Professor Barbara Masser
Professor

Barbara Masser

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56373

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

Clinical sciences Psychology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, University of Kent
  • Masters (Coursework) of Science, University of Kent
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Kent

Research interests

  • 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.

  • 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.

Search Professor Barbara Masser’s works on UQ eSpace

199 works between 1996 and 2025
All (199) Journal Article (149) Book Chapter (7) Conference Publication (28) Book (2) Other Outputs (13)

101 - 120 of 199 works

2018

Journal Article

Does using applied muscle tension at strategic time points during donation reduce phlebotomist- and donor-reported vasovagal reaction rates? A three-armed randomized controlled trial

Thijsen, Amanda, Gemelli, Carley N., Davison, Tanya E., O'Donovan, Justine, Bell, Barbara and Masser, Barbara (2018). Does using applied muscle tension at strategic time points during donation reduce phlebotomist- and donor-reported vasovagal reaction rates? A three-armed randomized controlled trial. Transfusion, 58 (10), 2352-2359. doi: 10.1111/trf.14940

Does using applied muscle tension at strategic time points during donation reduce phlebotomist- and donor-reported vasovagal reaction rates? A three-armed randomized controlled trial

2018

Journal Article

Intoxicated but not incapacitated: are there effective methods to assist juries in interpreting evidence of voluntary complainant intoxication in cases of rape?

Nitschke, Faye T., Masser, Barbara M., McKimmie, Blake M. and Riachi, Maddison (2018). Intoxicated but not incapacitated: are there effective methods to assist juries in interpreting evidence of voluntary complainant intoxication in cases of rape?. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36 (9-10), 1-25. doi: 10.1177/0886260518790601

Intoxicated but not incapacitated: are there effective methods to assist juries in interpreting evidence of voluntary complainant intoxication in cases of rape?

2018

Conference Publication

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEAR AND ANXIETY IN PREDICTING BLOOD DONATION INTENTION

Gilchrist, Philippe Thomas, Masser, Barbara, Fedoruk, Claire, Horsley, Kristin J. and Ditto, Blaine (2018). THE IMPORTANCE OF FEAR AND ANXIETY IN PREDICTING BLOOD DONATION INTENTION. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEAR AND ANXIETY IN PREDICTING BLOOD DONATION INTENTION

2018

Journal Article

The emotional psychology of blood donors: a time-course approach

Williams, L. A., Masser, B., van Dongen, A., Thijsen, A. and Davison, T. (2018). The emotional psychology of blood donors: a time-course approach. ISBT Science Series, 13 (1), 93-100. doi: 10.1111/voxs.12385

The emotional psychology of blood donors: a time-course approach

2018

Book Chapter

Emotions and prosociality: lessons for blood donation

Ferguson, Eamonn and Masser, Barbara (2018). Emotions and prosociality: lessons for blood donation. Affective determinants of health behavior. (pp. 377-399) edited by David M. Williams, Ryan E. Rhodes and Mark T. Conner. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oso/9780190499037.003.0017

Emotions and prosociality: lessons for blood donation

2018

Book Chapter

A Social Identity Model for Education

Abrams, Dominic, Houston, Diane, Masser, Barbara and McKimmie, Blake (2018). A Social Identity Model for Education. The Oxford Handbook of Group and Organizational Learning. (pp. 1-40) edited by Argote, Linda and Levine, John M.. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190263362.013.1

A Social Identity Model for Education

2018

Journal Article

A systematic review of incentives in blood donation

Chell, Kathleen, Davison, Tanya E, Masser, Barbara and Jensen, Kyle (2018). A systematic review of incentives in blood donation. Transfusion, 58 (1), 242-254. doi: 10.1111/trf.14387

A systematic review of incentives in blood donation

2018

Conference Publication

Impact of a post-donation SMS on retention of new whole blood donors

Gemelli, Carley N., Kruse, Sarah P., Van Dyke, Nina, Masser, Barbara, Davison, Tanya E. and Irving, David O. (2018). Impact of a post-donation SMS on retention of new whole blood donors. AABB Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, 13-16 October 2018 . Hoboken, NJ, United States: Wiley-Blackwell.

