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Psychology

Dr Jennifer McSharry

B.A., H.Dip., M.Sc., Ph.D

Contact Details

Lecturer
School of Psychology
T: +353 91 495754
E: jenny.mcsharry@nuigalway.ie
Twitter @jenmcsharry
 
researcher
 

Biography

Dr Jenny Mc Sharry is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology with responsibility for the teaching and research interface between the Departments of Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and
Occupational Therapy. Jenny is a chartered Health Psychologist and completed a PhD in Health Psychology Research and Professional Practice at the University of Southampton in 2013. 

Jenny is the Assistant Director of the Health Behaviour Change Research Group. Jenny’s research aims to take a systematic approach to behaviour change to address current health priorities and healthcare challenges. Jenny has a particular interest in implementation science, and the application of behaviour change to promote the uptake of research into practice. 

Research Interests

Research Interests
-  Implementation science
-  Interventions to change health-related behaviours and the use of behaviour change techniques.
-  Understanding and managing health in the context of multiple illnesses.
-  Illness perceptions of people with chronic conditions.
- Adherence to medication.

Methodological Knowledge
-  Systematic reviews, meta-analysis and meta-synthesis.
-  Questionnaire design.
-  Qualitative methodologies. 

 
 

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2016) 'Exploring student experiences of UK MSc Health Psychology courses: Outcomes of an EHPS Tandem Grant'
Tonkin-Crine, S. & Mc Sharry, J, (2016) 'Exploring student experiences of UK MSc Health Psychology courses: Outcomes of an EHPS Tandem Grant'. The European Health Psychologist, 18 (6):253-257 [Details]
(2018) 'Childhood obesity prevention: Priority areas for future research and barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation, co-produced using the Nominal Group Technique'
Hennessy, M; Byrne, M.; Laws, R.; Mc Sharry, J.; O’Malley, G.; & Heary, C; (2018) 'Childhood obesity prevention: Priority areas for future research and barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation, co-produced using the Nominal Group Technique'. Translational Behavioral Medicine, [Details]
(2018) 'Adolescent girls’ perception of physical activity: a systematic review of qualitative studies'
Corr, M., Mc Sharry, J., & Murtagh, E. (2018) 'Adolescent girls’ perception of physical activity: a systematic review of qualitative studies'. American Journal Of Health Promotion, [Details]
(2019) 'Protocol of a pilot & feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial comparing written versus pictorial Asthma Action Plans to improve asthma management and health outcomes among children and adolescents'
Hynes, L., Durkin, K., Williford, D.N., Smith, H., Skoner, D., Lilly, C., Kothari, V.D., Mc Sharry, J., Duncan, C.L. (2019) 'Protocol of a pilot & feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial comparing written versus pictorial Asthma Action Plans to improve asthma management and health outcomes among children and adolescents'. JMIR research protocols, [Details]
(2018) 'Behavior change techniques associated with changes in postintervention and maintained changes in self-efficacy for physical activity: A systematic review With meta-analysis'
2. Tang, M. Y., Smith, D. M., Mc Sharry, J., Hann, M., & French, D. P. (2018) 'Behavior change techniques associated with changes in postintervention and maintained changes in self-efficacy for physical activity: A systematic review With meta-analysis'. Annals Of Behavioral Medicine, [Details]
(2018) 'Exploring Antipsychotic Prescribing Behaviors for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Qualitative Study'
Walsh, KA,Fleming, A,Byrne, S,McSharry, J,Browne, J,Sinnott, C,Timmons, S (2018) 'Exploring Antipsychotic Prescribing Behaviors for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Qualitative Study'. Journal Of The American Medical Directors Association, [Details]
(2018) 'An international, Delphi consensus study to identify priorities for methodological research in behavioural trials: A study protocol [version 1; referees: 2 approved]'
Byrne M, Mc Sharry J, Meade O., Lavoie, K. & Bacon, S. (2018) 'An international, Delphi consensus study to identify priorities for methodological research in behavioural trials: A study protocol [version 1; referees: 2 approved]'. HRB Open Research, [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Psychosocial Risks in a Unique Workplace Environment: Safe Trad and Traditional Irish Musicians'
Mc Sharry, J., Doherty, L. & Wilson, I. (2015) 'Psychosocial Risks in a Unique Workplace Environment: Safe Trad and Traditional Irish Musicians'. The European Health Psychologist, 17 (4):174-178 [Details]
(2014) 'Challenges in managing multiple conditions: The patient experience of multimorbidity'
Mc Sharry, J. (2014) 'Challenges in managing multiple conditions: The patient experience of multimorbidity'. The European Health Psychologist, [Details]
(2019) 'Barriers and facilitators to attendance at Type 2 diabetes structured education programmes: a qualitative study of educators and attendees'
