Overview
Background
Barbara’s research uses social psychological theory to solve real social problems. Over 19 years she has collaborated with a range of industry partners (e.g., Australian Red Cross Lifeblood; state police agencies) to design and evaluate theory-based solutions to problems as diverse as how to minimise bias in investigating allegations of sexual assault to how to maximise blood donor appointment attendance. She has over 100 peer reviewed publications including many focused on gender, prejudice, discrimination, and SoHO donor recruitment and retention that have been published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Psychology of Women Quarterly, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Law & Human Behavior, Transfusion, Transfusion Medicine Reviews and and other journals.
Availability
- Professor Barbara Masser is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, University of Kent
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, University of Kent
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Kent
Research interests
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Donor recruitment, retention, and health
We have a wide array of research taking places in donors of substances of human origin (SoHO - see https://research.psy.uq.edu.au/dorn/research/). if you are interested in why donors do what they do, how we can promote retention and how we can ensure our donors remain happy and healthy, then please get in contact so we can discuss your PhD options.
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Perceptions and treatment of victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence
Sexual assault and intimate partner violence remain some of the most under-reported and under-prosecuted crimes. We have explored the role of schemas and stereotypes in influencing identification of these forms of violence and in decision-making about these crimes. If you are interested in stereotypes and schemas and are interested in how we can improve outcomes for victims and survivors of these crimes, then please get in touch so we can discuss PhD options.
Research impacts
Barbara is the current Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Joint Chair in Donor Research. In this role she works closely with the Donor Research team in Research & Development at Lifeblood to design and execute research that results in change to business-as-usual practice.
Works
Search Professor Barbara Masser’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
The impact of age and sex on first‐time donor return behavior
Masser, Barbara M., Wright, Stephen, Germain, Marc, Grégoire, Yves, Goldman, Mindy, O'Brien, Shelia F., Kamel, Hany, Bravo, Marjorie, Merz, Eva‐Maria, Hurk, Katja, Prinsze, Femmeke, Takanashi, Minoko, Wilder, Zoe, Shaz, Beth and , (2020). The impact of age and sex on first‐time donor return behavior. Transfusion, 60 (1) trf.15627, 84-93. doi: 10.1111/trf.15627
2019
Other Outputs
Rapid Evidence Summary: Understanding and developing a survey to assess potential and actual stool donor bowel habits
Hyde, Melissa K. and Masser, Barbara (2019). Rapid Evidence Summary: Understanding and developing a survey to assess potential and actual stool donor bowel habits. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Journal Article
Predicting blood donation intention: the importance of fear
Gilchrist, Philippe T., Masser, Barbara M., Horsley, Kristin and Ditto, Blaine (2019). Predicting blood donation intention: the importance of fear. Transfusion, 59 (12) trf.15554, 3666-3673. doi: 10.1111/trf.15554
2019
Other Outputs
Rapid review of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) volunteer donor research
Hyde, Melissa K. and Masser, Barbara (2019). Rapid review of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) volunteer donor research. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Journal Article
Deferred and deterred: a review of literature on the impact of deferrals on blood donors
Davison, Tanya E., Masser, Barbara M. and Gemelli, Carley N. (2019). Deferred and deterred: a review of literature on the impact of deferrals on blood donors. ISBT Science Series, 15 (1) voxs.12520, 3-10. doi: 10.1111/voxs.12520
2019
Other Outputs
Rapid Scoping Review: Expressing & breastfeeding guides for milk bank donors
Hyde, Melissa K. and Masser, Barbara (2019). Rapid Scoping Review: Expressing & breastfeeding guides for milk bank donors. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Journal Article
Trends in return behavior after an adverse event in Australian whole blood and plasma donors
Thijsen, Amanda, Masser, Barbara, Gemelli, Carley N. and Davison, Tanya E. (2019). Trends in return behavior after an adverse event in Australian whole blood and plasma donors. Transfusion, 59 (10) trf.15475, 3157-3163. doi: 10.1111/trf.15475
2019
Journal Article
Beyond description: the predictive role of affect, memory, and context in the decision to donate or not donate blood
Masser, Barbara, Ferguson, Eamonn, Merz, Eva-Maria and Williams, Lisa (2019). Beyond description: the predictive role of affect, memory, and context in the decision to donate or not donate blood. Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, 47 (2), 175-185. doi: 10.1159/000501917
2019
Other Outputs
Engaging and meeting the online information needs of potential milk bank donors
Hyde, Melissa K. and Masser, Barbara (2019). Engaging and meeting the online information needs of potential milk bank donors. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Rapid Evidence Summary: Donor experiences of deferral from donating human breast milk or blood products
Hyde, Melissa K. and Masser, Barbara (2019). Rapid Evidence Summary: Donor experiences of deferral from donating human breast milk or blood products. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Journal Article
The role of identity in how whole‐blood donors reflect on and construct their future as a plasma donor
Thorpe, Rachel, Masser, Barbara M., Jensen, Kyle, Van Dyke, Nina and Davison, Tanya E. (2019). The role of identity in how whole‐blood donors reflect on and construct their future as a plasma donor. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 30 (1) casp.2429, 73-84. doi: 10.1002/casp.2429
2019
Journal Article
Re-evaluating how to measure jurors’ comprehension and application of jury instructions
Baguley, Chantelle M., McKimmie, Blake M. and Masser, Barbara M. (2019). Re-evaluating how to measure jurors’ comprehension and application of jury instructions. Psychology, Crime & Law, 26 (1), 53-66. doi: 10.1080/1068316x.2019.1634195
2019
Other Outputs
Rapid Evidence Summary: Using Ambient Features in Healthcare Settings
Hyde, Melissa K. and Masser, Barbara (2019). Rapid Evidence Summary: Using Ambient Features in Healthcare Settings. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Journal Article
Integrating self-determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to predict intention to donate blood: predicting intention with SDT and TPB
Williams, L. A., Sun, J. and Masser, B. (2019). Integrating self-determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to predict intention to donate blood: predicting intention with SDT and TPB. Transfusion Medicine, 29 (S1), 59-64. doi: 10.1111/tme.12566
2019
Journal Article
Growing evidence supports healthy older people continuing to donate blood into later life: evidence supports blood donation in later life
