Professor John McAlaney

01202 964930
jmcalaney at bournemouth dot ac dot uk
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4062-6131

Professor In Psychology
Poole House P125, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB

@johnmcalaney

Biography

I am a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Professor of Psychology. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Stirling, my MSc at the University of Strathclyde and then my PhD at the University of West of Scotland in 2007. My PhD was on the topic of social psychology and substance use, looking particularly at misperceptions of peer norms. Following this I worked on an AERC funded post-doc position at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine before moving onto a lecturing post at the University of Bradford in 2008. I joined the Department of Psychology here at Bournemouth in 2014. I lead the Cyberpsychology research group, and are Programme Leader for the BSc Cyberpsychology degree. Outside of the University I act as a Trustee for the Gordon Moody Association, which provides treatment for individuals with problem gambling.

Research

My research focuses on social psychological aspects of behaviour change, and how this is informed by group dynamics and perceptions of peer behaviour. I have been extensively involved in the development of the social norms approach in the UK, which aims to bring about positive change through challenging misconceptions and negative stereotypes. I am particularly interested in applying this research to areas that involve risk based decision making.

Since joining Bournemouth University I have also been working with colleagues from the Department of Computing on several aspects of socio-technical systems. This includes exploring how social psychology research may be used to better understand the role of human factors in cybercrime, hacktivism and online social protest; as well as how system may be designed to address the potential psychological factors associated with excessive use of digital technologies (i.e. digital addiction). I also conduct research on problematic gambling and how this can be addressed with the help of technology to detect, predict, prevent and intervene with harmful gambling behaviours. More broadly I am interested in how socio-technical systems transform and enhance social processes, including for example issues such as the spread of fake news.

A common element of all of my research activity is engagement with stakeholders to ensure that real-world benefits are achieved. This includes industry, charities and Government organisations.

Favourites

Alutaybi, A., Al-Thani, D., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2020. Combating fear of missing out (Fomo) on social media: The fomo-r method. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (17), 1-28.
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Mcalaney, J., Hambidge, S., Kimpton, E. and Thackray, H., 2020. Knowledge is power: An analysis of discussions on hacking forums. Proceedings - 5th IEEE European Symposium on Security and Privacy Workshops, Euro S and PW 2020, 477-483.
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M’manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., Kadobayashi, Y. and Miyamoto, D., 2019. A normative decision-making model for cyber security. Information and Computer Security, 26 (5), 636-646.
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Alutaybi, A., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2019. How can social networks design trigger fear of missing out? Conference Proceedings - IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 2019-October, 3758-3765.
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Alutaybi, A., McAlaney, J., Arden-Close, E., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2019. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as Really Lived: Five Classifications and one Ecology. BESC 2019 - 6th International Conference on Behavioral, Economic and Socio-Cultural Computing, Proceedings.
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Sample, C., McAlaney, J., Bakdash, J.Z. and Thackray, H., 2019. A cultural exploration of social media manipulators. Journal of Information Warfare, 17 (4).
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Drosatos, G., Arden-Close, E., Bolat, E., Budka, M., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Vuillier, L. et al., 2018. Enabling Responsible Online Gambling by Real-time Persuasive Technologies. Complex Systems Informatics and Modeling Quarterly.
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Dempsey, R.C., McAlaney, J. and Bewick, B.M., 2018. A critical appraisal of the social norms approach as an interventional strategy for health-related behavior and attitude change. Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (NOV).
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Drosatos, G., Arden-Close, E., Bolat, E., Vuillier, L., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. et al., 2018. Empowering responsible online gambling by real-time persuasive information systems. Proceedings - International Conference on Research Challenges in Information Science, 2018-May, 1-11.
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Skinner, T., Taylor, J., Dale, J. and McAlaney, D.J., 2018. The development of intervention E-learning materials and implementation techniques for cyber-security behaviour change. Proceedings of AISB Annual Convention 2018, 29-33.
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M'manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J. and Williams, C., 2018. Rationalising Decision Making about Risk: A Normative Approach. PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON HUMAN ASPECTS OF INFORMATION SECURITY & ASSURANCE (HAISA 2018), 263-271.
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Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Thackray, H., Richardson, C., James, S. and Dale, J., 2017. Teaching psychological principles to cybersecurity students. IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON, 1782-1789.
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Thackray, H., Richardson, C., Dogan, H., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2017. Surveying the hackers: The challenges of data collection from a secluded community. European Conference on Information Warfare and Security, ECCWS, 0, 745-748.
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McAlaney, J., Thackray, H. and Taylor, J., 2016. The social psychology of cybersecurity. The Psychologist, 29 (9), 686-689.
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Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2016. Exploring the risk factors of interactive e-health interventions for digital addiction. International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development, 8 (2), 1-15.
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Thackray, H., McAlaney, J., Dogan, H., Taylor, J. and Richardson, C., 2016. Social psychology: An under-used tool in cybersecurity. Proceedings of the 30th International BCS Human Computer Interaction Conference, HCI 2016, 2016-July.
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Ali, R., McAlaney, J., Faily, S., Phalp, K. and Katos, V., 2015. Mitigating circumstances in cybercrime: A position paper. Proceedings - 15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, CIT 2015, 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications, IUCC 2015, 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, DASC 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, PICom 2015, 1972-1976.
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McAlaney, J. et al., 2015. Personal and perceived peer use of and attitudes toward alcohol among university and college students in seven EU countries: Project SNIPE. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 76 (3), 430-437.
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Ali, R., Jiang, N., Phalp, K., Muir, S. and McAlaney, J., 2015. The Emerging Requirement for Digital Addiction Labels. In: The 21st International Working Conference on Requirements Engineering: Foundation for Software Quality (REFSQ 2015) 23-26 March 2015 Essen, Germany..
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Helmer, S.M., McAlaney, J. et al., 2014. Illicit substance use among university students from seven European countries: A comparison of personal and perceived peer use and attitudes towards illicit substance use. Preventive Medicine, 67, 204-209.
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McAlaney, J., Hughes, C. and Bewick, B., 2011. The international development of the ‘Social Norms’ approach to drug education and prevention. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 18 (2), 81-89.
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Journal Articles

Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., McAlaney, J., Wang, R., Bolat, E., Hodge, S., Hamson-Ford, A. and Phalp, K., 2024. Promoting safer gambling through social norms and goal setting: A qualitative process analysis of participants' experiences in the EROGamb 2.0 feasibility trial. Internet Interventions, 38.
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Kiyak, C., Cetinkaya, D., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S. and Ali, R., 2024. Interrupting Dissociation of Players through Real-Time Digital Tasks during Online Gambling. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 40 (18), 5247-5258.
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Corner, T., Arden-Close, E. and McAlaney, J., 2023. Wellbeing in Addiction Recovery: Does It Differ across Addictions? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20 (14).
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Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Bush-Evans, R., Wang, R., Bolat, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K. and McAlaney, J., 2023. Social norms and goal-setting interventions to promote responsible gambling in low-to-moderate online gamblers: protocol for a four-arm randomised controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open, 13 (3).
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Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Bolat, E., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Thomas, S. and Phalp, K., 2023. Transparency in persuasive technology, immersive technology, and online marketing: Facilitating users’ informed decision making and practical implications. Computers in Human Behavior, 139.
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Alshakhsi, S., Chemnad, K., Almourad, M.B., Altuwairiqi, M., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2023. The Impact of Objectively Recorded Smartphone Usage and Emotional Intelligence on Problematic Internet Usage. Journal of Advances in Information Technology, 14 (1), 85-93.
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Brockinton, A., Hirst, S., Wang, R., McAlaney, J. and Thompson, S., 2023. Corrigendum: Utilising online eye-tracking to discern the impacts of cultural backgrounds on fake and real news decision-making(Front. Psychol., (2022), 13, (999780), 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.999780). Frontiers in Psychology, 14.
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Segumpan, R.G. and McAlaney, J., 2023. Preface. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education: Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications, xxii-xxiii.
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Segumpan, R.G. and McAlaney, J., 2023. Introduction. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education: Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications, 1-4.
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Brockinton, A., Hirst, S., Wang, R., McAlaney, J. and Thompson, S., 2022. Utilising online eye-tracking to discern the impacts of cultural backgrounds on fake and real news decision-making. Frontiers in Psychology, 13.
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Skinner, R., Cole, T., McAlaney, J. and Hills, P., 2022. Personalised normative feedback as an intervention for sexism and rape myth acceptance. Psychology of Women and Equalities Section Review, 5 (2), 52-63.
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Alshakhsi, S., Chemnad, K., Almourad, M.B., Altuwairiqi, M., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2022. Problematic internet usage: the impact of objectively Recorded and categorized usage time, emotional intelligence components and subjective happiness about usage. Heliyon, 8 (10), e11055.
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Aziz, M., Erbad, A., Almourad, M.B., Altuwairiqi, M., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2022. Did Usage of Mental Health Apps Change during COVID-19? A Comparative Study Based on an Objective Recording of Usage Data and Demographics. Life, 12 (8).
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Cemiloglu, D., Almourad, M.B., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2022. Combatting digital addiction: Current approaches and future directions. Technology in Society, 68.
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Hodge, S.E., Vykoukal, M., McAlaney, J., Bush-Evans, R.D., Wang, R. and Ali, R., 2022. What’s in the box? Exploring UK players’ experiences of loot boxes in games; the conceptualisation and parallels with gambling. PLoS ONE, 17 (2 February).
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Alblwi, A., McAlaney, J., Al Thani, D.A.S., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2021. Procrastination on social media: predictors of types, triggers and acceptance of countermeasures. Social Network Analysis and Mining, 11 (1).
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McAlaney, J. et al., 2021. Negative Consequences of Substance Use in European University Students: Results from Project SNIPE. European Addiction Research, 27 (1), 75-82.
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Sample, C., Jensen, M.J., Scott, K., McAlaney, J., Fitchpatrick, S., Brockinton, A., Ormrod, D. and Ormrod, A., 2020. Interdisciplinary Lessons Learned While Researching Fake News. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
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McAlaney, J., Almourad, M.B., Powell, G. and Ali, R., 2020. Perceptions and misperceptions of smartphone use: Applying the social norms approach. Information (Switzerland), 11 (11), 1-10.
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Alutaybi, A., Al-Thani, D., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2020. Combating fear of missing out (Fomo) on social media: The fomo-r method. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (17), 1-28.
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McAlaney, J. and Hills, P.J., 2020. Understanding Phishing Email Processing and Perceived Trustworthiness Through Eye Tracking. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
