Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar is health psychologist with research interests and expertise in maternal and child health, particularly prenatal health and well-being, stress, and childhood obesity.
Karen is currently a lecturer in the School of Public Health. She is also a Health Research Board Applying Research into Policy and Practice Fellow, conducting research on reduction of parental stress in the period from conception to 2 years postpartum (the first 1000 days).
Karen was awarded the European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity (2020); the European Health Psychology Society Stan Maes Early Career Award (2019); and the from the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice (2018). She is also Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Scholar and a Catalyst of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences.
Karen's research focuses on childhood obesity, maternal health and well-being during, the perinatal period, as well as health behaviours and psychophysiological indicators of well-being. Methodologically, Karen has expertise in intervention development, outcomes research, evidence syntheses and trial methodology.
Module Co-ordinator
November 2020-Present
Population Health EH3013
Structured Literature Review MH3010
Epidemiology II EH2006
Module Co-ordinator
March 2016- Present
Public Health and Behavioural Change EH6039
Previous
Masters in Public Health, Health Promotion Pathway, Co-ordinator
Module Co-ordinator
Psychology Applied to Occupational Health and Safety EH6041
Lecturer
Introduction to Research and Statistical Analysis AP1608
Health Psychology: Models and Applications AP3115
Applied Biological Psychology AP3102
Head Tutor School of Applied Psychology
September 2013- September 2014
Tutor
September 2011 – Present
AP2208 Research Methods in Applied Psychology
AP2105 Experimental Design & Statistical Applications
Current
Biography
Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar is health psychologist with research interests and expertise in maternal and child health, particularly prenatal health and well-being, stress, and childhood obesity.
Karen is currently a lecturer in the School of Public Health. She is also a Health Research Board Applying Research into Policy and Practice Fellow, conducting research on reduction of parental stress in the period from conception to 2 years postpartum (the first 1000 days).
Karen was awarded the European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity (2020); the European Health Psychology Society Stan Maes Early Career Award (2019); and the from the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice (2018). She is also Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Scholar and a Catalyst of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences.
Research Interests
Karen's research focuses on childhood obesity, maternal health and well-being during, the perinatal period, as well as health behaviours and psychophysiological indicators of well-being. Methodologically, Karen has expertise in intervention development, outcomes research, evidence syntheses and trial methodology.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Standardised Approach to Measuring Infant Feeding Outcomes to Prevent Childhood Obesity | Health Research Board | 09-JAN-23 | 08-JAN-27 | €791,130.00 | |
| TOPCHILD-translate: Understanding end-users’ needs for an implementation-ready evidence base for the prevention of obesity in young children. | Medical Research Council | 02-APR-23 | 06-JAN-25 | €16,134.00 | |
| Open Research Training Programme | Other: Not Listed | 21-NOV-22 | 01-DEC-23 | €189,993.00 | |
| Rethinking maternal perinatal mental health and childhood obesity | Enterprise Ireland | 04-JUL-22 | 31-OCT-22 | €15,859.00 | |
| Using behavioural science to enhance use of core outcome sets in trials | Health Research Board | 17-FEB-22 | €9,223.00 | ||
| Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Childhood Obesity- Translate (Funder: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council) | 03-JAN-22 | €1,598,031.00 | |||
| Reducing Maternal Stress in Ireland | Health Research Board | €247,446.00 | |||
| Early Identification of Suicide and Self-Harm Risk and Comorbid Mental and PHysical Disorders: An INterdisciplinary TrAining, Research and InterventioN Programme (MHAINTAIN) | Health Research Board | €1,500,000.00 | |||
| Prenatal mental health, health behaviours, and support needs during the COVID-19 pandemic | Health Research Board | €2,000.00 | |||
| Teaching and Learning Open Research in Higher Education | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | €1,000.00 | |||
| Developing an intervention to reduce natural-disaster related distress | Royal Irish Academy | €2,000.00 | |||
| Knowledge and Attitudes about Core Outcome Sets | Health Research Board | 29-JUN-20 | 21-AUG-20 | €2,000.00 | |
| Supporting Teaching and Learning of Open Research Principles and Practices | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | 06-JAN-20 | 21-DEC-20 | €65,000.00 | |
| A National survey to Investigate the use of Complementary & Alternative Medicine in Irish Oncology Patients | Irish Cancer Society | 06-JAN-20 | €64,871.00 | ||
| Fidelity of stress-reduction interventions in the first 1000 day | Health Research Board | 03-JUN-19 | 13-SEP-19 | €2,400.00 | |
| CHErIsH KEDS | Health Research Board | 01-DEC-18 | 02-DEC-19 | €57,888.00 | |
| Maternal stress and child overweight and obesity: psychological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms | Enterprise Ireland | €16,000.00 | |||
| Developing a Core Outcome Set of Infant Feeding Outcomes for Obesity Prevention Interventions. | Irish Research Council | 19-DEC-16 | 21-JUL-17 | €4,850.00 | |
| To determine if provision of information about a core outcome set (COS) increases response rates and attitudes toward trial questionnaire completion | Health Research Board | 01-JAN-18 | €10,000.00 | ||
| Effects of parental stress, depression, and self-esteem on feeding practices at 18 months (funded by: Children's Research Network) | Other: Not Listed | 02-APR-18 | €9,190.00 | ||
| Measuring Core Infant Feeding Outcomes in Childhood Obesity Trials | Health Research Board | 01-JUN-17 | 28-JUL-17 | €2,000.00 | |
| What’s on your child’s plate? Food portion sizes and the proportion of different food groups eaten by children on the island of Ireland. Funded by Safefood | Other: Not Listed | €97,274.00 | |||
| Determining the most feasible and acceptable methods of cortisol sampling in pregnancy | Royal Irish Academy | 02-JAN-17 | 01-DEC-17 | €1,723.00 |
Contract Researchers
| Researcher Name | Project | Role | Funding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Tobin | Principles and Practices of Open Research: Teaching, Research, Impact and Learning | Academic Sponsor | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| Sophia Egan | Principles and Practices of Open Research: Teaching, Research, Impact and Learning | Research Assistant | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| Charlotte Griffin | To determine if provision of information about a core outcome set (COS) increases response rates and attitudes toward trial questionnaire completion | Research Assistant | Health Research Board | |
