.
View publication -
Empirical Research Project Conference 2025
On 15 July 2025, MSc Health and Forensic Psychology students attended the annual Empirical Research Project Conference. Students presented their research in a Three Minute Thesis format and heard from internal and external speakers about the value of multidisciplinary working. Pictured are Pavel Nadlicky, Karoline Podbielska, Dr Daniel Gaffiero and Pranaya Prakash.
-
Dr Daniel Gaffiero Named Postgraduate Supervisor of the Year
Dr Daniel Gaffiero was named Postgraduate Supervisor of the Year at the University of Derby’s 2025 Union Education Awards. The award recognised his commitment to supporting postgraduate Health Psychology students and helping them develop impactful research addressing important public health challenges.
View award -
Dr Daniel Gaffiero named Personal Academic Tutor of the Year
Dr Daniel Gaffiero was named Personal Academic Tutor of the Year at the University of Derby’s 2024 Union Education Awards. The award recognised his commitment to providing accessible, individualised support and helping students navigate academic challenges, build confidence and achieve their full potential.
View award -
Childhood COVID-19 vaccination: will it shape parents’ decisions on routine vaccines?
Stephanie Davey was interviewed by Vaccines Today about her research examining why some parents chose not to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. She discussed how perceptions of illness severity, vaccine effectiveness and practical barriers shaped decisions, and what these choices could mean for future vaccination uptake.
View media