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Hodge, S.E., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2020. Is It Still Double Edged? Not for University Students’ Development of Moral Reasoning and Video Game Play. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
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Almourad, M.B., McAlaney, J., Skinner, T., Pleva, M. and Ali, R., 2020. Defining digital addiction: Key features from the literature. Psihologija, 53 (3), 237-253.
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Alblwi, A., McAlaney, J., Altuwairiqi, M., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2020. Procrastination on Social Networks: Triggers and Countermeasures*. Psihologija, 53 (4), 393-410.
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Alblwi, A., Al-Thani, D., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2020. Managing procrastination on social networking sites: The d-crastinate method. Healthcare (Switzerland), 8 (4).
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M’manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., Kadobayashi, Y. and Miyamoto, D., 2019. A normative decision-making model for cyber security. Information and Computer Security, 26 (5), 636-646.
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Sample, C., McAlaney, J., Bakdash, J.Z. and Thackray, H., 2019. A cultural exploration of social media manipulators. Journal of Information Warfare, 17 (4).
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Hodge, S.E., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2019. It's doubled edged: The positive and negative relationships between the development of moral reasoning and video game play among adolescents. Frontiers in Psychology, 10 (JAN).
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Hodge, S.E., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2019. (A)morally demanding game? An exploration of moral decision-making in a purpose-made video game. Media and Communication, 7 (4), 213-225.
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Drosatos, G., Arden-Close, E., Bolat, E., Budka, M., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Vuillier, L. et al., 2018. Enabling Responsible Online Gambling by Real-time Persuasive Technologies. Complex Systems Informatics and Modeling Quarterly.
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Lehne, G., McAlaney, J. et al., 2018. Personal and perceived peer use and attitudes towards use of non-prescribed prescription sedatives and sleeping pills among university students in seven European countries. Addictive Behaviors, 87, 17-23.
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Dempsey, R.C., McAlaney, J. and Bewick, B.M., 2018. A critical appraisal of the social norms approach as an interventional strategy for health-related behavior and attitude change. Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (NOV).
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Curry, O.S., Rowland, L.A., Van Lissa, C.J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J. and Whitehouse, H., 2018. Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, 320-329.
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McAlaney, J., Hills, P., Cole, T., Skinner, R. and Thomson, S., 2018. Sexual assault and campus culture. Psychologist, 31 (5), 7-8.
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Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., Muir, S. and Cole, T., 2017. Teaching Sensitive Issues in Cyberpsychology. Psychology Teaching Review, 23 (1).
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Quigley, J., Rasmussen, S. and McAlaney, J., 2017. The Associations Between Children's and Adolescents’ Suicidal and Self-Harming Behaviors, and Related Behaviors Within Their Social Networks: A Systematic Review. Archives of Suicide Research, 21 (2), 185-236.
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Quigley, J., Rasmussen, S. and McAlaney, J., 2017. The social norms of suicidal and self-harming behaviours in Scottish adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14 (3).
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McAlaney, J. and Jenkins, W., 2017. Perceived social norms of health behaviours and college engagement in British students. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 41 (2), 172-186.
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Dempsey, R.C. et al., 2016. Normative perceptions of cannabis use among European university students: Associations of perceived peer use and peer attitudes with personal use and attitudes. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 77 (5), 740-748.
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McAlaney, J., Thackray, H. and Taylor, J., 2016. The social psychology of cybersecurity. The Psychologist, 29 (9), 686-689.
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Van Damme, J., Hublet, A., De Clercq, B., McAlaney, J., Van Hal, G., Rosiers, J., Maes, L. and Clays, E., 2016. Context matters: Student-perceived binge drinking norms at faculty-level relate to binge drinking behavior in higher education. Addictive Behaviors, 59, 89-94.
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Helmer, S.M., Sebena, R., McAlaney, J., Petkeviciene, J., Salonna, F., Lukács, A. and Mikolajczyk, R.T., 2016. Perception of High Alcohol Use of Peers Is Associated With High Personal Alcohol Use in First-Year University Students in Three Central and Eastern European Countries. Substance Use and Misuse, 51 (9), 1224-1231.
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Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2016. Exploring the risk factors of interactive e-health interventions for digital addiction. International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development, 8 (2), 1-15.
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Pischke, C.R., McAlaney, J. et al., 2015. Normative misperceptions of tobacco use among university students in seven European countries: Baseline findings of the 'Social Norms Intervention for the prevention of Polydrug usE' study. Addictive Behaviors, 51, 158-164.
