Research Overview

Current 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.

    Authors: Brian Fenech, Daniel Gaffiero

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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.

    Authors: Brian Fenech, Daniel Gaffiero

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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 aims to identify the strongest predictors of breast screening participation among women in England.

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Sarah Chapman

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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.

    Authors: Brenda Caldwell-Phillips, Daniel Gaffiero, Rachel Tulloch

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    Identifying barriers and facilitators of participation in the ‘Fofi Gennimata Free Breast Screening Programme’ for women aged 45-74 in Greece

    The aim of the present study is to examine the factors influencing breast screening uptake among women aged 45-74 in Greece eligible to participate in the ‘Fofi Gennimata Free Breast Screening Programme’ using an extended version of the Health Belief Model (HBM).

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Grigoris Kyriakou, Haritini Tsangari, Konstantinos Papathanasiou, Michaela Christodoulaki

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    Understanding Dyadic Coping Dynamics in Eating Disorder Couples: A Comparative Analysis of Relationship Satisfaction and Intimacy

    The aim of the present study is to investigate whether individuals with eating disorders (EDs), compared with healthy controls (HCs), employ differing dyadic coping strategies with regards to romantic relationships, and to examine the association of these strategies with relationship intimacy and satisfaction.

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Michaela Christodoulaki, William Colgrave

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    Development of new methodology to investigate tendency toward eating disorders and effectiveness of Eating Disorder Interventions.

    The aim of this project is to develop and validate ambiguous scenarios to investigate tendency toward eating disorders and treatment effectiveness, allowing researchers and practitioners the tools needed to better understand interpretation biases in eating disorders (ED).

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Emma Sharpe, Frances A. Maratos, Uyi Lewis Ogbeifun

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    Preventing HPV-induced cancer: Predictors of HPV vaccination intention among parents of boys aged 9–12 in England

    The aim of this project is to examine the factors that influence parents’ intentions to get boys (aged 9-12) vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), using an extended version of the Health Belief Model (HBM).

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Michaela Christodoulaki, Stephanie Davey

Past Projects

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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'.

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Molly Roberts

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    EASI Evaluation extension – Phase 3

    EASI is an evaluation of an Early Awareness Stalking Intervention delivered by the HMPS and West Midlands Police Service. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention with respect to reoffending and supporting victims. Funding totalling £79,755 was awarded for continuation of data collection by The Home Office. Principle Investigator: Dr Karin Spenser. Co-investigators: Dr Tom Page, Dr Rachel Wheatley, Dr Zaharia Nahouli, Dr Louise Wallace and Dr Daniel Gaffiero.

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Karin Spenser, Louise Wallace, Rachel Wheatley, Tom Page, Zacharia Nahouli

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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.

    Authors: Amelia Woodward, Daniel Gaffiero, James Elander, Michael Head, Stephanie Davey

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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.

    Authors: Crystal Maher, Daniel Gaffiero

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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.

    Authors: Brian Fenech, Daniel Gaffiero

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    COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5–11: a systematic review of parental barriers and facilitators in Western countries

    The present projected involved conducting a systematic review to identify the barriers and facilitators affecting parents’ decisions to vaccinate children aged 5–11 against COVID-19 in Western countries. This project was led by Stephanie A. Davey as part of her MSc in Health Psychology. Status: Published in Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics.

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Stephanie Davey

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    Investigating the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine decision-making among parents of children aged 5–11 in the UK

    The aim of the this project was to examine predictors influencing parental decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination of children aged 5–11 in the UK. This project was led by Stephanie A. Davey as part of her MSc in Health Psychology. Status: Published in the journal Vaccine.

    Authors: Claire Hampson, Daniel Gaffiero, Michaela Christodoulaki, Stephanie Davey

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    Interpretation Biases in Pain: Validation of Two New Stimulus Sets

    The aim of this project was to (i) validate a range of ambiguous scenarios suitable for measuring interpretation biases in adults, whilst also allowing for two response formats (forced-choice and free response); and (ii) investigate paradigm efficacy, by assessing the effects of recent pain experiences on task responding. Status: Published in Frontiers in Psychology.

    Authors: Daniel Gaffiero, Frances A. Maratos, Paul Staples, Vicki Staples