Impact of a post-donation SMS on retention of new whole blood donors

2017

Journal Article

What motivates men to donate blood? A systematic review of the evidence

Carver, A., Chell, K., Davison, T. E. and Masser, B. M. (2017). What motivates men to donate blood? A systematic review of the evidence. Vox Sanguinis, 113 (3), 205-219. doi: 10.1111/vox.12625

What motivates men to donate blood? A systematic review of the evidence

2017

Book Chapter

A social identity model for education

Abrams, Dominic, Houston, Diane M., Masser, Barbara M. and McKimmie, Blake M. (2017). A social identity model for education. The Oxford Handbook of Group and Organizational Learning. (pp. 565-586) edited by Linda Argote and John M. Levine. New York, NY, United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190263362.013.1

A social identity model for education

2017

Journal Article

Facilitating donor compliance with strategies to prevent vasovagal reactions: comparison of web-based and in-center approaches

Thijsen, Amanda, Fisher, Jenny, Gemelli, Carley N., Bell, Barbara, Davison, Tanya E. and Masser, Barbara M. (2017). Facilitating donor compliance with strategies to prevent vasovagal reactions: comparison of web-based and in-center approaches. Transfusion, 57 (10), 2449-2457. doi: 10.1111/trf.14243

Facilitating donor compliance with strategies to prevent vasovagal reactions: comparison of web-based and in-center approaches

2017

Journal Article

Deconstructing the simplification of jury instructions: how simplifying the features of complexity affects jurors' application of instructions

Baguley, Chantelle M., McKimmie, Blake M. and Masser, Barbara M. (2017). Deconstructing the simplification of jury instructions: how simplifying the features of complexity affects jurors' application of instructions. Law and Human Behavior, 41 (3), 284-304. doi: 10.1037/lhb0000234

Deconstructing the simplification of jury instructions: how simplifying the features of complexity affects jurors' application of instructions

2017

Journal Article

How can we encourage our voluntary non-remunerated donors to donate more frequently?

Masser, B. M., Davison, T. E. and Chapman, C. M. (2017). How can we encourage our voluntary non-remunerated donors to donate more frequently?. ISBT Science Series, 12 (1), 112-118. doi: 10.1111/voxs.12312

How can we encourage our voluntary non-remunerated donors to donate more frequently?

2016

Journal Article

The impact of the context and recruitment materials on nondonors' willingness to donate blood

Masser, Barbara M., France, Christopher R., Himawan, Lina K., Hyde, Melissa K. and Smith, Geoff (2016). The impact of the context and recruitment materials on nondonors' willingness to donate blood. Transfusion, 56 (12), 2995-3003. doi: 10.1111/trf.13805

The impact of the context and recruitment materials on nondonors' willingness to donate blood

2016

Journal Article

The selective use of rape-victim stereotypes to protect culturally similar perpetrators

Bongiorno, Renata, McKimmie, Blake M. and Masser, Barbara M. (2016). The selective use of rape-victim stereotypes to protect culturally similar perpetrators. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 40 (3), 398-413. doi: 10.1177/0361684316631932

The selective use of rape-victim stereotypes to protect culturally similar perpetrators

2016

Journal Article

Improving first-time donor attendance rates through the use of enhanced donor preparation materials

Masser, Barbara, France, Christopher R., Foot, Jayne, Rozsa, Amy, Hayman, Jane, Waller, Daniel and Hunder, Everard (2016). Improving first-time donor attendance rates through the use of enhanced donor preparation materials. Transfusion, 56 (6), 1628-1635. doi: 10.1111/trf.13496

Improving first-time donor attendance rates through the use of enhanced donor preparation materials

2016

Journal Article

The blood donor anxiety scale: a six-item state anxiety measure based on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

Chell, Kathleen, Waller, Daniel and Masser, Barbara (2016). The blood donor anxiety scale: a six-item state anxiety measure based on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Transfusion, 56 (6), 1645-1653. doi: 10.1111/trf.13520