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McAlaney, J. et al., 2015. Personal and perceived peer use of and attitudes toward alcohol among university and college students in seven EU countries: Project SNIPE. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 76 (3), 430-437.
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Pischke, C.R., Helmer, S.M., McAlaney, J., Bewick, B.M., Akvardar, Y., Orosova, O., Salonna, F., Stock, C., Dempsey, R. and Mikolajczyk, R., 2015. INJUNCTIVE NORMS REGARDING COGNITIVE ENHACING PRESCRIPTION DRUG USE AMONG EUROPEAN STUDENTS. ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE, 49, S256.
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Helmer, S.M., McAlaney, J. et al., 2014. Illicit substance use among university students from seven European countries: A comparison of personal and perceived peer use and attitudes towards illicit substance use. Preventive Medicine, 67, 204-209.
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Stock, C., McAlaney, J., Pishke, C., Vriesacker, B., Van Hal, G., Akvardar, Y., Orosova, O., Kalina, O., Guillen-Grima, F. and Bewick, B.M., 2014. Student estimations of peer alcohol consumption: Links between the Social Norms Approach and the Health Promoting University concept. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 42, 52-59.
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Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Van Hal, G., Rasmussen, S. and McAlaney, J., 2012. A survey study on the associations between misperceptions on substance use by peers and health and academic outcomes in university students in North-West Europe. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 11 (3), 273-279.
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Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Van Hal, G., Rasmussen, S. and McAlaney, J., 2012. A survey study on associations between misperceptions on substance use by peers and health and academic outcomes in university students in North-West Europe. International Journal of Disability and Human Development, 11 (2), 273-279.
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Pischke, C.R., McAlaney, J. et al., 2012. A feasibility trial to examine the social norms approach for the prevention and reduction of licit and illicit drug use in European University and college students. BMC Public Health, 12.
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McAlaney, J., Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Rasmussen, S. and Van Hal, G., 2012. A comparison of substance use behaviours and normative beliefs in North West European university and college students. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 11 (3), 281-287.
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Lintonen, T., McAlaney, J. and Kaarianen, J., 2012. Substance use among police cadets: The role of normative misperceptions. The Police Journal, 85, 29-39.
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McAlaney, J., 2012. Social norms and alcohol consumption. PSYCHOLOGIST, 25 (5), 330.
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McCambridge, J., McAlaney, J. and Rowe, R., 2011. Adult Consequences of late adolescent alcohol consumption: A systematic review of cohort studies. PLoS Medicine, 8 (2).
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McAlaney, J., Hughes, C. and Bewick, B., 2011. The international development of the ‘Social Norms’ approach to drug education and prevention. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 18 (2), 81-89.
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McCambridge, J., McAlaney, J. and Rowe, R., 2011. Adult consequences of late adolescent alcohol consumption: A systematic review of cohort studies. PLoS Medicine, 8 (2).
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Martinus, T., McAlaney, J., McLaughlin, L. and Smith, H., 2010. Outdoor music festivals: Cacophonous consumption or melodious moderation? Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 17 (6), 795-807.
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Jenkins, R.J., McAlaney, J. and McCambridge, J., 2010. Corrigendum to "Change over time in alcohol consumption in control groups in brief intervention studies: Systematic review and meta-regression study" [Drug Alcohol Depend. 100 (2009) 107-114] (DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.09.016). Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 108 (1-2), 151.
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Jenkins, R.J., McAlaney, J. and McCambridge, J., 2009. Change over time in alcohol consumption in control groups in brief intervention studies: systematic review and meta-regression study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 100, 107-114.
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McAlaney, J. and McMahon, J., 2007. Diagnosing and dealing with the ‘new British disease’. The Psychologist, 20 (12), 738-741.
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McMahon, J., McAlaney, J. and Edgar, F., 2007. Binge drinking behaviour, attitudes and beliefs in a UK community sample: An analysis by gender, age and deprivation. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 14 (4), 289-303.
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McAlaney, J. and McMahon, J., 2007. Normative beliefs, misperceptions and heavy episodic drinking in a British student sample. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 68 (3), 385-392.
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McAlaney, J. and McMahon, J., 2006. Establishing rates of binge drinking in the UK: anomalies in the data. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 41 (4), 355-357.
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McAlaney, J., Fyfe, M. and Dale, M., 2004. A specialist adolescent self-harm service. Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987), 18 (17), 33-38.
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Books

