Laura Dunne
Biographic Data
| ID | 319489 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Laura Dunne |
| GIVEN NAMES | Laura |
| FAMILY NAME | Dunne |
| SIGNATURE | DUNNE L |
| AFFILIATIONS | Queen's University Belfast |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3346-6566 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 4 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 17 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2017 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Mediation analysis investigating the mechanisms of two school-based smoking prevention interventions in adolescents from Northern Ireland and Bogotá
Background Reviews have highlighted a lack of evidence on how successful intervention strategies for adolescent smoking prevention can be effectively adapted for low-middle income countries (LMICs). The MECHANISMS study compared behavioral mechanisms between two school-based smoking prevention programs for adolescents in Northern Ireland (NI; a high-income setting) and Bogotá, Colombia (middle-income). ASSIST works via peer education and diffusio…
Evaluating the Effects of the Crescendo Programme on Music and Self-Regulation with 5–6-Year-Old Pupils
Crescendo is a music-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programme designed for primary/elementary school children living in disadvantaged communities. It is a community-led, orchestra-delivered, and evidence-informed initiative aimed at improving children’s musical and SEL outcomes through sustained engagement. Children growing up in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas often experience challenges with SEL and limited access to orchestral…
Process evaluation of Project Daire
The original trial referenced in this process evaluation is registered as follows: National Institute of Health (NIH) U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials.gov (ID: NCT04277312; retrospectively registered 11th February 2020)
Healthy lives, enriched minds
This study is the first instance where population wide, linked administrative data is used to examine the associations between educational attainment and students' physical and mental health in NI. The importance of mental health and the greater educational disadvantage some social groups may experience are key implications for policy
An evaluation of lifestart, a universal home-based parenting programme in Ireland aimed at improving parent and child outcomes
This five-year randomised controlled trial explored the impact of the Lifestart home visiting parenting programme, on parent and child development outcomes. The Lifestart Programme is a universal and structured child-centred programme of information and practical activity for parents of children aged from birth to five years of age. In total, 424 parents and children participated, and outcomes were measured at pre-test (child age < 12 months), mi…
Selection homophily and peer influence for adolescents’ smoking and vaping norms and outcomes in high and middle-income settings
The MECHANISMS study investigates how social norms for adolescent smoking and vaping are transmitted through school friendship networks, and is the first study to use behavioral economics methodology to assess smoking-related social norms. Here, we investigate the effects of selection homophily (the tendency to form friendships with similar peers) and peer influence (a social process whereby an individual’s behavior or attitudes are affected by p…
The influence of socio-demographics and school factors on GCSE attainment
Socio-demographic background and school-level factors are influential on an individual’s educational outcomes. However, limited research has had the ability to examine the impact of a pupil’s socio-demographic profile and school-level factors, whilst accounting for the multidimensional structure of socio-economic status. Using data that combined the Census (2011), School Leavers Survey and School Census for the first time in Northern Ireland (n =…
Capturing the whole-school food environment in primary schools
Objective: The school food environment (SFE) is an ideal setting for encouraging healthy dietary behaviour. We aimed to develop an instrument to assess whole-SFE, test the instrument in the school setting and demonstrate its use to make food environment recommendations. Design: SFE literature and UK school food guidance were searched to inform instrument items. The instrument consisted of (i) an observation proforma capturing canteen areas system…
Less Screen Time, More Frequent Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Physical Activity are Associated with Greater Mental Wellbeing in Adolescents
Wellbeing declines during adolescence, for which the reasons are unclear. This analysis explored associations between wellbeing and multiple lifestyle, socioeconomic and school-level factors in young people. Data were collected as part of the Wellbeing in School (WiSe) survey of adolescent school children in Northern Ireland at age 13–14 years ( N = 1618; 49% female) and 15–16 years ( N = 1558; 50.5% female). Wellbeing was assessed using the shor…
Socio-environmental and psychosocial predictors of smoking susceptibility among adolescents with contrasting socio-cultural characteristics
The findings illustrate that there were differences in predictors of adolescent smoking susceptibility across the two settings. By using a comparative approach we demonstrate that smoking interventions and policies must be sensitive to the cultural and normative context within which they are implemented
A multi-method exploration into the social networks of young teenagers and their physical activity behavior
The investigation of the interplay between the findings from each phase of the inquiry indicated that social networks influence in different ways and to different degrees the physical activity of adolescent males and females. In turn, these insights point to the need for a systematic tailoring process for the development and implementation of physical activity behavior interventions
Association Between Social Networks and Subjective Well-Being in Adolescents
