Newcastle University

Introduction

I am a behavioural scientist. My research programme aims at developing and testing a) theory of behaviour change and b) interventions to change behaviours relevant to health and health care. This research is conducted with my colleages in the IHS, the Newcastle Health Psychology Group and colleages nationally and internationally.

I am president of the European Health Psychology Society, Associate Editor of Health Psychology Review, and member of the editorial boards of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Psychology & Health and the British Journal of Health Psychology. My post is currently funded by Fuse, the UK CRC Centre for Tranlsational Research in Public Health and our research is funded by the Medical Research Council, the National Institute of Health Research and other funders.  

Qualifications

F EHPS (2011)
PhD (2004 Berlin)
Dipl-Psych (2000 Berlin; 5 year undergraduate psychology degree)

Previous Positions

Lecturer in Psychology Aberdeen (2004-2008)
Senior Lecturer in Psychology (2008-2010)

Memberships

European Health Psychology Society
UK Society of Behavioural Medicine 
Association of the Study of Obesity 

Research Interests

My research programme aims to develop and test: a) theory of behaviour change and b) interventions to change behaviours relevant to health and health care. I am passionate about contributing to the development of an evidence-based science of behaviour change. My research covers a range of behaviours of patients, members of the public and health care professionals and a range of methodologies including randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, experiments, predictive studies and n-of-1 studies. Much of my empirical work is conducted in interdisciplinary collaboration and I have a particular focus on capacity development and training.

I am currently fully funded as a member of staff in Fuse, UK Clinical Research Collaboration Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, funded by the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health Research.

My research is funded by the  Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health Research, the Scottish Government and Diabetes UK.

Projects

• Development and Assessment of Services for Hyper-acute Stroke (DASH)
  Project Leader(s): Professor Gary Ford (IAH), Professor Richard Thomson, Professor Martin White
• Development of interventions to enhance health and wellbeing in later life (The LiveWell Project)
  Project Leader(s): Management team: Professor John Mathers (Lead investigator), Professor Martin White (co-investigator), Dr Thomas Meyer (co-investigator), Professor Paula Moynihan (co-investigator), Professor Lynn Rochester (co-investigator), Dr Falko Sniehotta (co-invest
• Development of Interventions to Increase Physical Activity Among Inactive Young People with Long-term Conditions: MRC Complex Intervention Framework Phase I Study using Asthma as an Exemplar
  Project Leader(s): B Williams, A Sheikh, Dr FF Sniehotta, L Cameron, S Treweek, G Hoskins, P Donnelly, J McGhee, G Brown
• Financial incentives for improving uptake of health promoting behaviours
  Project Leader(s): Dr Jean Adams
• HTA: BIBS: Benefits of Incentives for Breastfeeding and Smoking Cessation. A platform study for a trial
  Project Leader(s): P Hoddinott, A Ludbrook, M Campbell, L Bauld, Dr FF Sniehotta, F Dykes, D Tappin
• Improving Diabetes prescribing, Examining and Advising (IDEA) trial
  Project Leader(s): Dr Justin Presseau, Prof Eileen FS Kaner

MSc Public Health and Health Services Research - Systematic Reviewing Module: Quantiative Methods

Medcine in the Community' 2nd year preclinical Medicine - MiC3.9 Health psychology perspectives on chronic illness

Accelerated preclincal Programme: ACC5.19: Psychological Perspectives on Chronic Ill Health

Postgraduate Supervision

PhD students

Angela Rodrigues (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology)
Dominika Kwasnicka (Economic and Social Research Council)
Suzanne McDonald (Medical Research Council)
Leah Avery (Medical Research Council)
Sandra Machado (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology)
Lucia Rehackova (IHS)
Irmelin Bergh (Oslo Longitudinal Study of Bariatric surgery)
Mohammad Johari Zabri (Government of Malaysia)
Sarah Nicholson (Edinburgh; Stroke Association)
Lily McNamee (Edinburgh; Chief Scientist Office Scotland)
Natalie Taylor (Durham University)

Recent alumni

Masoumeh Namadian (Aberdeen)
Dr Stephan Dombrowski (University of Aberdeen). now Lecturer at Stirling University
Dr Jeanette Jackson (University of Aberdeen)
Silje Skar (6th Century Studentship)
Justin Presseau (Aberdeen Development Trust / ICEBeRG) now Lecturer at Newcastle University