McAlaney, J., Hills, P.J. and Cole, T., 2024. Forensic Perspectives on Cybercrime: Human Behaviour and Cybersecurity.
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Segumpan, R.G. and McAlaney, J., 2023. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education: Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications.
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Segumpan, R.G. and McAlaney, J., 2021. Higher Education in the Gulf: Quality Drivers.
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Segumpan, R.G. and McAlaney, J., 2021. Preface.
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Benson, V. and McAlaney, J., 2019. Cyber influence and cognitive threats.
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Benson, V. and Mcalaney, J., 2019. Emerging Cyber Threats and Cognitive Vulnerabilities.
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McAlaney, J., Frumkin, L.A. and Benson, V., 2018. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security. IGI Global.
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Chapters

Segumpan, R.G. and McAlaney, J., 2023. Gulf Higher Education Reforms vis-à-vis the Pandemic: Conclusion. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education: Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications. 209-211.
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McAlaney, J. and Segumpan, R.G., 2023. Directions in Gulf Higher Education: Conclusion. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education: Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications. 101-104.
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McAlaney, J., 2022. Are you anonymous? Social-psychological processes of hacking groups. Cybersecurity and Cognitive Science. 139-155.
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Bewick, B.M., Dempsey, R.C., McAlaney, J. and Crosby, H.F., 2021. Electronic brief personalised feedback interventions for alcohol use. The Palgrave Handbook of Psychological Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption. 477-498.
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McAlaney, J., 2021. Quality drivers in Gulf higher education: Conclusion. Higher Education in the Gulf: Quality Drivers. 80-82.
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Taylor-Jackson, J., McAlaney, J., Foster, J.L., Bello, A., Maurushat, A. and Dale, J., 2020. Incorporating Psychology into Cyber Security Education: A Pedagogical Approach. In: Bernhard, M., Bracciali, A., Camp, L.J., Matsuo, S., Maurushat, A., Rønne, P.B. and Sala, M., eds. Financial Cryptography and Data Security. Springer.
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Taylor, J., Thackray, H., Hodge, S.E. and McAlaney, J., 2020. Introducing Psychological Concepts and Methods to Cybersecurity Students. Research Anthology on Rehabilitation Practices and Therapy. 1829-1839.
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McAlaney, J. and Benson, V., 2019. Cybersecurity as a social phenomenon. Cyber Influence and Cognitive Threats. 1-8.
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Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Gatzidis, C., Anderson, E.F., Melacca, D. and Taylor, J., 2018. Applying Psychological Theory to in-game moral behaviors through the development of a purpose-made game. In: Bowman, N.D., ed. Video Games: A Medium That Demands Our Attention. New York and London: Routledge, 108-125.
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McAlaney, J., Benson, V. and Frumkin, L.A., 2018. Preface. xvii-xxiii.
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Thackray, H. and McAlaney, J., 2018. Groups online: Hacktivism and social protest. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security. 194-209.
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Taylor, J., Thackray, H., Hodge, S.E. and McAlaney, J., 2018. Introducing psychological concepts and methods to cybersecurity students. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security. 98-108.
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Benson, V., McAlaney, J. and Frumkin, L.A., 2018. Emerging threats for the human element and countermeasures in current cyber security landscape. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security. 266-271.
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McAlaney, J., Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Rasmussen, S. and Van Hal, G., 2013. Substance use behaviours and normative beliefs in North West European university and college students. In: Shek, D.T.L., Sun, R.C.F. and Merrick, J., eds. University and College Students: Health and Development Issues for the Leaders of Tomorrow. Nova Publishers.
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Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Van Hal, G., Rasmussen, S. and McAlaney, 2013. Associations between misperceptions on substance use by peers and health and academic outcomes in university students. In: Shek, D.T.L., Sun, R.C.F. and Merrick, J., eds. University and College Students: Health and Development Issues for the Leaders of Tomorrow. Nova Publishers.
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McAlaney, McMahon, J. and Edgar, F., 2009. Public and professional conceptualisations of binge drinking: are we all talking the same language? Binge Drinking Research Progress. Nova Publishers.
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Conferences

Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Bolat, E., Thomas, S. and Phalp, K., 2024. Usability of Responsible Gambling Information on Gambling Operator' Websites: A Webcam-Based Eye Tracking Study. Eye Tracking Research and Applications Symposium (ETRA).
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Gurgun, S., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2023. Can We Re-design Social Media to Persuade People to Challenge Misinformation? An Exploratory Study. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 13832 LNCS, 123-141.
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Lyons, D., Kiyak, C., Cetinkaya, D., Hodge, S. and McAlaney, J., 2022. Design and Development of a Mobile Application to Combat Digital Addiction and Dissociative States during Phone Usage. Proceedings - 2022 IEEE International Conference on e-Business Engineering, ICEBE 2022, 204-209.
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Hodge, S.E., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2020. Designing Meta-choices in a Purpose Made Game to Explore Anti-social Choices. Proceedings of 2020 7th IEEE International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing, BESC 2020.
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Mcalaney, J., Hambidge, S., Kimpton, E. and Thackray, H., 2020. Knowledge is power: An analysis of discussions on hacking forums. Proceedings - 5th IEEE European Symposium on Security and Privacy Workshops, Euro S and PW 2020, 477-483.
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McAlaney, J., Aldhayan, M., Almourad, M.B., Cham, S. and Ali, R., 2020. Predictors of Acceptance and Rejection of Online Peer Support Groups as a Digital Wellbeing Tool. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 1161 AISC, 95-107.
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McAlaney, J., Aldhayan, M., Almourad, M.B., Cham, S. and Ali, R., 2020. On the need for cultural sensitivity in digital wellbeing tools and messages: A UK-China comparison. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 1160 AISC, 723-733.
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Aldhayan, M., Naiseh, M., McAlaney, J. and Ali, R., 2020. Online Peer Support Groups for Behavior Change: Moderation Requirements. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, 385 LNBIP, 157-173.
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Taylor-Jackson, J., McAlaney, J., Foster, J.L., Bello, A., Maurushat, A. and Dale, J., 2020. Incorporating psychology into cyber security education: A pedagogical approach. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 12063 LNCS, 207-217.
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Alutaybi, A., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2019. How can social networks design trigger fear of missing out? Conference Proceedings - IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 2019-October, 3758-3765.
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Alutaybi, A., McAlaney, J., Arden-Close, E., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2019. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as Really Lived: Five Classifications and one Ecology. BESC 2019 - 6th International Conference on Behavioral, Economic and Socio-Cultural Computing, Proceedings.
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McAlaney, J., Close, E.A. and Ali, R., 2019. Gender differences in attitudes towards prevention and intervention messages for digital addiction. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 931, 806-818.
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Cham, S., Algashami, A., Aldhayan, M., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Almourad, M.B. and Ali, R., 2019. Digital addiction: Negative life experiences and potential for technology-assisted solutions. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 931, 921-931.
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Cham, S., Algashami, A., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2019. Goal setting for persuasive information systems: Five reference checklists. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 11433 LNCS, 237-253.
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Drosatos, G., Arden-Close, E., Bolat, E., Vuillier, L., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. et al., 2018. Empowering responsible online gambling by real-time persuasive information systems. Proceedings - International Conference on Research Challenges in Information Science, 2018-May, 1-11.
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M'MANGA, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., Kadobayashi, Y. and Miyamoto, D., 2018. Eliciting Persona Characteristics for Risk Based Decision Making. In: 32nd International BCS Human Computer Interaction Conference 2-6 July 2018 Belfast, UK.
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M'MANGA, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Kadobayashi, Y. and Miyamoto, D., 2018. Qualitative Adaptation: Informing Design for Risk-based Decision Making. In: 2nd Workshop on the Challenges and Opportunities for Qualitative Data Research Methods in HCI 2-6 July 2018 Belfast, UK.
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Skinner, T., Taylor, J., Dale, J. and McAlaney, D.J., 2018. The development of intervention E-learning materials and implementation techniques for cyber-security behaviour change. Proceedings of AISB Annual Convention 2018, 29-33.
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Alutaybi, A., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2018. Designing social networks to combat fear of missing out. Proceedings of the 32nd International BCS Human Computer Interaction Conference, HCI 2018.
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M'manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J. and Williams, C., 2018. Rationalising Decision Making about Risk: A Normative Approach. PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON HUMAN ASPECTS OF INFORMATION SECURITY & ASSURANCE (HAISA 2018), 263-271.
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M'manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J. and Williams, C., 2017. Folk Risk Analysis: Factors Influencing Security Analysts’ Interpretation of Risk. In: 3rd Workshop on Security Information Workers 12-14 July 2017 Santa Clara, USA. Proceedings of the 3rd Workshop on Security Information Workers Usenix Association.
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M'Manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J. and Williams, C., 2017. System design considerations for risk perception. Proceedings - International Conference on Research Challenges in Information Science, 322-327.
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Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Thackray, H., Richardson, C., James, S. and Dale, J., 2017. Teaching psychological principles to cybersecurity students. IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON, 1782-1789.
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Hodge, S., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2017. Restricted Content: Ethical Issues with Researching Minors’ Video Game Habits. In: CHI 6-11 May 2017 Denver.
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Hodge, S., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2017. Moral development and video game play. In: BPS Annual Conference 2017 3-5 May 2017 Brighton. https://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/user-files/Annual%20Conference%202017/AC2017%20ABSTRACT%20BOOK_web.pdf, 48-49 Leicester: BPS.
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Taylor, J., Ollis, G., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S. and Thackray, H., 2017. Observations and reflections on teaching psychological principles and methods to cybersecurity students. In: National Conference for Learning and Teaching in Cyber Security 2017 5-6 April 2017 Liverpool John Moores University. York: HEA.
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Algashami, A., Shahri, A., McAlaney, J., Taylor, J., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2017. Strategies and design principles to minimize negative side-effects of digital motivation on teamwork. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 10171 LNCS, 267-278.
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Thackray, H., Richardson, C., Dogan, H., Taylor, J. and McAlaney, J., 2017. Surveying the hackers: The challenges of data collection from a secluded community. European Conference on Information Warfare and Security, ECCWS, 0, 745-748.
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Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2016. Online peer groups as a persuasive tool to combat digital addiction. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 9638, 288-300.
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Thackray, H., McAlaney, J., Dogan, H., Taylor, J. and Richardson, C., 2016. Social psychology: An under-used tool in cybersecurity. Proceedings of the 30th International BCS Human Computer Interaction Conference, HCI 2016, 2016-July.
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Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Dogan, H., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2016. Exploring the requirements and design of persuasive intervention technology to combat digital addiction. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 9856 LNCS, 130-150.
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Hodge, S., Taylor, J., McAlaney, J. and Gatzidis, C., 2016. Design of a videogame to explore morality. Proceedings of the 30th International BCS Human Computer Interaction Conference, HCI 2016, 2016-July.
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Ali, R., McAlaney, J., Faily, S., Phalp, K. and Katos, V., 2015. Mitigating circumstances in cybercrime: A position paper. Proceedings - 15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, CIT 2015, 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications, IUCC 2015, 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, DASC 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, PICom 2015, 1972-1976.
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McAlaney, Taylor, J. and Faily, S., 2015. The Social Psychology of Cybersecurity. In: 1st International Conference on Cyber Security for Sustainable Society 26-27 February 2015 Coventry, UK.
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Ali, R., Jiang, N., Phalp, K., Muir, S. and McAlaney, J., 2015. The Emerging Requirement for Digital Addiction Labels. In: The 21st International Working Conference on Requirements Engineering: Foundation for Software Quality (REFSQ 2015) 23-26 March 2015 Essen, Germany..
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Faily, S., McAlaney, J. and Iacob, C., 2015. Ethical dilemmas and dimensions in penetration testing. Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Human Aspects of Information Security and Assurance, HAISA 2015, 233-242.
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Reports

