Papers by Gillian Shorter
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
This review aimed to assess the use of positive psychology interventions (PPIs), such as using po... more This review aimed to assess the use of positive psychology interventions (PPIs), such as using positive mantras, expressive writing, or gratitude diaries, to improve the health behaviours, psychological wellbeing and/or physical health of police staff. The review was registered on PROSPERO before 16 electronic databases were searched for published articles between January 1999 and February 2022. Included studies offered PPIs to improve the physical health (body mass index, blood pressure), psychological well-being (stress, anxiety, mood, emotion, depression, self-efficacy), or health behaviours (physical activity, sitting times, dietary habits, alcohol, or tobacco use) of police staff. The mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) was used to assess the risk of bias of included papers. The initial search yielded 4560 results; with 3385 papers remaining after duplicates were removed. Of these, 15 studies were included in the final review. Intervention types included mindfulness-based resil...
Introduction: Over 100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function o... more Introduction: Over 100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function of a family member's substance use. Other reviews have summarized evidence on interventions; however, success often depends on the behavior of the individual causing harm, and they may not be ready or able to change. Aim: To identify and describe evaluations of psychosocial interventions which can support those affected by alcohol harm to others independent of their drinking relative or friend. Methods: A systematic review/narrative synthesis of articles from 11 databases pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021203204). Results: Those experiencing the harm were spouses/partners, or adult children/students who have parents with alcohol problems. Studies (n=7) are from the UK, USA, Korea, Sweden, Mexico, and India. Most participants were female (71-100%). Interventions varied from guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and anger management. Independent inte...
HRB Open Research
Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in men under 50 years. Athletes ... more Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in men under 50 years. Athletes are particularly at risk of testicular trauma and diseases. Experiencing negative testicular symptoms does not necessarily imply that men seek help. Men’s awareness of testicular diseases is often lacking and their intention to seek help for testicular symptoms is sub-optimal. The use of virtual reality (VR) may be effective in promoting men’s awareness of testicular diseases. The Enhancing Men's Awareness of Testicular diseases (E-MAT) feasibility trial aims to test the effect of E-MATVR (intervention; interactive experience using virtual reality [VR]) compared to information delivered Electronically E-MATE (control; same information as E-MATVR delivered as plain text and images) on testicular knowledge, and testicular self-examination among male athletes affiliated with a national sports organisation. The overall aim of this mixed method process evaluation will be to describe (i) t...
Health Psychology Update
In March 2020 the president of the British Psychological Society (BPS) reached out to member netw... more In March 2020 the president of the British Psychological Society (BPS) reached out to member networks to join forces on a BPS Covid-19 co-ordinating group. Members of this group were tasked to lead different work-streams highlighting psychology’s role during the pandemic. One workstream focused on ‘Behavioural Science and Disease Prevention’. It was clear that understanding behaviour and anticipating public responses to changes in policies, public messaging and guidelines would be key to improving health outcomes. This workstream focused on developing clear guidance to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and identifying psychological evidence to promote best practice in the design of sustainable behavioural interventions. This includes both immediate infection control behaviours aimed at reducing virus transmission, such as hand washing, physical-distancing and self-isolation, and behaviours that may have been influenced during the pandemic, such as physical activity, eating behaviour, s...
To design effective public health policies, campaigns, messages and practices, it is important to... more To design effective public health policies, campaigns, messages and practices, it is important to first understand the target behaviour. 1 The target behaviour for this guidance document is getting the recommended dose(s) of the Covid-19 vaccination (referred to going forward as getting the vaccination and vaccination uptake).
Trials, 2020
Background Trial oversight is important for trial governance and conduct. Patients and/or lay mem... more Background Trial oversight is important for trial governance and conduct. Patients and/or lay members of the public are increasingly included in trial oversight committees, influenced by international patient and public involvement (PPI) initiatives to improve the quality and relevance of research. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to undertake PPI in trial oversight and tokenistic PPI remains an issue. This paper explores how PPI functions in existing trial oversight committees and provides recommendations to optimise PPI in future trials. This was part of a larger study investigating the role and function of oversight committees in trials facing challenges. Methods Using an ethnographic study design, we observed oversight meetings of eight UK trials and conducted semi-structured interviews with members of their trial steering committees (TSCs) and trial management groups (TMGs) including public contributors, trial sponsors and funders. Thematic analysis of data was under...
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Over 100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function of a family mem... more Over 100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function of a family member or loved one’s substance use. Other reviews have summarized evidence on interventions; however, success often depends on the behavior of the individual causing harm, and they may not be ready or able to change. The aim of this study was to identify and describe evaluations of psychosocial interventions which can support those affected by alcohol harm to others independent of their drinking relative or friend. A systematic review/narrative synthesis of articles from 11 databases pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021203204) was conducted. Those experiencing the harm were spouses/partners or adult children/students who have parents with alcohol problems. Studies (n = 7) were from the UK, the USA, Korea, Sweden, Mexico, and India. Most participants were female (71–100%). Interventions varied from guided imagery, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and anger management...