• Presseau J, Tait RI, Johnston DW, Francis JJ, Sniehotta FF. Goal conflict and goal facilitation as predictors of daily accelerometer-assessed physical activity. Health Psychology 2013, (epub ahead of print).
• Avery L, Flynn D, van-Wersch A, Sniehotta FF, Trenell MI. Changing Physical Activity Behavior in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Behavioral Interventions. Diabetes Care 2012, 35(12), 2681-2689.
• Sniehotta FF, Presseau J. The habitual use of the Self-Report Habit Index. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 2012, 43(1), 139-140.
• Rodrigues A, Sniehotta FF, Araujo-Soares V. Are Interventions to Promote Sun-Protective Behaviors in Recreational and Tourist Settings Effective? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis and Moderator Analysis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 2013, (epub ahead of print).
• Adams J, Giles E, McColl E, Sniehotta F. A systematic review of the use of financial incentives and penalties to encourage uptake of healthy behaviors: protocol. Systematic Reviews 2012, 1(1), 51.
• Araujo-Soares V, Rodrigues A, Presseau J, Sniehotta FF. Adolescent sunscreen use in springtime: A prospective predictive study informed by a belief elicitation investigation. Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2013, 36(2), 109-123.
• Carroll SL, Greig CA, Lewis SJ, McMurdo ME, Sniehotta FF, Johnston M, Johnston DW, Scopes J, Mead GE. The Use of Pedometers in Stroke Survivors: Are They Feasible and How Well Do They Defect Steps?. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2012, 93(3), 466-470.
• Dombrowski SU, Sniehotta FF, Avenell A, Johnston M, MacLennan G, Araujo-Soares V. Identifying active ingredients in complex behavioural interventions for obese adults with obesity-related co-morbidities or additional risk factors for co-morbidities: a systematic review. Health Psychology Review 2012, 6(1), 7-32.
• Dombrowski SU, Sniehotta FF, Johnston M, Broom I, Kulkarni U, Brown J, Murray L, Araujo-Soares V. Optimizing acceptability and feasibility of an evidence-based behavioral intervention for obese adults with obesity-related co-morbidities or additional risk factors for co-morbidities: An open-pilot intervention study in secondary care. Patient Education and Counseling 2012, 87(1), 108-119.
• McMurdo MET, Argo I, Crombie IK, Feng ZQ, Sniehotta FF, Vadiveloo T, Witham MD, Donnan PT. Social, Environmental and Psychological Factors Associated with Objective Physical Activity Levels in the Over 65s. PLoS One 2012, 7(2), e31878.
• Hobbs N, Sniehotta FF. Two-year findings of an implementation intention intervention for teenage women show reduced consultations for emergency contraception or pregnancy testing and a trend towards reduced pregnancy rates. Evidence-Based Nursing 2012, 15(2), 44-45.
• Beenstock J, Sniehotta FF, White M, Bell R, Milne E, Araujo-Soares V. What helps and hinders midwives in engaging with pregnant women about stopping smoking? A cross-sectional survey of perceived implementation difficulties among midwives in the North East of England. Implementation Science 2012, 7(1), 36.
• Dombrowski SU, Sniehotta F, Mackintosh J, White M, Rodgers H, Thomson R, Murtagh M, Ford G, Eccles MW, Araujo-Soares V. Witness response at onset of acute stroke: a qualitative theory-guided study. PLoS One 2012, 7(7), e39852.
• Pakpour AM, Sniehotta FF. Perceived behaviour control and coping planning predict dental brushing behaviour among Iranian adolescents. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2012, 39(2), 132-137.
• Michie S, Ashford S, Sniehotta FF, Dombrowski SU, Bishop A, French DP. A refined taxonomy of behaviour change techniques to help people change their physical activity and healthy eating behaviours: The CALO-RE taxonomy. Psychology & Health 2011, 26(11), 1479-1498.
• Skår S, Sniehotta FF, Molloy GJ, Prestwich A, Araújo-Soares V. Do brief online planning interventions increase physical activity amongst university students? A randomised controlled trial. Psychology & Health 2011, 26(4), 399-417.
• Presseau J, Francis JJ, Campbell NC, Sniehotta FF. Goal conflict, goal facilitation and health professionals' provision of physical activity advice in primary care: An exploratory prospective study. Implementation Science 2011, 6, 73.
• Sniehotta FF, Dombrowski SU, Avenell A, Johnston M, McDonald S, Murchie P, Ramsay CR, Robertson K, Araujo-Soares V. Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of an Evidence-Informed Behavioural Intervention for Obese Adults with Additional Risk Factors. PLoS One 2011, 6(8), e23040.