Bolat, E., Wang, R., Bush, R., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Thomas, S. and Hodge, S., 2022. The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) call for evidence into Consulting on stricter rules for gambling ads on 22nd January 2021.. ASA. Available from: https://www.asa.org.uk/static/b9efd292-25cc-408c-b9e3b78ecb840100/Responses-A-B.pdf.
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Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Thomas, S., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Bolat, E. and Phalp, K.T., 2021. EROGamb 2 Systematic Review. Poole, England: Bournemouth University.
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Bolat, E., Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Thomas, S. and Phalp, K.T., 2021. EROGamb 2 Website Transparency and Responsible Gambling Report. Poole, England: Bournemouth University.
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Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., McAlaney, J., Bolat, E., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K.T. and Thomas, S., 2020. EROGamb 2 Narrative Review. Poole, England: Bournemouth University.
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Bush-Evans, R., Wang, R., McAlaney, J., Ali, R., Bolat, E., Charles, F., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S., Phalp, K.T. and Thomas, S., 2020. EROGamb 2 Scoping Review. Poole: Bournemouth University.
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Artefacts

Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Gatzidis, C., Anderson, E., Melacca, D. and Taylor, J., 2016. Purpose-made game. Bournemouth University.
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Posters

Kiyak, C., Cetinkaya, D., Ali, R., McAlaney, J. and Hodge, S., 2022. Mind the gap: Minimising online gambling related harm through persuasive technologies. In: The 17th International Conference on Persuasive Technology.
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McAlaney, J., Kimpton, E. and Thackray, H., 2019. Fifty shades of grey hat: A socio-psychological analysis of conversations on hacking forums. In: CYPSY24: 24th Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
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Drosatos, G., Nalmpantis, F., Baines, V., Bolat, E., Vuillier, L., Kostoulas, T., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K. and Ali, R., 2018. A conceptual architecture for empowering responsible online gambling with predictive, real- time, persuasive and interactive intervention. In: The 13th International Conference on Persuasive Technology (Persuasive’18).
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Others