The blood donor anxiety scale: a six-item state anxiety measure based on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

2016

Journal Article

How can we improve retention of the first-time donor? A systematic review of the current evidence

Bagot, Kathleen L., Murray, Andrea L. and Masser, Barbara M. (2016). How can we improve retention of the first-time donor? A systematic review of the current evidence. Transfusion Medicine Reviews, 30 (2), 81-91. doi: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2016.02.002

How can we improve retention of the first-time donor? A systematic review of the current evidence

2016

Journal Article

Rape perpetrators on trial: the effect of sexual assault related schemas on attributions of blame

Stuart, Shannon M., McKimmie, Blake M. and Masser, Barbara M. (2016). Rape perpetrators on trial: the effect of sexual assault related schemas on attributions of blame. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34 (2), 088626051664077-336. doi: 10.1177/0886260516640777

Rape perpetrators on trial: the effect of sexual assault related schemas on attributions of blame

2016

Journal Article

Negative experiences and donor return: an examination of the role of asking for something different

Masser, Barbara M., Bove, Liliana L., White, Katherine M. and Bagot, Kathleen L. (2016). Negative experiences and donor return: an examination of the role of asking for something different. Transfusion, 56 (3), 605-613. doi: 10.1111/trf.13390

Negative experiences and donor return: an examination of the role of asking for something different

Current funding

  • 2025
    Investigating the Role of Partners as Social Support for Human Milk Donors
    South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Limited
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    The BRAVE Project - BReAking resistance, designing a short in-situ interVEntion to help non-donors overcome blood donation distress
    Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Collaborative Research and Research Chair Agreement
    Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Engaging the over 50s to ensure the sustainability of our blood supply
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    Optimising human milk nutrition to improve the long-term health of preterm infants (NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence led by The University of Adelaide)
    University of Adelaide
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    Infectious pathogens and associated risk factors in blood donors: protecting the blood supply while providing a window into the wider community (NHMRC Partnership Projects Grant led by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    ARC Training Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption (BITA) (ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre Administered by QUT)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Donor Health and Behaviour
    National Institute for Health Research UK
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2025
    Engaging ethnic minority and majority blood donors in donor recruitment
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    Protecting the blood supply against infectious disease by strengthening the evidence base that guides donor selection and screening policy (NHMRC Partnership Project administered by UNSW )
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Australian Red Cross Blood Service Chair in Donor Behaviour
    Australian Red Cross Blood Service
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    The emotional psychology of blood donors: understanding and using the affective key to donor return (ARC Linkage Project administered by the University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Overcoming the Impact of Situationally Induced Anxiety
    Australian Red Cross Blood Service
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Rape victims on trial: Understanding police officers' and jurors' beliefs about sexual assault, victims, and perpetrators.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2015
    The initiation and maintenance of plasma and platelet donation in Australia: An analysis of the role of donor identity and commitment
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Managing vasovagal reactions among young first-time blood donors
    Australian Red Cross Blood Service
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Understanding and diminishing the impact of stereotypes about female victims of sexual assault
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Understand the reactions of blood donors and recipients to an avian influenza pandemic
    Australian Red Cross Blood Service
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Recruiting and retaining Australian blood donors: A social-psychological analysis of the role of attitudes, identity, and norms
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Predictors of new donor return rates to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
    Australian Red Cross Blood Service
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Recruiting and Retaining Blood Donors: A Social-Psychological Analysis
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Understanding reactions to diversity initiatives in organizations: An intergroup perspective.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Detecting and eliminating 'backlash': A social identity perspective.
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Sustainable natural resource management in rural communities: a social-psychological analysis of relationships among attitudes, norms and practices
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 2001
    When will the stereotypes of the prejudiced rebound and be expressed?
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman

  • Doctor Philosophy

    An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman

  • Doctor Philosophy

    An Application of Psychological Ownership in Blood Donation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow, Dr Cassandra Chapman

  • 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

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating Perceptions of Gender Harassment in the Workplace

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating Perceptions of Co-worker Gender Harassment in the Workplace

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Fiona Barlow

  • 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

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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