Dr Rachael Thorneloe BA, MSc, PhD
Senior Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fellow
Summary
I am a senior research fellow in the Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology (CeBSAP). My research focuses on health psychology and behavioural science. I have specific research interests in treatment decision-making and medication adherence.
About
I am a senior research fellow in the Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology. My area of research expertise is in health psychology and behavioural science. I was awarded my PhD in 2014 at the University of Manchester, which examined medication adherence in people living with psoriasis. I then took up a postdoc position at the University of Manchester to continue this work as part of the Psoriasis Stratification to Optimise Relevant Therapy (PSORT) research consortium. In 2018 I joined the University of Leeds as a research fellow to work in the field of cancer prevention and control, which included exploring treatment decision-making in the context of chemoprevention therapies for women at increased risk of breast cancer. In 2019 I joined the Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology as a senior research fellow. I lead on a range of research projects applying behavioural science theory to explore factors that influence behaviour in real world settings, as well as designing and testing behaviour change interventions.
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I am currently involved in a number of research projects which include:
• Exploring the barriers and facilitators for healthcare professionals delivering brief physical activity advice in primary care, and identifying whether existing tools and solutions to support the delivery of brief advice can address these barriers and facilitators through their identified behaviour change techniques (BCTs).
• Examining the barriers and facilitators for influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in NHS employees in Wales, and co-designing interventions to increase vaccine uptake with NHS employees.
• Understanding adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviours in Sheffield.
Publications
Journal articles
Thorneloe, R., Clarke, E.N., & Arden, M. (2022). . BMC Public Health, 22.
Hall, L., Thorneloe, R., Rodriguez-Lopez, R., Grice, A., Thorat, M., Katherine, B., ... Beeken, R. (2021). . British Journal of General Practice.
Ghio, D., Lawes-Wickwar, S., Tang, M.Y., Epton, T., Howlett, N., Jenkinson, E., ... Keyworth, C. (2021). . BMJ Open, 11 (11).
Lloyd, K., Hall, L., King, N., Thorneloe, R., Rodriguez-Lopez, R., Ziegler, L., ... Smith, S. (2021). . Preventive Medicine, 154, 106872.
Iskandar, I.Y.K., Lunt, M., Thorneloe, R., Cordingley, L., Griffiths, C.E.M., & Ashcroft, D.M. (2021). . British Journal of Dermatology.
Thorneloe, R., Clarke, E., & Arden, M. (2021). Adherence to behaviours associated with the test, trace, and isolate system: An analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework. .
Thorneloe, R., Hall, L., Walter, F., Side, L., Lloyd, K., & Smith, S. (2020). . Cancer Prevention Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Thorneloe, R., Hall, L., Walter, F., Side, L., Lloyd, K., & Smith, S. (2019). Knowledge of potential harms and benefits of tamoxifen among women considering breast cancer preventive therapy. .
Thorneloe, R. (2019). . British Journal of Dermatology.
Thorneloe, R.J., Horne, R., Side, L., Wolf, M.S., Smith, S.G., Adamson, V., ... Wiseman, J. (2019). . Clinical Breast Cancer, 19 (1), e116-e126.
Hackett, J., Thorneloe, R., Side, L., Wolf, M., Horne, R., Cuzick, J., & Smith, S.G. (2018). . Breast Cancer Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Treatment, 170 (3), 633-640.
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C.E.M., Emsley, R., Ashcroft, D.M., Cordingley, L., Barker, J., ... Warren, R. (2018). . Journal of investigative dermatology, 138 (4), 785-794.
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C.E.M., & Cordingley, L. (2017). . Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31 (6), 923-924.
Nelson, P.A., Kane, K., Pearce, C.J., Bundy, C., Chisholm, A., Hilton, R., ... Cordingley, L. (2017). . British Journal of Dermatology, 177 (3), 758-770.
Thorneloe, R.J., Griffiths, C.E.M., Ashcroft, D.M., & Cordingley, L. (2017). . BMC Health Services Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 17 (1).
Thorneloe, R., Bundy, C., Griffiths, C.E.M., Ashcroft, D.M., & Cordingley, L. (2016). . British Journal of Dermatology, 176 (3), 667-676.
Chisholm, A., Nelson, P.A., Pearce, C.J., Littlewood, A.J., Kane, K., Henry, A.L., ... Bundy, C. (2016). . British Journal of Dermatology, 176 (3), 677-686.