Bolat, E., Bush, R., Wang, R., McAlaney, J., Arden-Close, E., Hodge, S. and Thomas, S., 2021. A Content Analysis of the UK’s Gambling Operators’ Websites: Technical report. Bournemouth University. Unpublished.
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PhD Students

Sarah Hodge, 2018. Press trigger for morality: An exploration into the role of moral development, moral decision-making and video game play, (Completed)
Helen Thackray, 2019. Hackers gonna hack: Investigating the effect of group processes & social identities within online hacking communities, (Completed)
Jody Quigley, 2017. Social norms and self-harming behaviour
Aarif Alutaybi. Avoiding digital addiction: capturing and agreeing expectations in cyber social interactions
Andrew Mmanga. Designing systems for risk-based decision making and assurance’ studentship
Lola Fagbule. Assessing behaviour change strategies in Cyber Security
Sainabou Cham. Digital addiction awareness: modelling and tracking planned and deviated online usage
Tessa Corner. Is it possible to map the disease of addiction as a spectrum disorder?

Profile of Teaching PG

Cyberpsychology (MSc Cybersecurity and Human Factors)

Profile of Teaching UG

Social Psychology and Individual Differences (Level C)
Cyberpsychology (Level H)
Personality, Intelligence and Social Psychology (Level I, module leader)

Grants

Grants

Picturing and voicing responsible online gambling (Economic and Social Research Council, 11 Sep 2020). Completed
Cross-cultural psychological aspects of cybersecurity (Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, 03 Apr 2017). In Progress
Happy to Help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor (University of Oxford, 13 Sep 2016). Completed
Eye gaze in the job interview: Do differences in gaze between video conferencing and face-to-face interviews change interviewers' perceptions of candidates? (British Academy, 01 Apr 2016). In Progress
NHS Lothian Social Norms Project (NHS Lothian, 01 Jan 2014). Completed
NHS Lothian Social Norms Project (NHS Lothian, 01 Aug 2012). Completed
NHS Fife Social Norms Project (NHS Fife, 01 Aug 2011). Completed
Social Norms Intervention for the Prevention of Polydrug Use (SNIPE) (European Union Drug Prevention and Information Programme, 01 Mar 2011). Completed

Public Engagement & Outreach Activities
Conference Presentations

Public Engagement & Outreach Activities

Enabling Safer Gambling Parliamentary reception (19 Apr 2023)

Conference Presentations

WACCO 2020 Workshop on Attackers and Cyber-Crime Operations, Knowledge is power: An analysis of discussions on hacking forums, 07 Sep 2020, Online
CyPsy24: Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, Cultural differences in attitudes towards interactive messages for digital addiction: A UK-China comparison, 24 Jun 2019, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Realigning Cyber Security Education International Workshop, Incorporating Psychology into Cyber Security Education: Key Areas and Pedagogical Approaches, 27 Nov 2017, Australian Defence Force Academy
Symposium on Cyber Security, Motivations, group processes and decision making of hackers and hacktivists, 14 Nov 2017, Manchester
A Roadmap of Research in Cybersecurity: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Psychological and socio-technical aspects of cybersecurity, 15 Mar 2015, Doha, Qatar
First International Conference on Cyber Security for Sustainable Society 2015, The Social Psychology of Cybersecurity, 26 Feb 2015, Coventry
i-Don't Event, Overview of the Social Norms Approach, 12 Dec 2012, Carnegie College, Dunfermline
Social Norms Seminar, How to Implement the Social Norms Approach, 09 Feb 2012, Stevenage
Scottish Tobacco Control Alliance Youth and Tobacco Forum, Social Norms, 24 Feb 2011, Edinburgh
Drug Forum Education Seminar, Introduction to Social Norms, 19 Nov 2010, Birmingham

Qualifications
Memberships

Qualifications

PGCE in Higher Education Practice (University of Bradford, 2010)
PhD in Binge drinking and culture change (University of the West of Scotland, 2008)
PGCE in Postgraduate Research Methods (University of the West of Scotland, 2006)
MSc in Psychological Research Methods (University of Strathclyde, 2002)
BSc (Hons) in Biology and Psychology (University of Stirling, 2001)

Memberships

American Psychological Association, Associate,
British Psychological Society, Chartered Psychologist,
Higher Education Academy, Fellow,
Science Council, Chartered Scientist,

Social Media Links
External Media & Press

Twitter, @johnmcalaney

External Media and Press

Investigation and prosecution of rape, Home Affairs Committee, 17 Jun 2021. https://committees.parliament.uk/work/1160/investigation-and-prosecution-of-rape/publications/

Staff Profile Pages