I am a health psychologist with research interests and expertise in maternal and child health, particularly prenatal health and well-being, stress, and childhood obesity. I am 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).
In 2019 I was awarded the Stan Maes Early Career Award from the European Health Psychology Society. I was the 2018 recipient of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice. I was also a Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Scholar (2017) and am a Catalyst of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences.
I was previously employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a HRB Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement Award. This research involves designing a complex intervention for childhood obesity, and is being conducted in collaboration with researchers in NUI Galway and Trinity College Dublin.
My PhD research in Applied Psychology was strongly informed by Health Psychology and investigated the effects of prenatal wellness interventions on well-being, cortisol levels, and birth outcomes. I also have a MA and a BA in Applied Psychology, and a Higher Diploma in Arts (English).
My research interests are in the area of maternal and child health, particularly focusing on childhood obesity, the perinatal period, as well as psychophysiological indicators of well-being. I am particularly interested in mechanisms of stress effects on health and weight outcomes.
Methodologically, I have interests and expertise in intervention development, biomarkers, and measurement. My interests in a broad range of methodological approaches also reflect my research activities to date. These include quantitative approaches such as controlled trials and systematic reviews and meta-analysis, and qualitative approaches including qualitative research synthesis, discourse analysis, and thematic analysis.
Module Co-ordinator
March 2016- Present
Public Health and Behavioural Change EH6039
Module Co-ordinator
September 2017- Present
Psychology Applied to Occupational Health and Safety EH6041
Lecturer
March 2014-Present
Introduction to Research and Statistical Analysis AP1608
Health Psychology: Models and Applications AP3115
Applied Biological Psychology AP3102
Head Tutor
September 2013- September 2014
Tutor
September 2011 – Present
AP2208 Research Methods in Applied Psychology
AP2105 Experimental Design & Statistical Applications
Biography
I am a health psychologist with research interests and expertise in maternal and child health, particularly prenatal health and well-being, stress, and childhood obesity. I am 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).
In 2019 I was awarded the Stan Maes Early Career Award from the European Health Psychology Society. I was the 2018 recipient of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Hannah McGee Award for Excellence in Research/Practice. I was also a Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Scholar (2017) and am a Catalyst of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences.
I was previously employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a HRB Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement Award. This research involves designing a complex intervention for childhood obesity, and is being conducted in collaboration with researchers in NUI Galway and Trinity College Dublin.
My PhD research in Applied Psychology was strongly informed by Health Psychology and investigated the effects of prenatal wellness interventions on well-being, cortisol levels, and birth outcomes. I also have a MA and a BA in Applied Psychology, and a Higher Diploma in Arts (English).
Research Interests
My research interests are in the area of maternal and child health, particularly focusing on childhood obesity, the perinatal period, as well as psychophysiological indicators of well-being. I am particularly interested in mechanisms of stress effects on health and weight outcomes.
Methodologically, I have interests and expertise in intervention development, biomarkers, and measurement. My interests in a broad range of methodological approaches also reflect my research activities to date. These include quantitative approaches such as controlled trials and systematic reviews and meta-analysis, and qualitative approaches including qualitative research synthesis, discourse analysis, and thematic analysis.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reducing Maternal Stress in Ireland | Health Research Board | €247,446.00 | |||
| 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
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (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) | '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] |
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] | |
| (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. CRNINI Research Digest, Children's Research Network of Ireland and Northern Ireland. [Details] |
Reviews
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (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. Reviews [DOI] [Details] |
Book Reviews
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (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. Book Reviews [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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Masters in Public Health, Health Promotion Pathway, Co-ordinatorModule Co-ordinator
March 2016- Present
Public Health and Behavioural Change EH6039
Module Co-ordinator
September 2017- Present
Psychology Applied to Occupational Health and Safety EH6041
Lecturer
March 2014-Present
Introduction to Research and Statistical Analysis AP1608
Health Psychology: Models and Applications AP3115
Applied Biological Psychology AP3102
Head Tutor
September 2013- September 2014
Tutor
September 2011 – Present
AP2208 Research Methods in Applied Psychology
AP2105 Experimental Design & Statistical Applications
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 | |
| Dr Catherine Houghton | National University of Ireland Galway | IRELAND | |
| Dr Ellinor Olander | City University London | ENGLAND | |
| Professor Sarah Redsell | Anglia Ruskin University | ENGLAND |