I am Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology where I am director of research. My teaching specialism is Health Psychology with a particular focus on Behaviorual Medicine. My main research interests focus on the impact of stress on health and well-being. I am particularly interested in the impact of psychosocial factors on health via interactions between the neuroendocrine and immune systems. My current research is looking at the psychological and social factors that are associated with caregiver biobehavioural health as well as those experiencing unemployment, both of who are under chronic stress.

We are also involved with designing and delivery of number interventions (e.g. stress management, positive psychology, and physical activity) to improve health and well-being for carers, the general population as well those with chronic illnesses.   

I am also using laboratory-based research to examine the buffering role of social support on cardiovascular reactivity and immunity. I am also a member of the Centre for Social Issues Research and the Health Research Institute and Director of the Study of Anxiety, Stress & Health Laboratory here in UL, www.sashlab.com.  

Publications
  1. Gallagher, S, Howard, S., Muldoon, O.T., & Whittaker,  A.C. (2022). Social cohesion and loneliness are associated with the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination. Brain Behavior and Immunity 103: 179–185., doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.04.017
  2. Gallagher, S., Daynes-Kearney, R., Bowman-Grangel, A., Dunne, N., & McMahon, J. (2022). Life satisfaction, social participation and symptoms of depression in young carers: Evidence from 21 European Countries: International Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 27 (1),  60-71, doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2021.2025115
  3. Gallagher, S., Sumner, R., Creaven, A-M., O, Súilleabháin, P.S., & Howard, S. (2021). Allostatic load and mental health during COVID-19: Moderating role of neuroticism. Brain, Behavior & Immunity –Health 100311 doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100311

 

  1. Gallagher, S., & Bennett. K.M. (2021). Caregiving and allostatic load predict future illness and disability: a population-based study. Brain, Behavior & Immunity –Health, Volume 16, 100295 doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100295

 

  1. Gallagher, S., Creaven, A-M., Howard, S., Ginty, A.T., & Whittaker, A.C. (2021). Gratitude, social support and cardiovascular responses to acute psychological stress. Biological Psychology, 162, 108090 doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108090