Social networks are ubiquitous in the lives of adolescents. This work systematically reviewed all studies which investigated the relationship between subjective well-being and the social networks of adolescents. Twenty-nine articles (out of 1,204 hits) were included within the review. Offline social networks have a positive association between the mood, self-esteem, and loneliness of adolescents but not body image. Nine of the studies investigati…
Exploring the association between mental wellbeing, health-related quality of life, family affluence and food choice in adolescents
Young people choose energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets, yet understanding of potential determinants is limited. Associations between food choices, mental wellbeing, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and family affluence were explored to identify targets for intervention to promote dietary health and wellbeing in young people. Adolescents were recruited via post-primary schools in the UK and surveyed at two time-points when aged 13-14 years an…
Mechanisms Study
This proof of concept study harnesses novel transdisciplinary insights to contrast two school-based smoking prevention interventions among adolescents in the UK and Colombia. We compare schools in these locations because smoking rates and norms are different, in order to better understand social norms based mechanisms of action related to smoking. We aim to: 1) improve the measurement of social norms for smoking behaviors in adolescents and revea…
The use of music in aged care facilities
Music is frequently used in aged care, being easily accessible and cost-effective. Research indicates that certain types of musical engagement hold greater benefits than others. However, it is not clear how effectively music is utilized in aged care facilities and what the barriers are to its further use. This study used a mixed-methods paradigm, surveying 46 aged care workers and conducting in-depth interviews with 5, to explore how music is use…
The importance of social environment in preventing smoking
The analysis provides additional evidence to support policies that could reduce children's exposure to smoking behaviour, and potential subsequent smoking initiation. No conclusions could be drawn about the diffusion of smoking attitudes through the school friendship networks of children
Young people’s views on the impact of care experiences on their ability to form positive intimate relationships
Existing literature tells us that one of the factors important to the sexual health and intimate relationships of adolescents is the extent to which teenagers feel emotionally connected and supported by their families. In this article, we analyse the experiences of disconnectedness from their families and transience during childhood reported by a sample of young adults formerly in care, and the influence they believed this had on their sense of s…
Young people’s views on the impact of care experiences on their ability to form positive intimate relationships
Existing literature tells us that one of the factors important to the sexual health and intimate relationships of adolescents is the extent to which teenagers feel emotionally connected and supported by their families. In this article, we analyse the experiences of disconnectedness from their families and transience during childhood reported by a sample of young adults formerly in care, and the influence they believed this had on their sense of s…
The use of music in aged care facilities
Music is frequently used in aged care, being easily accessible and cost-effective. Research indicates that certain types of musical engagement hold greater benefits than others. However, it is not clear how effectively music is utilized in aged care facilities and what the barriers are to its further use. This study used a mixed-methods paradigm, surveying 46 aged care workers and conducting in-depth interviews with 5, to explore how music is use…
Young people’s views on the impact of care experiences on their ability to form positive intimate relationships
Existing literature tells us that one of the factors important to the sexual health and intimate relationships of adolescents is the extent to which teenagers feel emotionally connected and supported by their families. In this article, we analyse the experiences of disconnectedness from their families and transience during childhood reported by a sample of young adults formerly in care, and the influence they believed this had on their sense of s…
The importance of social environment in preventing smoking
The analysis provides additional evidence to support policies that could reduce children's exposure to smoking behaviour, and potential subsequent smoking initiation. No conclusions could be drawn about the diffusion of smoking attitudes through the school friendship networks of children
Mechanisms Study
This proof of concept study harnesses novel transdisciplinary insights to contrast two school-based smoking prevention interventions among adolescents in the UK and Colombia. We compare schools in these locations because smoking rates and norms are different, in order to better understand social norms based mechanisms of action related to smoking. We aim to: 1) improve the measurement of social norms for smoking behaviors in adolescents and revea…
The use of music in aged care facilities
Music is frequently used in aged care, being easily accessible and cost-effective. Research indicates that certain types of musical engagement hold greater benefits than others. However, it is not clear how effectively music is utilized in aged care facilities and what the barriers are to its further use. This study used a mixed-methods paradigm, surveying 46 aged care workers and conducting in-depth interviews with 5, to explore how music is use…
Socio-environmental and psychosocial predictors of smoking susceptibility among adolescents with contrasting socio-cultural characteristics
The findings illustrate that there were differences in predictors of adolescent smoking susceptibility across the two settings. By using a comparative approach we demonstrate that smoking interventions and policies must be sensitive to the cultural and normative context within which they are implemented
A multi-method exploration into the social networks of young teenagers and their physical activity behavior