Thorneloe, R., Bundy, C., Griffiths, C.E.M., Ashcroft, D.M., & Cordingley, L. (2013). . British Journal of Dermatology, 168 (1), 20-31.
Conference papers
Lloyd, K., Hall, L., King, N., Thorneloe, R., Rodriguez, R., Ziegler, L., ... Smith, S. (2021). Aspirin use for cancer prevention: a systematic review of public, patient and healthcare provider attitudes and adherence behaviours. In PsyArXiv.
Thorneloe, R., Beeken, R., Ellis, E., Ferrer, R., Klein, W., Roberts, M., & Smith, S. (2019). . Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 53 (Supp 1), S1-S842.
Thorneloe, R., Horne, R., Side, L., Wolf, M., & Smith, S. (2019). . Annals of Behavioral Medicine, S1-S842.
Thorneloe, R., Horne, R., Side, L., Wolf, M., & Smith, S. (2018). Beliefs about medication and uptake of preventive therapy in women at increased risk of breast cancer: Results from a multi-centre prospective study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER, 119 (11), 34.
Thorneloe, R., Horne, R., Side, L., Wolf, M., & Smith, S. (2018). . The British journal of cancer, 119, S34.
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C., Emsley, R., Ashcroft, D., & Cordingley, L. (2017). . British Journal of Dermatology, 177 (5), 815-816.
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C., Emsley, R., Ashcroft, D., & Cordingley, L. (2017). . British Journal of Dermatology, 177 (5), e235-e307.
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C., Emsley, R., Ashcroft, D., & Cordingley, L. (2016). . British Journal of Dermatology, 9-15.
Thorneloe, R., Chisholm, A., Nelson, P., Littlewood, A., Kane, K., Pearce, C., ... Bundy, C. (2016). . British Journal of Dermatology, 205-214.
Thorneloe, R., Nelson, P., Kane, K., Pearce, C., Bundy, C., Chisholm, A., ... Cordingley, L. (2016). . British Journal of Dermatology.
Thorneloe, R., Nelson, P., Bundy, C., Ashcroft, D., & Cordingley, L. (2015). . Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134, S49-S60.
Reports
Arden, M., Humphreys, H., Wilcockson, H., Paddock, D., Thorneloe, R., Rutkauskas, L., & Millings, A. (2024). . UK Government Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Arden, M., Millings, A., Thorneloe, R., Wilcockson, H., Humphreys, H., Paddock, D., & Clarke, E. (2024). Behavioural Science: Increasing uptake of family hub services. Evaluation Protocols. UK Government.
Millings, A., Wilcockson, H., Clarke, E., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Paddock, D., ... Coldwell, M. (2022). Applying behavioural science to promoting uptake of family hubs services Ï㽶ÊÓƵ report summary. Department for Education.
Millings, A., Wilcockson, H., Clarke, E., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Paddock, D., ... Coldwell, M. (2022). Applying behavioural science to promoting uptake of family hubs services Ï㽶ÊÓƵ report. (1284). Department for Education.
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Clarke, E., & Arden, M. (2022). Understanding the enablers and barriers in stopping smoking and accessing support in high prevalence groups.
Arden, M., Thorneloe, R., Jordan, C., Clarke, E., Lamb, M., Wilcockson, H., ... Knowles, N. (2022). Using Behaviour Change Techniques to encourage active travel across the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Arden, M., Thorneloe, R., Jordan, C., Clarke, E., Lamb, M., Wilcockson, H., ... Knowles, N. (2022). Using Behaviour Change Techniques to encourage active travel across the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Thorneloe, R., Jordan, C., & Arden, M. (2022). Adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviours and vaccination uptake among young people in Cambridge City and Peterborough City.
Millings, A., Wilcockson, H., Harris-Evans, J., Thorneloe, R., Arden, M., & Coldwell, M. (2021). A Behavioural Insights Project: testing what works to increase the reach and take-up of family hub services by disadvantaged and vulnerable families - Logic Models and Linked Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Protocols.
Millings, A., Wilcockson, H., Harris-Evans, J., Thorneloe, R., Arden, M., & Coldwell, M. (2021). A Behavioural Insights Project: testing what works to increase the reach and take-up of family hub services by disadvantaged and vulnerable families - Recommendations Report.
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Jordan, C., Wilcockson, H., Davies, A., Beynon, C., ... Arden, M. (2021). Understanding and addressing the barriers and facilitators for influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among NHS employees in Wales: Qualitative insights and co-produced interventions.