| Jennifer Cooney | Maternal stress and child overweight and obesity: psychological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms | Research Assistant | Enterprise Ireland | |
| Jennifer Murphy | Maternal stress and child overweight and obesity: psychological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms | Research Assistant | Enterprise Ireland | |
| Sarah Buggy | Maternal Stress, Depression and Self-Esteem and Child feeding at 18 months | Postgraduate Researcher | Atlantic Philanthropies |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | 'Natural Disasters and Pregnancy: Population-Level Stressors and Interventions' King, S., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Laplante, D. (2021) 'Natural Disasters and Pregnancy: Population-Level Stressors and Interventions' In: Wazana, A., Székely, E., Oberlander, T. F (eds). Prenatal Stress and Child Development. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | 'Teaching open and reproducible scholarship: a critical review of the evidence base for current pedagogical methods and their outcomes' Pownall M;Azevedo F;König LM;Slack HR;Evans TR;Flack Z;Grinschgl S;Elsherif MM;Gilligan-Lee KA;de Oliveira CMF;Gjoneska B;Kalandadze T;Button K;Ashcroft-Jones S;Terry J;Albayrak-Aydemir N;Dechterenko F;Alzahawi S;Baker BJ;Pittelkow MM;Riedl L;Schmidt K;Pennington CR;Shaw JJ;Lüke T;Makel MC;Hartmann H;Zaneva M;Walker D;Verheyen S;Cox D;Mattschey J;Gallagher-Mitchell T;Branney P;Weisberg Y;Izydorczak K;Al-Hoorie AH;Creaven AM;Stewart SLK;Krautter K;Matvienko-Sikar K;Westwood SJ;Arriaga P;Liu M;Baum MA;Wingen T;Ross RM;O'Mahony A;Bochynska A;Jamieson M;Tromp MV;Yeung SK;Vasilev MR;Gourdon-Kanhukamwe A;Micheli L;Konkol M;Moreau D;Bartlett JE;Clark K;Brekelmans G;Gkinopoulos T;Tyler SL;Röer JP;Ilchovska ZG;Madan CR;Robertson O;Iley BJ;Guay S;Sladekova M;Sadhwani S; ; (2023) 'Teaching open and reproducible scholarship: a critical review of the evidence base for current pedagogical methods and their outcomes'. Royal Society Open Science, 10 (5) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention' Escañuela Sánchez T;O Donoghue K;Byrne M;Meaney S;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2023) 'A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of providing support for mental health during the period from pregnancy to two years postpartum' Pope J;Redsell S;Houghton C;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2023) 'Healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of providing support for mental health during the period from pregnancy to two years postpartum'. Midwifery, 118 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Factors that shape recurrent miscarriage care experiences: findings from a national survey' Flannery C;Hennessy M;Dennehy R;Matvienko-Sikar K;Lucey C;Dhubhgain JU;O'Donoghue K; (2023) 'Factors that shape recurrent miscarriage care experiences: findings from a national survey'. BMC Health Services Research, 23 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: Time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning' Skouteris H;Green R;Chung A;Bergmeier H;Amir LH;Baidwan SK;Chater AM;Chamberlain C;Emond R;Gibbons K;Gooey M;Hatzikiriakidis K;Haycraft E;Hills AP;Higgins DJ;Hooper O;Hunter SA;Kappelides P;Kleve S;Krakouer J;Lumeng JC;Manios Y;Mansoor A;Marmot M;Mâsse LC;Matvienko-Sikar K;Mchiza ZJ;Meyer C;Moschonis G;Munro ER;O'Connor TM;O'Neil A;Quarmby T;Sandford R;Schneiderman JU;Sherriff S;Simkiss D;Spence A;Sturgiss E;Vicary D;Wickes R;Wolfenden L;Story M;Black MM; (2022) 'Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: Time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning'. Health & Social Care In The Community, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Core outcome set for early intervention trials to prevent obesity in childhood (COS-EPOCH): Agreement on what to measure' Brown V;Moodie M;Sultana M;Hunter KE;Byrne R;Seidler AL;Golley R;Taylor RW;Hesketh KD;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2022) 'Core outcome set for early intervention trials to prevent obesity in childhood (COS-EPOCH): Agreement on what to measure'. International Journal of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth' Escañuela Sánchez T;Matvienko-Sikar K;Meaney S;O'Donoghue K; (2022) 'Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth'. Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research' Escañuela Sánchez T;Meaney S;O'Connor C;Linehan L;O'Donoghue K;Byrne M;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2022) 'Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 22 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'How we define recurrent miscarriage matters: A qualitative exploration of the views of people with professional or lived experience' Dennehy R;Hennessy M;Meaney S;Matvienko-Sikar K;O'Sullivan-Lago R;Uí Dhubhgain J;Lucey C;O'Donoghue K; (2022) 'How we define recurrent miscarriage matters: A qualitative exploration of the views of people with professional or lived experience'. Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a qualitative evidence synthesis of women's and maternity care providers' views and experiences' Flaherty SJ;Delaney H;Matvienko-Sikar K;Smith V; (2022) 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a qualitative evidence synthesis of women's and maternity care providers' views and experiences'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 22 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'A scoping review of outcomes commonly reported in obesity prevention interventions aiming to improve obesity-related health behaviors in children to age 5 years' Brown, Vicki; Moodie, Marj; Sultana, Marufa; Hunter, Kylie E.; Byrne, Rebecca; Zarnowiecki, Dorota; Seidler, Anna Lene; Golley, Rebecca; Taylor, Rachael W.; Hesketh, Kylie D.; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen (2022) 'A scoping review of outcomes commonly reported in obesity prevention interventions aiming to improve obesity-related health behaviors in children to age 5 years'. Obesity Reviews, 23 (5) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Use of core outcome sets was low in clinical trials published in major medical journals' Matvienko-Sikar K;Avery K;Blazeby JM;Devane D;Dodd S;Egan AM;Gorst SL;Hughes K;Jacobsen P;Kirkham JJ;Kottner J;Mellor K;Millward CP;Patel S;Quirke F;Saldanha IJ;Smith V;Terwee CB;Young AE;Williamson PR; (2021) 'Use of core outcome sets was low in clinical trials published in major medical journals'. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 142 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'A survey of knowledge, perceptions and use of core outcome sets among clinical trialists' Bellucci C;Hughes K;Toomey E;Williamson PR;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'A survey of knowledge, perceptions and use of core outcome sets among clinical trialists'. Trials, 22 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Women's experiences and perceptions of anxiety and stress during the perinatal period: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis' McCarthy M;Houghton C;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Women's experiences and perceptions of anxiety and stress during the perinatal period: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis'. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 21 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Effects of maternal stress and/or anxiety interventions in the first 1000 days:Systematic review of reviews' Matvienko-Sikar K;Redsell S;Flannery C; (2021) 'Effects of maternal stress and/or anxiety interventions in the first 1000 days:Systematic review of reviews'. Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Barriers and enablers to caregivers' responsive feeding behaviour: A systematic review to inform childhood obesity prevention' Redsell SA;Slater V;Rose J;Olander EK;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Barriers and enablers to caregivers' responsive feeding behaviour: A systematic review to inform childhood obesity prevention'. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Protocol for the development of Core Outcome Sets for Early intervention trials to Prevent Obesity in CHildren (COS-EPOCH)' Brown V;Moodie M;Tran HNQ;Sultana M;Hunter KE;Byrne R;Zarnowiecki D;Seidler AL;Golley R;Taylor R;Hesketh KD;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Protocol for the development of Core Outcome Sets for Early intervention trials to Prevent Obesity in CHildren (COS-EPOCH)'. Bmj Open, 11 (7) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'A study protocol of qualitative data sharing practices in clinical trials in the UK and Ireland: towards the production of good practice guidance' Houghton C;McCarthy M;Gillies K;Rousseau N;Wade J;Gamble C;Toomey E;Matvienko-Sikar K;Sydes M;Dowling M;Bryant V;Biesty L; (2021) 'A study protocol of qualitative data sharing practices in clinical trials in the UK and Ireland: towards the production of good practice guidance'. Hrb Open Research, 4 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'The usability and applicability of knowledge translation theories, models, and frameworks for research in the context of a national health service' Minogue V;Matvienko-Sikar K;Hayes C;Morrissey M;Gorman G;Terres A; (2021) 'The usability and applicability of knowledge translation theories, models, and frameworks for research in the context of a national health service'. Health Research Policy And Systems, 19 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Recruiting 'hard to reach' parents for health promotion research: experiences from a qualitative study' Tully L;Spyreli E;Allen-Walker V;Matvienko-Sikar K;McHugh S;Woodside J;McKinley MC;Kearney PM;Dean M;Hayes C;Heary C;Kelly C; (2021) 'Recruiting 'hard to reach' parents for health promotion research: experiences from a qualitative study'. BMC Research Notes, 14 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant womens' experiences and perceptions of antenatal maternity care, social support, and stress-reduction strategies' Meaney S;Leitao S;Olander EK;Pope J;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant womens' experiences and perceptions of antenatal maternity care, social support, and stress-reduction strategies'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Facilitators and barriers to substance-free pregnancies in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research' Escañuela Sánchez T;Matvienko-Sikar K;Linehan L;O'Donoghue K;Byrne M;Meaney S; (2021) 'Facilitators and barriers to substance-free pregnancies in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Editorial: Outcome reporting in midwifery research' Matvienko-Sikar K.;Homer C. (2021) 'Editorial: Outcome reporting in midwifery research'. Women and Birth, 34 (3):203-205 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Representation of published core outcome sets for research in regulatory guidance: protocol' Susanna Dodd, Rebecca Fish, Sarah Gorst, Deborah Hall, Pamela Jacobsen, Jamie Kirkham, Barry Main, Karen Matvienko-Sikar, Ian J. Saldanha, Dominic Trépel, Paula R. Williamson (2021) 'Representation of published core outcome sets for research in regulatory guidance: protocol'. Hrb Open Research, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Focusing on fidelity: narrative review and recommendations for improving intervention fidelity within trials of health behaviour change interventions' Toomey E.;Hardeman W.;Hankonen N.;Byrne M.;McSharry J.;Matvienko-Sikar K.;Lorencatto F. (2020) 'Focusing on fidelity: narrative review and recommendations for improving intervention fidelity within trials of health behaviour change interventions'. Health Psychology : Official Journal Of The Division Of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 8 (1):132-151 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of women’s and maternity care providers’ views and experiences' Smith, V., Flaherty, S.J., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Delaney, H. (2021) 'Maternity care during COVID-19: a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of women’s and maternity care providers’ views and experiences'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Prenatal stress, health, and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey' Pope J;Olander EK;Leitao S;Meaney S;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2021) 'Prenatal stress, health, and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 6th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research' Gargon E.;Gorst S.L.;Matvienko-Sikar K.;Williamson P.R. (2021) 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 6th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research'. Plos One, 16 (1 January) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Supporting strategies for enhancing vegetable liking in the early years of life: an umbrella review of systematic reviews' Bell LK;Gardner C;Tian EJ;Cochet-Broch MO;Poelman AAM;Cox DN;Nicklaus S;Matvienko-Sikar K;Daniels LA;Kumar S;Golley RK; (2021) 'Supporting strategies for enhancing vegetable liking in the early years of life: an umbrella review of systematic reviews'. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study' Zecevic K;Houghton C;Noone C;Lee H;Matvienko-Sikar K;Toomey E; (2020) 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study'. Hrb Open Research, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol' Matvienko-Sikar K;Avery K;Blazeby J;Hughes K;Jacobsen P;Kirkham J;Kottner J;Mellor K;Saldanha I;Smith V;Terwee CB;Williamson PR; ; (2020) 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol'. Hrb Open Research, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Fidelity of Interventions to Reduce or Prevent Stress and/or Anxiety from Pregnancy up to Two Years Postpartum: A Systematic Review' Gorman, G;Toomey, E;Flannery, C;Redsell, S;Hayes, C;Huizink, A;Kearney, PM;Matvienko-Sikar, K (2020) 'Fidelity of Interventions to Reduce or Prevent Stress and/or Anxiety from Pregnancy up to Two Years Postpartum: A Systematic Review'. Maternal and child health journal, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Differences in levels of stress, social support, health behaviours, and stress-reduction strategies for women pregnant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on phases of pandemic restrictions, in Ireland' Matvienko-Sikar K.;Pope J.;Cremin A.;Carr H.;Leitao S.;Olander E.K.;Meaney S. (2020) 'Differences in levels of stress, social support, health behaviours, and stress-reduction strategies for women pregnant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on phases of pandemic restrictions, in Ireland'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Developing an open educational resource for open research: Protocol for the PaPOR TRAIL project' Egan S;Tobin M;Palmer B;Coffey A;Dahly D;Houghton C;Ó Carragáin E;Toomey E;Dockray S;Matvienko-Sikar K; (2020) 'Developing an open educational resource for open research: Protocol for the PaPOR TRAIL project'. Hrb Open Research, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study' Zečević K, Houghton C, Noone C,Lee H, Mativenko-Sikar K, Toomey E (2020) 'Exploring factors that influence the practice of Open Science by early career health researchers: a mixed methods study'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Exploring healthcare professionals' views of the acceptability of delivering interventions to promote healthy infant feeding practices within primary care: a qualitative interview study' Toomey, Elaine; Flannery, Caragh; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Olander, Ellinor K.; Hayes, Catherine; Heffernan, Tony; Hennessy, Marita; McHugh, Sheena; Queally, Michelle; Kearney, Patricia M.; Byrne, Molly; Heary, Caroline (2020) 'Exploring healthcare professionals' views of the acceptability of delivering interventions to promote healthy infant feeding practices within primary care: a qualitative interview study'. Public health nutrition, 24 (10):2889-2899 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Perinatal Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Meedya, S., Ravaldi, C. (2020) 'Perinatal Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol' Matvienko-Sikar K, Avery K, Blazeby J et al. (2020) 'Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists publishing in major medical journals: Protocol'. Hrb Open Research, 3 (53) [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'The value of core outcome sets in health psychology' Matvienko‐Sikar, Karen; Terwee, Caroline B.; Gargon, Elizabeth; Devane, Declan; Kearney, Patricia M.; Byrne, Molly (2020) 'The value of core outcome sets in health psychology'. British Journal of Health Psychology, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Methods used in the selection of instruments for outcomes included in Core Outcome Sets have improved since the publication of the COSMIN/COMET guideline' Gorst SL;Prinsen CA;Salcher-Konrad M;Matvienko-Sikar K;Williamson PR;Terwee CB; (2020) 'Methods used in the selection of instruments for outcomes included in Core Outcome Sets have improved since the publication of the COSMIN/COMET guideline'. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Maternal stress in the first 1000 days and risk of childhood obesity: a systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar K;Cooney J;Flannery C;Murphy J;Khashan A;Huizink A; (2020) 'Maternal stress in the first 1000 days and risk of childhood obesity: a systematic review'. Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Dietary behaviours and weight management: A thematic analysis of pregnant women's perceptions' C.Flannery, M. N. Mtshede, S.McHugh, A. Ebere Anaba, E. Clifford, M. O'Riordan, L. C. Kenny F. M. McAuliffe, P. M. Kearney, K. Matvienko-Sikar (2020) 'Dietary behaviours and weight management: A thematic analysis of pregnant women's perceptions'. Maternal And Child Nutrition, [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'The Association Between Preeclampsia and Childhood Development and Behavioural Outcomes' Maher GM;O'Keeffe GW;O'Keeffe LM;Matvienko-Sikar K;Dalman C;Kearney PM;McCarthy FP;Khashan AS; (2020) 'The Association Between Preeclampsia and Childhood Development and Behavioural Outcomes'. Maternal and child health journal, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Effects of interventions for women and their partners to reduce or prevent stress and anxiety: A systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar K;Flannery C;Redsell S;Hayes C;Kearney PM;Huizink A; (2020) 'Effects of interventions for women and their partners to reduce or prevent stress and anxiety: A systematic review'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'A core outcome set for trials of infant-feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity' Matvienko-Sikar K.;Griffin C.;Kelly C.;Heary C.;Lillholm Pico Pedersen M.;McGrath N.;Toomey E.;Harrington J.;Hennessy M.;Queally M.;Hayes C.;McSharry J.;Devane D.;Byrne M.;Kearney P. (2020) 'A core outcome set for trials of infant-feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity'. International Journal of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'A collaborative approach to developing sustainable behaviour change interventions for childhood obesity prevention: Development of the Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) intervention and implementation strategy' Toomey, E;Matvienko-Sikar, K;Doherty, E;Harrington, J;Hayes, CB;Heary, C;Hennessy, M;Kelly, C;McHugh, S;McSharry, J;O'Halloran, J;Queally, M;Heffernan, T;Kearney, PM;Byrne, M (2020) 'A collaborative approach to developing sustainable behaviour change interventions for childhood obesity prevention: Development of the Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) intervention and implementation strategy'. British Journal of Health Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Barriers and enablers to Caregivers Responsive feeding Behaviour (CRiB): A mixed method systematic review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]' Slater, Vicki; Rose, Jennie; Olander, Ellinor; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Redsell, Sarah (2020) 'Barriers and enablers to Caregivers Responsive feeding Behaviour (CRiB): A mixed method systematic review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]'. Hrb Open Research, 3 (2):1-7 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) study: protocol for a feasibility study' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E. et al. (2019) 'Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH) study: protocol for a feasibility study'. Bmj Open, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis' Manzari N;Matvienko-Sikar