• Michie S, Ashford S, Sniehotta FF, Dombrowski SU, Bishop A, French DP. Specifying interventions to change physical activity and healthy eating: Development of a revised 40-item taxonomy of behaviour change techniques. Psychology & Health 2011, 26(11), 1479-1498.
• Wilkinson DL, Sniehotta FF, Michie S. Targeting those in need: Baseline data from the first English National Health Service (NHS) Health Trainer Service. Psychology, Health & Medicine 2011, 16(6), 736-748.
• Sniehotta FF, Gorski C, Araujo-Soares V. Adoption of community-based cardiac rehabilitation programs and physical activity following phase III cardiac rehabilitation in Scotland: A prospective and predictive study. Psychology & Health 2010, 25(7), 839-854.
• Darker CD, French DP, Eves FF, Sniehotta FF. An intervention to promote walking amongst the general population based on an 'extended' theory of planned behaviour: A waiting list randomised controlled trial. Psychology & Health 2010, 25(1), 71-88.
• Dombrowski SU, Avenell A, Sniehotta FF. Behavioural Interventions for Obese Adults with Additional Risk Factors for Morbidity: Systematic Review of Effects on Behaviour, Weight and Disease Risk Factors. Obesity Facts 2010, 3(6), 377-396.
• McMurdo ME, Sugden J, Argo I, Boyle P, Johnston DW, Sniehotta FF, Donnan PT. Do pedometers increase physical activity in sedentary older women? A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2010, 58(11), 2099-2106.
• Michie S, Webb TL, Sniehotta FF. The importance of making explicit links between the theoretical constructs and behaviour change techniques. Addiction 2010, 105(11), 1897-1898.
• Webb TL, Sniehotta FF, Michie S. Using theories of behaviour change to inform interventions for addictive behaviours. Addiction 2010, 105(11), 1879-1892.
• Vogt F, Ashworth M, Hall S, Sniehotta FF, Marteau TM. What underlies the perception that a medical intervention is effective? An exploratory study among smokers. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2010, 12(5), 508-515.
• Presseau J, Sniehotta FF, Francis JJ, Gebhardt WA. With a little help from my goals: Integrating intergoal facilitation with the theory of planned behaviour to predict physical activity. British Journal of Health Psychology 2010, 15(4), 905-919.
• Sniehotta FF. An experimental test of the theory of planned behaviour. Applied Psychology: Health and Wellbeing 2009, 1(2), 257-270.
• Araujo-Soares V, McIntyre T, MacLennan G, Sniehotta FF. Development and exploratory cluster-randomised opportunistic trial of a theory-based intervention to enhance physical activity among adolescents. Psychology & Health 2009, 24(7), 805-822.
• Wiedemann AU, Schuz B, Sniehotta F, Scholz U, Schwarzer R. Disentangling the relation between intentions, planning, and behaviour: A moderated mediation analysis. Psychology & Health 2009, 24(1), 67-79.
• Presseau J, Sniehotta FF, Francis JJ, Campbell NC. Multiple goals and time constraints: perceived impact on physicians' performance of evidence-based behaviours. Implementation Science 2009, 4, 77.
• Araujo-Soares V, McIntyre T, Sniehotta FF. Predicting changes in physical activity among adolescents: the role of self-efficacy, intention, action planning and coping planning. Health Education Research 2009, 24(1), 128-139.
• Schuz B, Sniehotta FF, Mallach N, Wiedemann AU, Schwarzer R. Predicting transitions from preintentional, intentional and actional stages of change. Health Education Research 2009, 24(1), 64-75.
• Sniehotta FF. Towards a theory of intentional behaviour change: Plans, planning, and self-regulation. British Journal of Health Psychology 2009, 14(2), 261-273.
• Molloy GJ, Sniehotta F, Johnston M. Two alternative models of health behaviour and recovery from activity limitations due to acute injury: A prospective study. Psychology & Health 2009, 24(3), 271-285.
• Presseau J, Sniehotta FF, Francis JJ, Little BR. Personal projects analysis: Opportunities and implications for multiple goal assessment, theoretical integration, and behaviour change. The European Health Psychologist 2008, 10(2), 32-36.
• Skar S, Sniehotta FF, Araujo-Soares V, Molloy GJ. Prediction of behaviour vs. prediction of behaviour change: The role of motivational moderators in the theory of planned behaviour. Applied Psychology 2008, 57(4), 609-627.
• Renner B, Schuez B, Sniehotta FF. Preventive health behavior and adaptive accuracy of risk perceptions. Risk Analysis 2008, 28(3), 741-748.
• Sugden JA, Sniehotta FF, Donnan PT, Boyle P, Johnston DW, McMurdo MET. The feasibility of using pedometers and brief advice to increase activity in sedentary older women - a pilot study. BMC Health Services Research 2008, 8, 169.
