http://hdl.handle.net/1893/122 Electronic copies of Psychology journal articles. Sat, 07 Nov 2026 09:51:18 GMT 2026-11-07T09:51:18Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38430 Title: Research Priorities for Preconception Health in Scotland: A Multidisciplinary Call to Action Author(s): Currie, Sinead; Brough, Emma J; Ryan, Laura; Renwick, Kathleen; Rose, Beth; Ganguly, Annie Abstract: Introduction: Health and behaviours prior to conception influence reproductive outcomes, lifelong health, and health inequalities across generations. While international attention to preconception health has increased, context-specific evidence to inform effective practice and policy in Scotland remains limited. This gap is concerning given declining birth rates, widening inequalities, and increasing prevalence of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Methods: A research prioritisation project was undertaken to identify key areas for preconception health research in Scotland. A narrative review of published literature reviews and relevant Scottish policy and public health guidance was conducted to identify evidence gaps and preliminary research themes. These informed a national online survey that captured views from members of the public and stakeholders with an interest in preconception health. Survey findings were subsequently refined through an in-person, multi-stakeholder workshop involving members of the public, researchers, healthcare professionals, third sector representatives, and policy stakeholders. Results: Four overarching research priority themes were identified: (1) adopting a life-course approach to preconception health; (2) reducing neurodevelopmental risks and improving awareness of preconception behaviours; (3) addressing health inequalities and ensuring equitable access to care; and (4) enhancing the involvement of men, partners, and shared responsibility for preconception health. Cross-cutting principles emphasised the need for inclusive and consistent messaging, improved healthcare professional training, integration of preconception care within existing services, stakeholder involvement, and robust data collection. Conclusion: This co-designed research prioritisation project identifies clear and actionable priorities for advancing pre-conception health research in Scotland. Addressing these priorities will support evidence-based policy and practice, improve reproductive and long-term health outcomes, and contribute to reducing health inequalities for current and future generations. Public Contribution: Members of the public and individuals with lived experience of preconception health were actively involved throughout this research prioritisation project. Public contributors participated in a national survey to identify and rank priorities for preconception health research in Scotland and attended a multi-stakeholder workshop to refine and finalise research themes and questions. The workshop included members of the public alongside researchers, healthcare professionals, third sector representatives, and policy stakeholders, ensuring that priorities reflected lived experience as well as professional perspectives. Public input directly informed the identification of research priorities, the interpretation of findings, and the development of future research directions (See the GRIPP2 short form checklist in the supplementary files). Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38430 2026-10-29T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38427 Title: Odour preferences of children and adults across four culturally diverse cultures in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania Author(s): Kowal, Marta; Sorokowski, Piotr; Roberts, S Craig; Butovskaya, Marina; Imran Ali Shah, Syed; Jędryczka, Wiktoria; Roberts, Kateřina; David O, Oana; Pieniak, Michal; Hummel, Thomas; Sorokowska, Agnieszka Abstract: Odour perception plays a crucial role in various processes, yet the extent to which odour preferences are universal or shaped by cultural and ecological contexts remains debated. While some studies report substantial cross-cultural agreement in odour pleasantness, others highlight considerable variability. To address this question from a novel perspective, we collected data from 394 children and adults (68% children) across four distinct cultures (Hadza, Pakistani, Papuan, and Scottish). Participants rated the pleasantness and familiarity of 11 odours (Fish, Garlic, Butter, Ginger, Thyme, Cinnamon, Banana, Peach, Strawberry, Jasmine, Butanol). We observed both variability and agreement in odour pleasantness ratings across cultures, but overall, there was a similar level of agreement between adults and children within each culture. Furthermore, the most pleasant odours (Jasmine, Strawberry, Peach) were rated more consistently across cultures than the most unpleasant ones (Fish, Garlic, Butter). Finally, familiarity was strongly and positively associated with pleasantness. These findings suggest that while some universal consensus in odour evaluation exists, ecological and cultural influences, as well as individual differences, may all play a more substantial role in shaping olfactory perception. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38427 2026-10-26T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38393 Title: Menstrual health literacy- A crucial yet unclear concept Author(s): Ní Chéileachair, Fodhla; Durand, Hannah; Caes, Line Abstract: Menstrual health literacy (or menstrual literacy) is widely argued to contribute to menstrual health outcomes and self-management of symptoms. From menarche to menopause, facets of health literacy are considered insufficient, leaving many individuals without key knowledge and skills to manage their health in the context of widespread menstrual stigma. Despite a high frequency of studies calling for global improvements to menstrual health literacy rates, there is no consensus on what this term “means” in research or practice. This commentary outlines key differences across current definitions of menstrual health literacy, with reference to an existing framework of health literacy, and raises questions on how best to structure a universal definition to meet needs from menarche and beyond. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38393 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38389 Title: A four component model for the social perception of first names. Author(s): Lee, Anthony; Lis, Odette; Panagiotakou, Sofia Abstract: First (given) names are subject to stereotypes and can be a source of bias when making many important decisions. However, previous research on name bias is fragmented and informed by disjointed theories. Here, we investigate the underlying structure of name biases to provide a unifying theory of the social perception of names. Across two samples collected in separate European countries (UK and Germany; N = 1083 and 972 respectively), male and female names were rated on multiple social traits, with mean trait ratings for each name then being entered into a Principal Components Analysis. In both samples, and for both male and female names, the same four component structure was found: these included components corresponding with valence/competence, dominance/warmth, youth/attractiveness, and familiarity. We propose that this four component model could provide an overarching theoretical framework that could help unite research on name bias and generate new testable hypotheses. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38389 2026-07-15T00:00:00Z