Thorneloe, R., Clarke, E., Jordan, C., Lamb, M., Millings, A., Kilby, L., & Arden, M. (2021). Developing and testing messages to promote COVID-19 vaccination uptake in members of BAME communities in Bradford: a behavioural science approach.
Thorneloe, R., Clarke, E., & Arden, M. (2021). Understanding adherence to COVID-19 test, track, and trace behaviours in Sheffield: Summary.
Millings, A., Clarke, E., Thorneloe, R., & Arden, M. (2021). Be Well DoncasterReport on final co-design workshop with community members.
Thorneloe, R., Clarke, E., Wilcockson, H., Jordan, C., & Arden, M. (2021). Understanding adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviours and intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Sheffield.
Millings, A., Thorneloe, R., & Arden, M. (2021). Evaluation of Be Well Service for Doncaster CouncilProject Protocol.
Millings, A., Thorneloe, R., Brown, C., Lamb, M., Macaskill, A., & Arden, M. (2020). Be Well DoncasterInterim Report on co-design with stakeholders and community members.
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Stevens, R., Harrop, D., & Arden, M. (2020). Tools and solutions developed to support the deliver of brief physical activity advice by healthcare professionals.
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Stevens, R., Harrop, D., & Arden, M. (2020). Exploring the barriers and facilitators for delivering brief physical activity advice in primary care: Rapid review and primary insight study.
Kilby, L., Thorneloe, R., Arden, M., Lamb, M., & Armitage, C.J. (2019). Doncaster local delivery pilot behavioural insight work phase: 3 Co-Design Workshops. Behavioural Science Consortium.
Kilby, L., Thorneloe, R., Arden, M., Lamb, M., & Armitage, C.J. (2019). . Behavioural Science Consortium.
Internet Publications
Arden, M., & Thorneloe, R. (2022). Small, specific changes help us to travel better by cycling or walking - Sheffield Hallam's Madelynne Arden and Rachael Thorneloe.
Arden, M., & Thorneloe, R. (2022). Small, specific changes help us to travel better by cycling or walking - Sheffield Hallam's Madelynne Arden and Rachael Thorneloe.
Thorneloe, R. (2020). COVID-19 and the need for behavioural science.
Thorneloe, R., & Smith, S. (2018). Why women reject breast cancer preventing drug – new study.
Presentations
Thorneloe, R., Garstang, K., Paddock, D., Humphreys, H., Arden, M., & Porritt, J. (2025). Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to understand and address the barriers and facilitators for childhood vaccination uptake in Peterborough. Presented at: Behavioural Science and Public Health Network (BSPHN) conference 2025: Keeping ahead of change, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
Howie, I., & Thorneloe, R. (2023). Innovation Showcase: Active Travel. Presented at: Smart Transport National Conference, Birmingham
Howie, I., & Thorneloe, R. (2023). Innovation Showcase: Active Travel. Presented at: Smart Transport National Conference, Birmingham
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Clarke, E., Arden, M., & Hepworth, S. (2023). Understanding the enablers and barriers in stopping smoking and accessing support in underserved communities. Presented at: ADsPH Y&H Network Sector-Led Improvement Conference on Poverty, Sheffield
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Clarke, E., & Arden, M. (2023). Understanding the barriers and facilitators to stopping smoking and accessing support in underserved communities. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Arden, M., Thorneloe, R., Jordan, C., Clarke, E., Gilly, B., Everson, R., ... Ellie, W. (2023). The development and testing of brief online interventions to promote local active travel across Yorkshire and Humber. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Arden, M., Thorneloe, R., Jordan, C., Clarke, E., Gilly, B., Everson, R., ... Ellie, W. (2023). The development and testing of brief online interventions to promote local active travel across Yorkshire and Humber. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Wilcockson, H., Millings, A., Clarke, E., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Paddock, D., ... Coldwell, M. (2023). Promoting the uptake of family hubs services: The development and evaluation of behavioural science-informed messages to promote a ‘New Dads support group’. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Wilcockson, H., Millings, A., Clarke, E., Lamb, M., Humphreys, H., Paddock, D., ... Coldwell, M. (2023). Promoting the uptake of family hubs services: The development and evaluation of behavioural science-informed messages to promote a ‘New Dads support group’. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Lamb, M., Thorneloe, R., Humphreys, H., Clarke, E., Arden, M., & Hepworth, S. (2023). Understanding the enablers and barriers in stopping smoking and accessing support in underserved communities. Presented at: UK Society For Behavioural Medicine, Birmingham
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., Jordan, C., Wilcockson, H., Davies, A., Beynon, C., ... Arden, M. (2022). Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to understand and address the barriers and facilitators for seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among NHS employees in Wales. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology, Bristol