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 2010
An alternative models framework was used to test three confirmatory factor analytic models for th... more An alternative models framework was used to test three confirmatory factor analytic models for the Short Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Children's Version (Short LOI-CV) in a general population sample of 517 young adolescent twins (11-16 years). A one-factor model as implicit in current classification systems of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a two-factor obsessions and compulsions model, and a multidimensional model corresponding to the three proposed subscales of the Short LOI-CV (labelled Obsessions/Incompleteness, Numbers/ Luck and Cleanliness) were considered. The three-factor model was the only model to provide an adequate explanation of the data. Twin analyses suggested significant quantitative sex differences in heritability for both the Obsessions/Incompleteness and Numbers/Luck dimensions with these being significantly heritable in males only (heritability of 60% and 65% respectively). The correlation between the additive genetic effects for these two dimensions in males was 0.95 suggesting they largely share the same genetic risk factors.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2011
Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2010
Aims: To identify population-based clinical and demographic correlates of alcohol use dimensions.... more Aims: To identify population-based clinical and demographic correlates of alcohol use dimensions. Methods: Using data from a population-based sample of Great Britain (n = 7849), structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to identify associations between demographic and clinical variables and two competing dimensional models of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results: A two-factor SEM fit best. In this model, Factor 1, alcohol consumption, was associated with male sex, younger age, lower educational attainment, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and suicide attempts. Factor 2, alcoholrelated problems, was associated with the demographic variables (to a lesser extent) and to a wider range of clinical variables, including depressive episode, GAD, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobia, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. The one-factor SEM was associated with demographic and all assessed clinical correlates; however, this model did not fit the data well. Conclusions: Two main conclusions justify the two-factor approach to alcohol use classification. First, the model fit was considerably superior and, second, the dimensions of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems vary considerably in their associations with measures of demographic and clinical risk. A one-factor representation of alcohol use, for instance, would fail to recognize that measures of affective/anxiety disorders are more consistently related to alcohol-related problems than to alcohol consumption. It is suggested therefore that to fully understand the complexity of alcohol use behaviour and its associated risk, future research should acknowledge the basic underlying dimensional structure of the construct.
Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2007
Aims: To assess the psychometric structure and construct validity of the alcohol use disorder ide... more Aims: To assess the psychometric structure and construct validity of the alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) in a Great Britain population sample. Methods: A stratified multi-stage random sample of 7849 participants completed the AUDIT as part of a computer assisted interview. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted testing one to three factor models. The factors in these models were correlated with demographic variables and scores relating to perceived wellbeing, verbal IQ, and neurotic and psychosis symptoms to assess construct validity of the factor solutions. Results: A two factor solution was deemed to appropriately fit the data, measuring alcohol consumption and alcohol related problems. Correlations between the two factors on demographic, wellbeing, neurosis and psychosis symptomology were significantly different. Conclusions: The two factor solution suggests an advantage to investigating factor specific cut off scores for both consumption and alcohol related problems given their difference in predictive validity on both health and demographic variables.
Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2008
Attempts have been made to develop typologies to classify different types of alcoholism. However,... more Attempts have been made to develop typologies to classify different types of alcoholism. However, limited research has focused on classifications to describe general patterns of alcohol use in general population samples. Methods: Latent class analysis was used to create empirically derived behaviour clusters of alcohol consumption and related problems from the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) based on data from a large stratified multi-stage random sample of the population of Great Britain. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to describe these resultant classes using both demographic variables and mental health outcomes. Results: Six classes best described responses in the sample data. Three were heavy consumption groups, one with multiple negative consequences, one experiencing alcohol-related injury and social pressures to cut down and an additional class with memory loss. There was one moderate class with few negative consequences, and finally two mild consumption groups, one with alcoholrelated injury and social pressure to cut down and one with no associated problems. Conclusions: Alcohol use in Great Britain can be hypothesized as reflecting six distinct classes, four of which follow a continuum of increased consumption leading to increased dependence and related problems and two that do not. Differences between alcohol use classes are apparent with reduced risk of depressive episode in moderate classes and an increased risk of anxiety disorders for the highest consumers of alcohol.