Mc Sharry, J., Dinneen, S. F., Humphreys, M., O'Donnell, M., O'Hara, M. C., Smith, S. M., ... & Byrne, M. (2019) 'Barriers and facilitators to attendance at Type 2 diabetes structured education programmes: a qualitative study of educators and attendees'. Diabetic Medicine, 36 (1):70-79 [Details]
(2019) '‘It's an important part, but I am not quite sure that it is working’: educators’ perspectives on the implementation of goal‐setting within the ‘DAFNE’ diabetes structured education programme'
Mc Sharry, J., Dinneen, S. F., Humphreys, M., O'Donnell, M., O'Hara, M. C., Smith, S. M., ... & Byrne, M. (2019) '‘It's an important part, but I am not quite sure that it is working’: educators’ perspectives on the implementation of goal‐setting within the ‘DAFNE’ diabetes structured education programme'. Diabetic Medicine, 36 (1):80-87 [Details]
(2018) 'Health psychology education and training in countries represented in the EHPS'
Mc Sharry, J., Chater, A.M., Despot Lucanin, J., Hofer, S., Paschali, A., & Warner, L. (2018) 'Health psychology education and training in countries represented in the EHPS'. The European Health Psychologist, 19 (6):375-380 [Details]
(2018) 'Barriers and facilitators to implementation of menu labelling interventions to support healthy food choices: a mixed methods systematic review protocol'
Kerins, C., Mc Sharry, J., Hayes, C., Perry, I., Geaney, F., &Kelly, C. (2018) 'Barriers and facilitators to implementation of menu labelling interventions to support healthy food choices: a mixed methods systematic review protocol'. Systematic Reviews, 7 [Details]
(2018) 'Goal-setting in diabetes self-management: A systematic review and meta-analysis examining content and effectiveness of goal-setting interventions'
Fredrix, M., McSharry, J., Flannery, C., Dinneen, S., & Byrne, M. (2018) 'Goal-setting in diabetes self-management: A systematic review and meta-analysis examining content and effectiveness of goal-setting interventions'. Psychology & Health, 33 (8):955-977 [Details]
(2018) 'The CHARMS pilot study: a multi-method assessment of the feasibility of a sexual counselling implementation intervention in cardiac rehabilitation in Ireland'
Murphy P, Noone C, D’Eath M, Casey D, Doherty S, Jaarsma T, Murphy A, O’Donnell M, Fallon N, Gillespie P, Jalali A, Mc Sharry J, Newell J, Toomey E, Steinke E, Byrne M (2018) 'The CHARMS pilot study: a multi-method assessment of the feasibility of a sexual counselling implementation intervention in cardiac rehabilitation in Ireland'. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, [Details]
(2018) 'Childhood obesity prevention: Priority areas for future research and barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation, co-produced using the Nominal Group Technique'
Hennessy, M; Byrne, M; Laws, R; Mc Sharry, J; O’Malley, G; Heary, C (2018) 'Childhood obesity prevention: Priority areas for future research and barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation, co-produced using the Nominal Group Technique'. Translational Behavioral Medicine, [DOI] [Details]
(2018) '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 (2018) 'Parental experiences and perceptions of infant complementary feeding: a qualitative evidence synthesis'. Obes Rev, 19 :501-517 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Embedding a user-centred approach in the development of complex behaviour change intervention to improve outcomes for young adults living with type 1 diabetes: The D1 Now Study'
Walsh DMJ, Hynes L, O'Hara MC, Mc Sharry J, D1 Now Young Adult Panel, Dinneen SF and Byrne M (2018) 'Embedding a user-centred approach in the development of complex behaviour change intervention to improve outcomes for young adults living with type 1 diabetes: The D1 Now Study'. HRB Open Research, [Details]
(2018) 'Participants’ experiences of a sexual counseling intervention during cardiac rehabilitation: A nested qualitative study within the CHARMS pilot randomized controlled trial'
D’Eath, M., Byrne, M., Murphy, P., Jaarsma, T., McSharry, J., Murphy, A., Doherty, S., Noone, C., & Casey, D. (2018) 'Participants’ experiences of a sexual counseling intervention during cardiac rehabilitation: A nested qualitative study within the CHARMS pilot randomized controlled trial'. Journal Of Cardiovascular Nursing, [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Influences on Decision-Making Regarding Antipsychotic Prescribing in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence'
Walsh, K. A., Dennehy, R., Sinnott, C., Browne, J., Byrne, S., McSharry, J., ... & Timmons, S. (2017) 'Influences on Decision-Making Regarding Antipsychotic Prescribing in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence'. Journal Of The American Medical Directors Association, 18 (10):e1-e12 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Interventions to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance in the ICU: A Systematic Review'
Lydon, S; Power, M; McSharry, J; Byrne, M; Madden, C; Squires, JE; O'Connor, P (2017) 'Interventions to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance in the ICU: A Systematic Review'. Critical Care Medicine, [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'You feel like your whole world is caving in': A qualitative study of primary care patients' conceptualisations of emotional distress'