K;Baldoni F;O'Keeffe GW;Khashan AS; (2019) 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis'. Social Psychiatry And Psychiatric Epidemiology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Behaviour Change Techniques and Theory Use in Healthcare Professional-Delivered Infant Feeding Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review' Matvienko-Sikar K, Toomey E, Delaney L, Flannery C, McHugh S, McSharry J, Byrne M, Queally M, Heary C, Kearney P (2019) 'Behaviour Change Techniques and Theory Use in Healthcare Professional-Delivered Infant Feeding Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review'. Health Psychology Review, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Influence of providing information to participants about development of trial outcomes on response rates and attitudes to questionnaire completion: Protocol for a study within a trial [version 1; referees: 1 approved]' Griffin, C., Toomey, E., Queally, M., Hayes, C., Kearney, P.M., Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2019) 'Influence of providing information to participants about development of trial outcomes on response rates and attitudes to questionnaire completion: Protocol for a study within a trial [version 1; referees: 1 approved]'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Trait mindfulness & self-reported driving behaviour' Murphy, G. & Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2019) 'Trait mindfulness & self-reported driving behaviour'. Personality and Individual Differences, 147 :250-255 [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'How suicide-bereaved family members experience the inquest process: a qualitative study using thematic analysis' Spillane, A., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Larkin, C., Corcoran, P., Arensman (2019) 'How suicide-bereaved family members experience the inquest process: a qualitative study using thematic analysis'. International Journal of Qualitative Studies In Education, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Addressing fidelity within complex health behaviour change interventions: A protocol of a scoping review of intervention fidelity frameworks and models' Roy, R., Colquhoun, H., Byrne, M., Lorencatto, F., Matvienko-Sikar, K., McCleary, N., Nathan, N., Toomey, E. (2018) 'Addressing fidelity within complex health behaviour change interventions: A protocol of a scoping review of intervention fidelity frameworks and models'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 4th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research' Gargon E;Gorst SL;Harman NL;Smith V;Matvienko-Sikar K;Williamson PR; (2018) 'Choosing important health outcomes for comparative effectiveness research: 4th annual update to a systematic review of core outcome sets for research'. Plos One, 13 (12) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Investigating associations between maternal well-being and infant dietary intake in a low income setting' Buggy, S., O'Neill, K., Kearney, P.M., Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2018) 'Investigating associations between maternal well-being and infant dietary intake in a low income setting'. Children's Research Digest on Resilience, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Developing a Core Outcome Set for Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Systematic Review' Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Griffin, Ciara; McGrath, Niamh; Toomey, Elaine; Byrne, Molly; Kelly, Colette; Heary, Caroline; Devane, Declan; Kearney, Patricia M. (2018) 'Developing a Core Outcome Set for Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Systematic Review'. Maternal And Child Nutrition, 15 (1) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and up to two years after birth on risk of child overweight and obesity: Protocol for a Systematic Review' Cooney, J., Flannery, C., Khashan, A., Huizink, A.C., Matvienko-Sikar, K. (2018) 'Effects of maternal stress during pregnancy and up to two years after birth on risk of child overweight and obesity: Protocol for a Systematic Review'. Hrb Open Research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Surveying knowledge, practice and attitudes towards intervention fidelity within trials of complex healthcare interventions' McGee, D., Lorencatto, F., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E. (2018) 'Surveying knowledge, practice and attitudes towards intervention fidelity within trials of complex healthcare interventions'. Trials, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Effects of healthcare professional delivered early feeding interventions on feeding practices and dietary intake: A systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Delaney, L., Harrington, J., Kearney, P.M. (2018) 'Effects of healthcare professional delivered early feeding interventions on feeding practices and dietary intake: A systematic review'. Appetite, 123 (1):56-71 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Intervention Fidelity Within Trials of Infant Feeding Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review' Toomey E;Matvienko-Sikar K;Heary C;Delaney L;Queally M;B Hayes C;M Kearney P;Byrne M; ; (2018) 'Intervention Fidelity Within Trials of Infant Feeding Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review'. Annals Of Behavioral Medicine : A Publication Of The Society Of Behavioral Medicine, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Do mothers accurately identify their child’s overweight/obesity status during early childhood? Evidence from a nationally representative cohort study' Queally, M., Doherty, E., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Cullinan, J., Harrington, J., Kearney P.M. (2018) 'Do mothers accurately identify their child’s overweight/obesity status during early childhood? Evidence from a nationally representative cohort study'. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity, [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Plating up appropriate portion sizes for children: a systematic review of parental food and beverage portioning practices' Kairey, L., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Kelly, C., McKinley, M.C., O Connor, E.M., Kearney, P.K., Woodside, J.V., Harrington, J.M. (2018) 'Plating up appropriate portion sizes for children: a systematic review of parental food and beverage portioning practices'. Obesity Reviews, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Participants’ perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience' Racine, E., Hurley, C., Cheung, A., Sinnott, C., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Baumgartner, C., Rodondi, N., Smithson, W.H., Kearney, P.K. (2018) 'Participants’ perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience'. F1000research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol' Manzari, N., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Baldoni, F., O'Keefe, G.W., Khashan, A.S. (2018) 'Prenatal maternal stress and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol'. F1000research, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? An observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland' Spillane A;Matvienko-Sikar K;Larkin C;Corcoran P;Arensman E; (2018) 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? An observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland'. Bmj Open, 8 (1) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Parental experiences and perceptions of infant complementary feeding: a qualitative evidence synthesis' Matvienko-Sikar K;Kelly C;Sinnott C;McSharry J;Houghton C;Heary C;Toomey E;Byrne M;Kearney PM; (2017) 'Parental experiences and perceptions of infant complementary feeding: a qualitative evidence synthesis'. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Study within a trial (SWAT) protocol. Participants' perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience' Racine, Emmy; Hurley, Caroline; Cheung, Aoife; Sinnott, Carol; Matvienko-Sikar, Karen; Smithson, William H.; Kearney, Patricia M. (2017) 'Study within a trial (SWAT) protocol. Participants' perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience'. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 7 :163-165 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Physical and psychosomatic health outcomes in people bereaved by suicide compared to people bereaved by other modes of death: a systematic review' Spillane, A., Larkin, C., Corcoran, P., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Arensman, E. (2017) 'Physical and psychosomatic health outcomes in people bereaved by suicide compared to people bereaved by other modes of death: a systematic review'. BMC Public Health, 17 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Development of an infant feeding core outcome set for childhood obesity interventions: study protocol' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Byrne, M., Kelly, C. , Toomey, E., Hennessy, M., Devane, D., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McGrath, N., Queally, M., Kearney, P. (2017) 'Development of an infant feeding core outcome set for childhood obesity interventions: study protocol'. Trials, 18 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? Protocol for an observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland' Spillane, A., Larkin, C., Corcoran, P., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Arensman, E. (2017) 'What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? Protocol for an observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland'. Bmj Open, 7 (3) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'The Association between Childcare Arrangements and Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood: A Systematic Review' Black, L., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Kearney, P. (2017) 'The Association between Childcare Arrangements and Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood: A Systematic Review'. Obesity Reviews, [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'The role of prenatal, obstetric, and post-partum factors in the parenting stress of mothers and fathers of 9-month old infants' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Murphy, G., & Murphy, G. (2017) 'The role of prenatal, obstetric, and post-partum factors in the parenting stress of mothers and fathers of 9-month old infants'. Journal Of Psychosomatic Obstetrics And Gynaecology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Positive prenatal well-being: conceptualising and measuring mindfulness and gratitude in pregnancy' O' Leary K;Dockray S;Hammond S; (2016) 'Positive prenatal well-being: conceptualising and measuring mindfulness and gratitude in pregnancy'. Archives Of Women'S Mental Health, 19 (4) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Effects of a novel positive psychological intervention on prenatal stress and well-being: A pilot randomised controlled trial' Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Dockray, S. (2016) 'Effects of a novel positive psychological intervention on prenatal stress and well-being: A pilot randomised controlled trial'. Women and Birth, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'The effects of mindfulness interventions on prenatal well-being: A systematic review' Matvienko-Sikar, K., Lee, L., Murphy, G. & Murphy, L. (2016) 'The effects of mindfulness interventions on prenatal well-being: A systematic review'. Psychology and Health, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'A Systematic Review of the Effects of Mindfulness Interventions on Cortisol' O'Leary, K., O'Neill, S. & Dockray, S. (2015) 'A Systematic Review of the Effects of Mindfulness Interventions on Cortisol'. Journal of Health Psychology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'The Effects of Two Novel Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions on Well-being' O' Leary, K. & Dockray, S. (2015) 'The Effects of Two Novel Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions on Well-being'. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Bundle of Joy: Improving Prenatal Wellbeing with Gratitude and Mindfulness' O' Leary, K, (2014) 'Bundle of Joy: Improving Prenatal Wellbeing with Gratitude and Mindfulness'. The Boolean, [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Gratitude works! A twenty-one-day program for creating emotional prosperity' Karen O Leary (2013) 'Gratitude works! A twenty-one-day program for creating emotional prosperity'. The Journal Of Positive Psychology, :361-363 [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | What’s on your child’s plate? Food portion sizes and the proportion of different food groups eaten by children on the island of Ireland. Harrington, J., Kairey, L., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Kearney, P.M., Moore, S., McKinley, M., Woodside, J., Kelly, C. (2019) What’s on your child’s plate? Food portion sizes and the proportion of different food groups eaten by children on the island of Ireland. Safefood, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2018) | Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH Study). Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Kearney, P.M on behalf of the CHErIsH Research Team (2018) Choosing Healthy Eating for Infant Health (CHErIsH Study). Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, Dublin, Ireland. [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2018) | The Lancet Public Health Science Matvienko-Sikar, K., Byrne, M., Kelly, C. , Toomey, E., Hennessy, M., Devane, D., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McGrath, N., Queally, M., Kearney, P. (2018) Developing an infant feeding core outcome set for childhood obesity prevention The Lancet Public Health Science [Details] | |
| (2017) | European Congress on Obesity Matvienko-Sikar, K. Toomey, E., Delaney, L., Harrington, J., Byrne, M. & Kearney, P. (2017) Effects of early infant feeding interventions on parental feeding practices European Congress on Obesity [Details] | |