Davison, Tanya E., Masser, Barbara M. and Thorpe, Rachel (2019). Growing evidence supports healthy older people continuing to donate blood into later life: evidence supports blood donation in later life. Transfusion, 59 (4), 1166-1170. doi: 10.1111/trf.15237
2019
Journal Article
Vasovagal reactions in blood donors: risks, prevention and management
Thijsen, A. and Masser, B. (2019). Vasovagal reactions in blood donors: risks, prevention and management. Transfusion Medicine, 29 (S1), 13-22. doi: 10.1111/tme.12488
2018
Journal Article
Blood donor behaviour, motivations and the need for a systematic cross-cultural perspective: the example of moral outrage and health- and non-health-based philanthropy across seven countries
Ferguson, Eamonn, Dorner, Laszlo, France, Christopher R., France, Janis L., Masser, Barbara, Lam, Michael, Marta, Elena, Alfieri, Sara, Merz, Eva-Maria, Adams, Byron, Huis in ’t Veld, Elisabeth and Scerri, Josianne (2018). Blood donor behaviour, motivations and the need for a systematic cross-cultural perspective: the example of moral outrage and health- and non-health-based philanthropy across seven countries. ISBT Science Series, 13 (4), 375-383. doi: 10.1111/voxs.12471
2018
Journal Article
Emotions experienced when receiving a temporary deferral: perspectives from staff and donors
Gemelli, Carley N., Thijsen, Amanda, Van Dyke, Nina, Masser, Barbara M. and Davison, Tanya E. (2018). Emotions experienced when receiving a temporary deferral: perspectives from staff and donors. ISBT Science Series, 13 (4), 394-404. doi: 10.1111/voxs.12463
2018
Journal Article
Identifying (our) donors: Toward a social psychological understanding of charity selection in Australia
Chapman, Cassandra M., Louis, Winnifred R. and Masser, Barbara M. (2018). Identifying (our) donors: Toward a social psychological understanding of charity selection in Australia. Psychology & Marketing, 35 (12), 980-989. doi: 10.1002/mar.21150
2018
Journal Article
The champion effect in peer-to-peer giving: successful campaigns highlight fundraisers more than causes
Chapman, Cassandra M., Masser, Barbara M. and Louis, Winnifred R. (2018). The champion effect in peer-to-peer giving: successful campaigns highlight fundraisers more than causes. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 48 (3), 089976401880519-592. doi: 10.1177/0899764018805196
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Barbara Masser is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
An examination of men's social reactions to disclosures of non-physical intimate partner violence
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Associate Professor James Kirby
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Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) for Blood Donor Motivation and Recruitment among the ethnic majority and Chinese ethnic minority in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Faiza El-Higzi
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating Perceptions of Gender Harassment in the Workplace
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating Perceptions of Co-worker Gender Harassment in the Workplace
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow
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Doctor Philosophy
An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman
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Doctor Philosophy
An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman
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Doctor Philosophy
An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman
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Doctor Philosophy
Closed veins: understanding the experiences and psychosocial impact of permanent deferral in older donors
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Theresa Scott
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Idealising Jealousy in Inhibiting the Identification of and Response to Non-Physical Intimate Partner Violence: A Schema Theory Approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Winnifred Louis
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Perceptions of, and Responses to, Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Why can't we all just get along? A social psychological examination of women's intra-gender hostility
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matthew Hornsey
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Maintaining the Status Quo through Ambivalent Attitudes towards Men: The Uniques Roles of Benevolence and Hostility
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Working mothers and workplace discrimination: the role of prescriptive stereotypes, neosexism and status threat.
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Promoting intergroup contact through the timing of disclosure of a sexual minority status
Principal Advisor
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Just because you lead us, it doesn't mean we have to like you: How can anti-norm leaders mitigate negative evaluations from their group members?
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kelly Fielding
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Managing Employment Status Diversity In The Australian Defence Force: The Critical Role Of Group Representation
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Impact of Schemas on Victim Credibility in Rape Trials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Tangen, Professor Blake McKimmie
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Toward a triadic understanding of charitable giving: How donors, beneficiaries, fundraisers, and social contexts influence donation decisions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Winnifred Louis
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing the Quality of Jury Decision-Making through Jury Instruction Simplification
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Blake McKimmie
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Examining the therapeutic effect of gardens and gardening activities for older adults residing in the community and in aged-care facilities
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nancy Pachana
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Growing Future Leaders: The Development of Leadership Aspirations
Associate Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Responses to Employees with Disabilities: An Analysis of Context, Stereotypes, Emotions and Behavioural Tendencies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jolanda Jetten, Professor Winnifred Louis
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
An investigation of the impact of note taking on the quality of mock jurors' decisions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Blake McKimmie
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
How do we respond to and cope with (repeated) exposure to death in TV news? Desensitisation or personalisation: An application of Terror Managment Theory
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Barbara Masser directly for media enquiries about:
- Blood donor recruitment
- Blood donors - psychology
- Discrimination - psychology
- Discrimination and psychology
- Gender - social psychology
- Gender equity
- Homophobia
- Prejudice and psychology
- Psychology of blood donation
- Sexism
- Sexual harassment
- Social psychology
- Women and work
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