Behavioural science investment needed to mitigate long-term health impacts of Covid-19 During the... more Behavioural science investment needed to mitigate long-term health impacts of Covid-19 During the Covid-19 pandemic, media headlines and emerging evidence have reported shifts in population behaviours such as substance use, food and alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Engagement with some preventative health services has also declined. This policy brief highlights potential long-term impacts of Covid-19 on health behaviour and chronic disease prevention. Recommendations for policy prioritisation are provided to help mitigate downstream consequences and prevent widening health and social inequalities.
ISTSS 36th Annual Meeting: Bridging Science and Practice to Reach Underserved Communities Barriers, Opportunities and Innovations, 2020
Trials
Following the publication of the original article [1], we were notified of a spelling mistake in ... more Following the publication of the original article [1], we were notified of a spelling mistake in the 5th author's name. "Declane Devane" should be "Declan Devane". The original article has been corrected.
Randomised trials, especially those intended to directly inform clinical practice and policy, sho... more Randomised trials, especially those intended to directly inform clinical practice and policy, should be designed to reflect all those who could benefit from the intervention under test should it prove effective. This does not always happen. The UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) INCLUDE project identified many groups in the UK that are under-served by trials, including ethnic minorities. This guidance document presents four key recommendations for designing and running trials that include the ethnic groups needed by the trial. These are: 1. Ensure eligibility criteria and recruitment pathway do not limit participation in ways you do not intend; 2. Make sure your trial materials are developed with inclusion in mind; 3. Ensure staff are culturally competent; 4. Build trusting partnerships with community organisations that work with ethnic minority groups. Each recommendation comes with best practice advice, public contributor testimonials, examples of the inclusion probl...
Delivering effective public health campaigns during Covid-19 This guidance aims to optimise publi... more Delivering effective public health campaigns during Covid-19 This guidance aims to optimise public health messaging and its outcomes. It is based on an evidence-based rapid review of the evidence 1 of the factors that may influence people's responses to public health messages for managing risks and preventing infectious diseases.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 2014
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Previous Irish research on client perspectives on the 'lived soc... more ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Previous Irish research on client perspectives on the 'lived social world' of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and participation in Special Community Employment (SCE) schemes have illustrated how MMT offers clients the opportunity to commence recovery and community reintegration, with participation in the SCE schemes acting primarily as therapeutic support mechanism with improvement needed in work based support and employment related outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The research aimed to explore service providers' views on MMT client experiences of participation in SCE vocational training, education and employment seeking. METHODS: Five in depth interviews and three focus groups (n = 14) were conducted with key specialist treatment and rehabil-itation service providers' in Dublin, Ireland. RESULTS: Narratives were thematically analysed, and indicative of the positive role of MMT in recovery pathways in terms of stimulating initial client stabilisation, reducing client chaotic lifestyles, initiating new positive health and social behaviours with partners, children, families, and facilitating renewed vocational training on SCE schemes. Outcomes whilst positive in terms of personal development when in recovery are compromised by lack of employment prospects and dedicated work-based supports on exit. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations were made around the need for long term integrated community care, vocational certifica-tion, supported volunteer, employment planning and back to work schemes. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is the most common form of treatment for opiate depen-dency in Ireland and has been available in Ireland since 1992, with initial provision of treatment in Dublin. (M.C. Van Hout), [email protected] (T. Bingham). It is provided in Ireland in addiction clinics and for stabilized patients in primary care (Delargy, 2008) under guidance from the Methadone Treatment Pro-tocol which provides a series of systematic protocols for methadone prescribing and patient management (Butler, 2002). MMT is well evidenced in the liter-ature on opiate treatment for its capacity to stabilize the opiate user's lifestyle, reduce criminal activity, poly drug use and harms relating to injecting drug use, and 1052-2263/14/$27.50 © 2014 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved
The aim of this evaluation was to establish whether the current model of naloxone provision and t... more The aim of this evaluation was to establish whether the current model of naloxone provision and training across all Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in Northern Ireland is sufficient and to identify areas for development. All individuals interviewed regarded the naloxone programme positively. The programme is and should be viewed as a community asset, developing skills and providing equipment to save lives. The issues identified in the above list should help to increase the impact of this programme in reducing opioid deaths in Northern Ireland.
Uploads
Papers by Gillian Shorter
Objectives: To explore the methodological challenges and issues in recruiting for mental health and substance use disorders trials in primary care, and to consider how these methodological challenges can be addressed.
Method: The presentation will recount the authors’ experience of recruiting for cluster randomised trials in primary care. Methodological challenges, such as clarity of instruction, patient characteristics, patient-doctor relationship, effects of intervention on patients and clinic, and personal benefits for clinicians will be described. The authors will consider how these might relate to and be used for peer-learning and peer-support in primary care research.
Conclusion: The presentation will conclude with an overview of how lessons learned from past studies may be used to improve recruitment for trials of mental health and substance use disorders in primary care