| (2017) | 24th European Congress on Obesity Matvienko-Sikar K., Toomey, E., Delaney, L., Harrington, J., Byrne, M., Kearney P. (2017) Effects of early infant feeding interventions on parental feeding practices: A systematic review 24th European Congress on Obesity Porto, [Details] | |
| (2016) | 64th Annual Irish Gerontological Society Conference Matvienko-Sikar, K. & McCarthy, J (2016) Identity Construction in Dementia Caregiving: “Them” And “Us” 64th Annual Irish Gerontological Society Conference [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UCC Research Award for Open Research | University College Cork | |
| 2020 | European Association for the Study of Obesity New Investigator Award in Childhood Obesity | European Association for the Study of Obesity | |
| 2020 | Charlemont Award | Royal Irish Academy | |
| 2019 | Stan Maes Early Career Award (European Health Psychology Society) | European Health Psychology | |
| 2019 | HRB Applying Research into Policy and Practice Fellowship | Health Research Board | |
| 2019 | International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Travel Award | International Society for Developmental Psychobiology | |
| 2019 | European Congress on Obesity 2019 Travel Award | European Congress on Obesity | |
| 2018 | Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice | Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology | |
| 2018 | IBTN Travel Award | International Behavioural Trials Network | |
| 2018 | HSE Open Access Award | Health Service Executive | |
| 2017 | Charlemont Award | Royal Irish Academy | |
| 2016 | HRB Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement Postdoctoral Fellowship | Health Research Board (Awarded to PI Prof Patricia Kearney) | |
| 2013 | School of Applied Psychology Studentship (UCC) | UCC | |
| 2013 | Graduate Scholar Award; Health, Wellness and Society Conference | Health, Wellness and Society Conference | |
| 2013 | UCC O'Connor Scholarship Award | University College Cork | |
| 2012 | School of Applied Psychology Studentship | UCC |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Psychological Society, Division of Health Psychology | Graduate Member | 01-JUN-13 / 01-JUN-14 | |
| HRB Trials Methodology Research Network | Research Associate | 02-JUN-19 / | |
| International Society for Developmental Psychobiology | Member | 02-JUN-19 / | |
| Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology | Member | 01-JAN-18 / 01-JAN-19 | |
| Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology | Member | 01-MAY-17 / | |
| European Health Psychology Society | Member | 01-APR-16 / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | 14th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Dockray (2017) Effects of an experimental gratitude intervention on self-report and psychophysiological measures of stress. [Oral Presentation], 14th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, RCSI, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Association for the Study of Obesity on the island of Ireland (ASOI) annual conference 2017, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Queally, M., Hayes, C., Doherty, E., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McHugh, S., McSharry, J., Byrne, M., Kearney, P.M. (2017) Developing an evidence-based pilot infant feeding behaviours intervention for childhood obesity in primary care: The CHErIsH Study. [Poster Presentation], Association for the Study of Obesity on the island of Ireland (ASOI) annual conference 2017, UCD Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Delaney, L., McSharry, J. McHugh, S., Byrne, M., Kearney, P.M. (2017) Active ingredients in infant feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity. [Poster Presentation], Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, RCSI, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2017) | 3rd Annual SPHeRE Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Toomey, E., Queally, M., Hayes, C., Doherty, E., Heary, C., Harrington, J., McHugh, S., McSharry, J., Byrne, M., Kearney, P.M. (2017) Development of an evidence-based pilot intervention to promote healthy infant feeding behaviours in Irish primary care: The HRB Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement (ICE) Childhood Obesity project. [Poster Presentation], 3rd Annual SPHeRE Conference, RCSI, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2016) | 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Matvienko-Sikar, K., Murphy, G. & Murphy, M. (2016) The role of perinatal and obstetric factors in post-partum parenting stress for mothers and father. [Oral Presentation], 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, UCC Cork . [Details] | |
| (2016) | . 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, Murphy G., Matvienko-Sikar, K. & Dockray, S. (2016) Trier on Wheels? Cardiovascular Reactivity in a Simulated Stressful Driving Scenario. [Oral Presentation], . 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, UCC, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2016) | 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, O’ Leary, K. & Dockray, S. (2016) Putting the Positive in Pregnancy: The Role of Positive Psychological Factors in Promoting Prenatal Mental Health. [Poster Presentation], 13th Annual Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference, UCC Cork . [Details] | |
| (2015) | The 15th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, O’ Leary, K., Lee, L., Murphy, G., & Murphy, L. (2015) A review of mindfulness intervention effects on prenatal stress, depression and anxiety. [Poster Presentation], The 15th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, UCC Cork . [Details] | |
| (2015) | Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, McGrath, N., O'Leary, K., & Dockray, S. (2015) Stability and predictors of wellbeing over time. [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015 . [Details] | |
| (2015) | Inaugural INFANT Research day, O' Leary, K. (2015) Cortisol measurement in pregnancy: Challenges and future directions. [Poster Presentation], Inaugural INFANT Research day, University College COrk . [Details] | |
| (2012) | Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, Cadogan E., O Leary, K., Dockray, S. (2012) The effects of a gratitude intervention on physiological and self-report wellbeing. [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015, Psychological Society of Ireland Conference 2015 . [Details] | |
| (2012) | Overcoming Barriers to Well-being in Ireland Conference, O' Leary, K; DiBlasi, Z; O' Sullivan, D (2012) The Effect of Keeping a Gratitude Diary on Well-being during Pregnancy: A Randomised Control Trial. [Poster Presentation], Overcoming Barriers to Well-being in Ireland Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway , 08-JUN-12 - 08-JUN-12. [Details] | |
| (2012) | Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Conference, O' Leary, K; Dockray, S; DiBlasi, Z (2012) The Heart and Science of Well-being Workshop. [Other], Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Conference, Cork , 08-NOV-12 - 11-NOV-12. [Details] | |