Thorneloe, R. (2022). Using behaviour change techniques to encourage active travel across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Presented at: Creating Knowledge conference, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Arden, M., Thorneloe, R., Denman, T., Gould, B., & Howie, I. (2022). Using behaviour change techniques to encourage active travel across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Presented at: Webinar, Online
Arden, M., Thorneloe, R., Denman, T., Gould, B., & Howie, I. (2022). Using behaviour change techniques to encourage active travel across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Presented at: Webinar, Online
Thorneloe, R., Beynon, C., Lamb, M., & Jordan, C. (2022). Supporting influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among NHS employees in Wales: Qualitative insights and co-produced interventions. Presented at: Webinar, Online
Thorneloe, R., Clarke, E., Jordan, C., Lamb, M., Millings, A., Kilby, L., ... Arden, M. (2022). The promotion of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in young people: A community researcher and behavioural science approach. Presented at: Behavioural Science and Public Health Network Annual Conference, Online
Thorneloe, R., & Beynon, C. (2021). Understanding the barriers and facilitators for influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among NHS employees in Wales: an analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Presented at: Public Health Wales Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Evaluation conference, Online
Thorneloe, R., Jordan, C., Roberts, R., & Arden, M. (2021). Understanding the barriers and facilitators for COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intentions to receive in booster in young people following the emergence of Omicron: An analysis using the COM-B model. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Thorneloe, R., Arden, M., Wilcockson, H., Jordan, C., Howie, I., & Cooke, S. (2021). Adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviours in Sheffield. Presented at: Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology, seminar series, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Thorneloe, R. (2020). How are people responding to health recommendations during COVID? Findings from a UK survey. Presented at: Festival of Social Sciences, Online
Epton, T., & Thorneloe, R. (2020). Track and trace apps - what behaviours are required? What evidence is there to support these behaviours? Presented at: Learning webinar from the Behavioural Science and Public Health Network hubs in Yorkshire and Humber and North West, Online
Epton, T., & Thorneloe, R. (2020). Track and trace apps - what behaviours are required? What evidence is there to support these behaviours? Presented at: Learning webinar from the Behavioural Science and Public Health Network hubs in Yorkshire and Humber and North West, Online
Thorneloe, R. (2019). How can we support optimal medication adherence? Presented at: 6th Congress of the Skin Inflammation and Psoriasis International Network (SPIN), Paris, France
Thorneloe, R. (2019). Predictors of medication adherence in psoriasis. Presented at: Seminar, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University
Thorneloe, R. (2016). Meeting the psychological needs of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Presented at: European Patient Innovation Summit, Milan, Italy
Posters
Paddock, D., Thorneloe, R., Wilcockson, H., Humphreys, H., Millings, A., & Arden, M. (2023). Factors influencing childhood vaccination uptake following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Paddock, D., Thorneloe, R., Wilcockson, H., Humphreys, H., Millings, A., & Arden, M. (2023). Factors influencing childhood vaccination uptake following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Presented at: Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Sheffield
Thorneloe, R., Lamb, M., & Arden, M. (2020). Exploring the barriers and facilitators for healthcare professionals delivering brief physical activity interventions in primary care. Presented at: Behavioural Science and Public Health Network Annual Conference, University of Derby
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C., Emsley, R., Ashcroft, D., & Cordingley, L. (2019). Intentional and unintentional medication non-adherence in psoriasis: the role of patients’ medication beliefs and habit strength. Presented at: PSORT showcase, Royal College of Physicians
Thorneloe, R., Griffiths, C., Emsley, R., Ashcroft, D., & Cordingley, L. (2019). Beliefs about illness and medication are associated with psychological distress in patients using conventional systemic and biologic therapies for psoriasis. Presented at: PSORT showcase, Royal College of Physicians
Other publications
Clarke, E., & Thorneloe, R. (2024). Supporting Self Compassion in People Living with Psoriasis.
Clarke, E., & Thorneloe, R. (2024). Supporting Self Compassion in People Living with Psoriasis.
Arden, M., & Thorneloe, R. (2023). Contract research and consultancy as a health psychologist.
Arden, M., & Thorneloe, R. (2023). Contract research and consultancy as a health psychologist.