The investigation of the interplay between the findings from each phase of the inquiry indicated that social networks influence in different ways and to different degrees the physical activity of adolescent males and females. In turn, these insights point to the need for a systematic tailoring process for the development and implementation of physical activity behavior interventions
Association Between Social Networks and Subjective Well-Being in Adolescents
Social networks are ubiquitous in the lives of adolescents. This work systematically reviewed all studies which investigated the relationship between subjective well-being and the social networks of adolescents. Twenty-nine articles (out of 1,204 hits) were included within the review. Offline social networks have a positive association between the mood, self-esteem, and loneliness of adolescents but not body image. Nine of the studies investigati…
Exploring the association between mental wellbeing, health-related quality of life, family affluence and food choice in adolescents
Young people choose energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets, yet understanding of potential determinants is limited. Associations between food choices, mental wellbeing, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and family affluence were explored to identify targets for intervention to promote dietary health and wellbeing in young people. Adolescents were recruited via post-primary schools in the UK and surveyed at two time-points when aged 13-14 years an…
Less Screen Time, More Frequent Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Physical Activity are Associated with Greater Mental Wellbeing in Adolescents
Wellbeing declines during adolescence, for which the reasons are unclear. This analysis explored associations between wellbeing and multiple lifestyle, socioeconomic and school-level factors in young people. Data were collected as part of the Wellbeing in School (WiSe) survey of adolescent school children in Northern Ireland at age 13–14 years ( N = 1618; 49% female) and 15–16 years ( N = 1558; 50.5% female). Wellbeing was assessed using the shor…
Selection homophily and peer influence for adolescents’ smoking and vaping norms and outcomes in high and middle-income settings
The MECHANISMS study investigates how social norms for adolescent smoking and vaping are transmitted through school friendship networks, and is the first study to use behavioral economics methodology to assess smoking-related social norms. Here, we investigate the effects of selection homophily (the tendency to form friendships with similar peers) and peer influence (a social process whereby an individual’s behavior or attitudes are affected by p…
The influence of socio-demographics and school factors on GCSE attainment
Socio-demographic background and school-level factors are influential on an individual’s educational outcomes. However, limited research has had the ability to examine the impact of a pupil’s socio-demographic profile and school-level factors, whilst accounting for the multidimensional structure of socio-economic status. Using data that combined the Census (2011), School Leavers Survey and School Census for the first time in Northern Ireland (n =…
Capturing the whole-school food environment in primary schools
Objective: The school food environment (SFE) is an ideal setting for encouraging healthy dietary behaviour. We aimed to develop an instrument to assess whole-SFE, test the instrument in the school setting and demonstrate its use to make food environment recommendations. Design: SFE literature and UK school food guidance were searched to inform instrument items. The instrument consisted of (i) an observation proforma capturing canteen areas system…
An evaluation of lifestart, a universal home-based parenting programme in Ireland aimed at improving parent and child outcomes
This five-year randomised controlled trial explored the impact of the Lifestart home visiting parenting programme, on parent and child development outcomes. The Lifestart Programme is a universal and structured child-centred programme of information and practical activity for parents of children aged from birth to five years of age. In total, 424 parents and children participated, and outcomes were measured at pre-test (child age < 12 months), mi…
Process evaluation of Project Daire
The original trial referenced in this process evaluation is registered as follows: National Institute of Health (NIH) U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials.gov (ID: NCT04277312; retrospectively registered 11th February 2020)
Healthy lives, enriched minds
This study is the first instance where population wide, linked administrative data is used to examine the associations between educational attainment and students' physical and mental health in NI. The importance of mental health and the greater educational disadvantage some social groups may experience are key implications for policy
Mediation analysis investigating the mechanisms of two school-based smoking prevention interventions in adolescents from Northern Ireland and Bogotá
Background Reviews have highlighted a lack of evidence on how successful intervention strategies for adolescent smoking prevention can be effectively adapted for low-middle income countries (LMICs). The MECHANISMS study compared behavioral mechanisms between two school-based smoking prevention programs for adolescents in Northern Ireland (NI; a high-income setting) and Bogotá, Colombia (middle-income). ASSIST works via peer education and diffusio…
Evaluating the Effects of the Crescendo Programme on Music and Self-Regulation with 5–6-Year-Old Pupils
Crescendo is a music-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programme designed for primary/elementary school children living in disadvantaged communities. It is a community-led, orchestra-delivered, and evidence-informed initiative aimed at improving children’s musical and SEL outcomes through sustained engagement. Children growing up in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas often experience challenges with SEL and limited access to orchestral…
Psychology (13 works) · Medicine (12 works) · Developmental psychology (8 works) · Environmental health (7 works) · Psychiatry (7 works) · Behavioral Health and Interventions (6 works) · Demography (6 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (6 works) · Psychological intervention (6 works) · Public health (6 works)