| (2013) | The 13th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, O Leary, K.; Dockray, S. (2013) Differences in the factor structure of gratitude based on parity. [Poster Presentation], The 13th Annual Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference, The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork , 08-NOV-13 - 08-NOV-13. [Details] | |
| (2012) | Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S (2012) The Effect of Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions on levels of Gratitude and Mindfulness. [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork , 08-NOV-12 - 11-NOV-12. [Details] | |
| (2014) | Psychological Society of Ireland Cofnerence, Murphy, L; O Leary, K; Dockray, S. (2014) Thinking Ahead: The Appearance Consequences of Smoking (PROJECT TACOS). [Oral Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Cofnerence, Kilkenny . [Details] | |
| (2013) | 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S (2013) Gratitude and Mindfulness Interventions: Conceptual Crossovers and Practical Applications. [Poster Presentation], 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, Dublin , 01-MAY-13 - 01-JUL-13. [Details] | |
| (2013) | BPS Division of Health Psychology Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S; Hammond, S (2013) Measuring the Positive in Pregnancy: Development of the Gratitude during Pregnancy Scale and Evaluation of the MAAS in Pregnancy. [Oral Presentation], BPS Division of Health Psychology Conference, Brighton , 11-SEP-13 - 13-SEP-13. [Details] | |
| (2012) | Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, O Leary, K; DiBlasi, Z; O Sullvan, D; O Riordan, M (2012) Expressions of Gratitude during Pregnancy in a Diary-based Randomised Clinical Trial. [Poster Presentation], Psychological Society of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork , 08-NOV-12 - 11-NOV-12. [Details] | |
| (2014) | 11th Annual Psychology Health and Medicine Conference, O Leary,K., O' Neill, S., Dockray, S. (2014) Cortisol Measures in Mindfulness Interventions: Challenges and Future Directions. [Poster Presentation], 11th Annual Psychology Health and Medicine Conference, University of Limerick , 27-MAY-14 - 28-MAY-14. [Details] | |
| (2013) | 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, O Leary, K; Dockray, S (2013) Methodological Implications in Positive Psychological Trials to Improve Well-being. [Poster Presentation], 10th Annual Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, Dublin , 01-MAY-13 - 01-MAY-13. [Details] | |
| (2015) | PSI ECG Conference, O'Leary, K. & Dockray, S. (2015) Prenatal Mindfulness Intervention Effects. [Oral Presentation], PSI ECG Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway . [Details] | |
| (2015) | School of Applied Psychology Lightning Talks, O' Leary, K. (2015) Psychophysiological Measures in Studies of Stress Responding. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], School of Applied Psychology Lightning Talks, School of Applied Psychology, UCC . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters in Public Health Program Board | Member | / | |
| International Behavioural Trial Network 2020 Scientific Committee | Scientific Committee Member | / | |
| School of Public Health Ethics Committee | Member | / | |
| School of Public Health Teaching and Curriculum committee | Member | / | |
| School of Public Health Executive Committee | Member | / | |
| ASOI Annual Conference 2017 | Scientific and organising | 2017 / 2017 | |
| HRB Early Career Researcher Event | Organiser | 2016 / 2017 | |
| 13th Psychology Health and Medicine Conference | Scientific Committee | / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Epidemiology & Public Health | Post-Doctoral Researcher | 01-MAR-16 / | |
| School of Applied Psychology | BioAssay Research Assistant | 03-DEC-12 / 07-SEP-13 | |
| School of Applied Psychology | Research Assistant | 01-SEP-14 / 29-FEB-16 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | University College Cork | PHD | Applied Psychology | |
| 2017 | University College Cork | Certificate | Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| 2014 | University College Cork | Certificate | Teaching and Learning for Graduate Studies | |
| 2014 | edX Berkeley | Certificate | The Science of Happiness | |
| 2011 | University College Cork | MA | Applied Psychology | |
| 2010 | University College Cork | HDip | English | |
| 2008 | University College Cork | BA HONS | Applied Psychology |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annals Of Behavioral Medicine : A Publication Of The Society Of Behavioral Medicine | Editor | - | |
| Women And Birth | Editor | - | |
| Health Psychology Review | Referee | - | |
| Obesity Reviews | Referee | - | |
| British Journal Of Health Psychology | Referee | - | |
| Trials | Referee | 04-SEP-17 - | |
| Psychoneuroendocrinology | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Midwifery & Women'S Health | Referee | - | |
| Psychiatry Research | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Hypertension | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Psychosomatic Obstetrics And Gynaecology | Referee | - | |
| Plos One | Referee | - |
Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese | Basic | Basic | Functional | |
| English | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
CurrentModule Co-ordinator
November 2020-Present
Population Health EH3013
Structured Literature Review MH3010
Epidemiology II EH2006
Module Co-ordinator
March 2016- Present
Public Health and Behavioural Change EH6039
Previous
Masters in Public Health, Health Promotion Pathway, Co-ordinator
Module Co-ordinator
Psychology Applied to Occupational Health and Safety EH6041
Lecturer
Introduction to Research and Statistical Analysis AP1608
Health Psychology: Models and Applications AP3115
Applied Biological Psychology AP3102
Head Tutor School of Applied Psychology
September 2013- September 2014
Tutor
September 2011 – Present
AP2208 Research Methods in Applied Psychology
AP2105 Experimental Design & Statistical Applications
Current
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Lindsay Black | University College Cork | MPH | The Association between Childcare Arrangements and Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood: A Systematic Review |
Research Information
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Samantha Dockray | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Sarah Meaney | National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork | IRELAND |
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Anja Huizink | VU University Amsterdam | HOLLAND | |
| Professor Sarah Redsell | Anglia Ruskin University | ENGLAND | |
| Prof Rebecca Golley | Flinders University | AUSTRALIA | |
| Dr Catherine Houghton | National University of Ireland Galway | IRELAND | |
| Dr Ellinor Olander | City University London | ENGLAND |