Geraghty, AWA,Santer, M,Williams, S,Mc Sharry, J,Little, P,Munoz, RF,Kendrick, T,Moore, M (2017) 'You feel like your whole world is caving in': A qualitative study of primary care patients' conceptualisations of emotional distress'. Health, 21 :295-315 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Implementing international sexual counselling guidelines in hospital cardiac rehabilitation: development of the CHARMS intervention using the Behaviour Change Wheel'
Mc Sharry, J,Murphy, PJ,Byrne, M (2016) 'Implementing international sexual counselling guidelines in hospital cardiac rehabilitation: development of the CHARMS intervention using the Behaviour Change Wheel'. Implementation science : IS, 11 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Sexual counselling for patients with cardiovascular disease: protocol for a pilot study of the CHARMS sexual counselling intervention'
Murphy PJ;Mc Sharry J;Casey D;Doherty S;Gillespie P;Jaarsma T;Murphy AW;Newell J;O'Donnell M;Steinke EE;Toomey E;Byrne M; (2016) 'Sexual counselling for patients with cardiovascular disease: protocol for a pilot study of the CHARMS sexual counselling intervention'. BMJ Open, 6 (6) [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Perceptions and experiences of taking oral medications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies'
McSharry, J., McGowan, L., Farmer, A. J., & French, D. P. (2016) 'Perceptions and experiences of taking oral medications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies'. Diabetic Medicine, [Details]
(2016) 'Prioritising target behaviours for research in diabetes: Using the nominal group technique to achieve consensus from key stakeholders'
Mc Sharry, J., Fredrix, M., Hynes, L., & Byrne, M. (2016) 'Prioritising target behaviours for research in diabetes: Using the nominal group technique to achieve consensus from key stakeholders'. Research Involvement And Engagementresearch Involvement And Engagement, 2 (1) [DOI] [Details]
(2014) 'Barriers and facilitators associated with attendance at hospital diabetes clinics among young adults (15–30 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review'
Hynes, L., Byrne, M., Dinneen, S. F., McGuire, B. E., O'Donnell, M., & Mc Sharry, J. (2014) 'Barriers and facilitators associated with attendance at hospital diabetes clinics among young adults (15–30 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review'. Pediatric Diabetes, [Details]
(2015) 'Effects of interventions promoting monitoring of medication use and brief messaging on medication adherence for people with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of randomized trials'
Farmer, AJ; Mc Sharry, J; Rowbotham, S; McGowan, L; Ricci-Cabello, I; French, DP (2015) 'Effects of interventions promoting monitoring of medication use and brief messaging on medication adherence for people with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of randomized trials'. Diabetic Medicine, [Details]
(2015) 'A New Measure of Multimorbid Illness and Treatment Representations: The Example of Diabetes and Depression'
Mc Sharry, J,Bishop, FL,Moss-Morris, R,Holt, RIG,Kendrick, T (2015) 'A New Measure of Multimorbid Illness and Treatment Representations: The Example of Diabetes and Depression'. Journal Of Affective Disorders, 174 :192-200 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'Blame the Patient, Blame the Doctor or Blame the System? A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies of Patient Safety in Primary Care'
Daker-White, G,Hays, R,McSharry, J,Giles, S,Cheraghi-Sohi, S,Rhodes, P,Sanders, C (2015) 'Blame the Patient, Blame the Doctor or Blame the System? A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies of Patient Safety in Primary Care'. Plos One, 10 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'Do Single and Multiple Behavior Change Interventions Contain Different Behavior Change Techniques? A Comparison of Interventions Targeting Physical Activity in Obese Populations'
Mc Sharry, J., French, D.P. & Olander, E.K. (2015) 'Do Single and Multiple Behavior Change Interventions Contain Different Behavior Change Techniques? A Comparison of Interventions Targeting Physical Activity in Obese Populations'. Health Psychology, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2014) 'Delay in Seeking Medical Help following Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Mini-Stroke: A Qualitative Study'
Mc Sharry, J,Baxter, A,Wallace, LM,Kenton, A,Turner, A,French, DP (2014) 'Delay in Seeking Medical Help following Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Mini-Stroke: A Qualitative Study'. Plos One, 9 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2011) 'Illness Perceptions and Glycaemic Control in Diabetes: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis'
Mc Sharry J, Moss-Morris R, Kendrick T (2011) 'Illness Perceptions and Glycaemic Control in Diabetes: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis'. Diabet Med, 28 (11):1300-1310 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) ''The Chicken and Egg Thing': Cognitive Representations and Self-management of Multimorbidity in People with Diabetes and Depression'