• Dombrowski SU, Sniehotta FF, Avenell A, Coyne JC. Current issues and future directions in Psychology and Health: Towards a cumulative science of behaviour change: Do current conduct and reporting of behavioural interventions fall short of best practice?. Psychology & Health 2007, 22(8), 869-874.
• Scholz U, Sniehotta FF, Schuz B, Oeberst A. Dynamics in self-regulation: Plan execution self-efficacy and mastery of action plans. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 2007, 37(11), 2706-2725.
• Scholz U, Sniehotta FF, Burkert S, Schwarzer R. Increasing physical exercise levels - Age-specific benefits of planning. Journal of Aging and Health 2007, 19(5), 851-866.
• Cooke R, Sniehotta F, Schuz B. Predicting binge-drinking behaviouir using an extended TPB: Examining the impact of anticipated regret and descriptive norms. Alcohol and Alcoholism 2007, 42(2), 84-91.
• Sniehotta FF, Soares VA, Dombrowski SU. Randomized controlled trial of a one-minute intervention changing oral self-care behavior. Journal of Dental Research 2007, 86(7), 641-645.
• Schuz B, Sniehotta FF, Schwarzer R. Stage-specific effects of an action control intervention on dental flossing. Health Education Research 2007, 22(3), 332-341.
• Sniehotta FF, Scholz U, Schwarzer R. Action plans and coping plans for physical exercise: A longitudinal intervention study in cardiac rehabilitation. British Journal of Health Psychology 2006, 11(1), 23-37.
• Schuz B, Sniehotta FF, Wiedemann A, Seemann R. Adherence to a daily flossing regimen in university students: effects of planning when, where, how and what to do in the face of barriers. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2006, 33(9), 612-619.
• Scholz U, Knoll N, Sniehotta FF, Schwarzer R. Physical activity and depressive symptoms in cardiac rehabilitation: Long-term effects of a self-management intervention. Social Science & Medicine 2006, 62(12), 3109-3120.
• Sniehotta FF, Nagy G, Scholz U, Schwarzer R. The role of action control in implementing intentions during the first weeks of behaviour change. British Journal of Social Psychology 2006, 45(1), 87-106.
• Sniehotta FF, Schwarzer R, Scholz U, Schuz B. Action planning and coping planning for long-term lifestyle change: Theory and assessment. European Journal of Social Psychology 2005, 35(4), 565-576.
• Sniehotta FF, Scholz U, Schwarzer R. Bridging the intention-behaviour gap: Planning, self-efficacy, and action control in the adoption and maintenance of physical exercise. Psychology & Health 2005, 20(2), 143-160.
• Sniehotta FF, Luszczynska A, Scholz U, Lippike S. Discontinuity patterns in stages of the precaution adoption process model: Meat consumption during a livestock epidemic. British Journal of Health Psychology 2005, 10(2), 221-235.
• Sniehotta FF, Scholz U, Schwarzer R, Fuhrmann B, Kiwus U, Voller H. Long-term effects of two psychological interventions on physical exercise and self-regulation following coronary rehabilitation. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2005, 12(4), 244-255.
• Scholz U, Sniehotta FF, Schwarzer R. Predicting physical exercise in cardiac rehabilitation: The role of phase-specific self-efficacy beliefs. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 2005, 27(2), 135-151.
• Sniehotta FF, Presseau J, Hobbs N, Araújo-Soares V. Testing self-regulation interventions to increase walking using factorial randomized N-of-1 trials. Health Psychology 2012, 31(6), 733-737.
• Hobbs N, Godfrey A, Lara J, Errington L, Meyer TD, Rochester L, White M, Mathers JC, Sniehotta FF. Are behavioural interventions effective in increasing physical activity at 12-36 months in adults aged 55 to 70 years? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medicine 2013, 11, 75.
• Prestwich A, Sniehotta FF, Whittington C, Dombrowski SU, Rogers L, Michie S. Does theory influence the effectiveness of health behavior interventions? Meta-analysis. Health Psychology 2013. In Press.
• Avery L, Flynn D, van Wersch A, Sniehotta FF, Trenell MI. What Behaviour Change Techniques used in Behavioural Interventions are Associated with Improvements in Physical Activity Behaviour and HbA1c in Adults wih Type 2 Diabetes?. In: Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2013. 2013, Manchester: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Penn L, Dombrowski S, Sniehotta F, White M. Participant perspectives on a lifestyle intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes: a qualitative evaluation within the 'New life, New you' pilot study. In: 7th World Congress on Prevention of Diabetes and its Complications. 2012, Madrid, Spain: Minerva Endocrinologica.