Mc Sharry J, Bishop FL, Moss-Morris R, Kendrick T (2013) ''The Chicken and Egg Thing': Cognitive Representations and Self-management of Multimorbidity in People with Diabetes and Depression'. Psychology & Health, 28 (1):103-119 [DOI] [Details]
(2014) 'Experience of Breast Cancer Burden, Benefit, or Both?'
Curtis, R,Groarke, A,McSharry, J,Kerin, M (2014) 'Experience of Breast Cancer Burden, Benefit, or Both?'. Cancer Nursing, 37 :21-30 [DOI] [Details]
(2014) 'Which Behaviour Change Techniques Are Most Effective at Increasing Older Adults’ Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity Behaviour? A Systematic Review'
French, D. P.;Olander, E. K.; Chisholm, A.; Mc Sharry, J. (2014) 'Which Behaviour Change Techniques Are Most Effective at Increasing Older Adults’ Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity Behaviour? A Systematic Review'. Annals Of Behavioral Medicine, [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2015) 'How to apply for research funding'
Byrne, M. & Mc Sharry, J. (2015) 'How to apply for research funding' In: How to Conduct Research for Service Improvement: A Guidebook for Health and Social Care Professionals 2nd Edition. Ireland: Health and Social Care Professions Education and Development Advisory Group Research Sub-group. [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2015) 'History of health psychology in Ireland'
Corbett, T., Hynes, L., & Mc Sharry, J. (2015) 'History of health psychology in Ireland' The Irish Psychologist, 41 (12) :271-271. [Details]
(2017) 'Increasing impact in health psychology: Working in multi-disciplinary research teams'
Tonkin-Crine, S. & Mc Sharry, J. (2017) 'Increasing impact in health psychology: Working in multi-disciplinary research teams' Health Psychology Update, 26 (1) :24-29. [Details]
(2017) 'Increasing impact in health psychology: Engaging with healthcare users, healthcare challenges and future health psychologists'
Mc Sharry, J. & Tonkin-Crine, S. (2017) 'Increasing impact in health psychology: Engaging with healthcare users, healthcare challenges and future health psychologists' Health Psychology Update, 26 (1) :30-34. [Details]
(2017) 'Showcasing health psychology research: How do we get impact and why does it matter?'
Gillison, F., Mc Sharry, J., McGowan, L., Morrison, V. & Shaw, R. (2017) 'Showcasing health psychology research: How do we get impact and why does it matter?' Health Psychology Update, 26 (2) :2-9. [Details]
(2014) 'Multiple Medical Conditions: Implications for Health Psychology Research'
Mc Sharry, J (2014) 'Multiple Medical Conditions: Implications for Health Psychology Research' Health Psychology Update, . [Details]
(2014) 'Qualification in Health Psychology (Stage 2) Supervisor Training'
Mc Sharry, J. (2014) 'Qualification in Health Psychology (Stage 2) Supervisor Training' Irish Psychologist, . [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2014) 28th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society
Mc Sharry,J., White,G.D., Bower,P. & French, D. (2014) Older Adults' Experiences and Management of Multiple Conditions: a Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-synthesis 28th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society [Details]
(2012) 26th European Health Psychology Conference
Groarke, A., Curtis,R., & McSharry, J. (2012) Exploring the experience of stress through diary keeping in women with breast cancer 26th European Health Psychology Conference Prague, [Details]
(2012) 26th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society
Mc Sharry, J.; Bishop, F.; Moss-Morris, R.; Kendrick, T. (2012) Illness representations in diabetes and depression: validation of a new measure 26th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society [Details]
(2013) 27th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society
McSharry, J.; Bishop, F. Moss-Morris, R.; Kendrick, T. (2013) Diabetes management in the context of multiple illnesses: A qualitative analysis 27th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2018 Travel Scholarship International Behavioural Trials Network
2017 Hannah McGee Excellence in Research/Practice Award Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology
2015 Early Career Researcher Travel Award Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes (PSAD) Study Group
2015 Early Career Award European Health Psychology Society

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Full Member /
Psychological Society of Ireland Registered Member /
British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Full Member /
UK Health and Care Professions Council Registered Health Psychologist /
British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
European Health Psychology Society National Delegate for Ireland /
Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Health Psychology Committee Member /

Teaching Interests





 
 
 

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2015/2016 MSc in Health Psychology PS 584 Health Promotion and Behaviour Change (Module Coordinator)
2015/2016 MSc in Health Psychology PS 6116 Research and Professional Skills