John McAlaney

Professor John McAlaney

  • u_jmcalaney at bournemouth dot ac dot uk
  • Professor In Psychology
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Biography

I am a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Professor of Psychology. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Stirling, my MSc at the University of Strathclyde and then my PhD at the University of West of Scotland in 2007. My PhD was on the topic of social psychology and substance use, looking particularly at misperceptions of peer norms. Following this I worked on an AERC funded post-doc position at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine before moving onto a lecturing post at the University of Bradford in 2008. I joined the School of Psychology here at Bournemouth in 2014. In this time I have acted as Programme Leader for the BSc Cyberpsychology degree and as Head of Education. I currently lead the Gambling Research Groups and are the Unit Leader for the Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare final year optional unit. Outside of the University I act as a Trustee for the Gordon Moody Association, which provides treatment for individuals with problem gambling.

Research

My research focuses on social psychological aspects of behaviour change, and how this is informed by group dynamics and perceptions of peer behaviour. I have been extensively involved in the development of the social norms approach in the UK, which aims to bring about positive change through challenging misconceptions and negative stereotypes. I am particularly interested in applying this research to areas that involve risk based decision making.

Since joining Bournemouth University I have also been working with colleagues from the Department of Computing on several aspects of socio-technical systems. This includes exploring how social psychology research may be used to better understand the role of human factors in cybercrime, hacktivism and online social protest; as well as how system may be designed to address the potential psychological factors associated with excessive use of digital technologies (i.e. digital addiction). I also conduct research on problematic gambling and how this can be addressed with the help of technology to detect, predict, prevent and intervene with harmful gambling behaviours. More broadly I am interested in how socio-technical systems transform and enhance social processes, including for example issues such as the spread of fake news.

A common element of all of my research activity is engagement with stakeholders to ensure that real-world benefits are achieved. This includes industry, charities and Government organisations.

Favourites

Journal Articles

Books

Chapters

  • Segumpan, R.G., McAlaney, J., 2023. Gulf Higher Education Reforms vis-à-vis the Pandemic: Conclusion. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education Confronting the Covid 19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications.
  • McAlaney, J., Segumpan, R.G., 2023. Directions in Gulf Higher Education: Conclusion. Challenges and Reforms in Gulf Higher Education Confronting the Covid 19 Pandemic and Assessing Future Implications.
  • McAlaney, J., 2022. Are you anonymous? Social-psychological processes of hacking groups. Cybersecurity and Cognitive Science.
  • Bewick, B.M., Dempsey, R.C., McAlaney, J., Crosby, H.F., 2021. Electronic brief personalised feedback interventions for alcohol use. Palgrave Handbook of Psychological Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption.
  • McAlaney, J., 2021. Quality drivers in Gulf higher education: Conclusion. Higher Education in the Gulf Quality Drivers.
  • Taylor-Jackson, J., McAlaney, J., Foster, J.L., Bello, A., Maurushat, A., Dale, J., 2020. Incorporating Psychology into Cyber Security Education: A Pedagogical Approach. In: Bernhard, M., Bracciali, A., Camp, L.J., Matsuo, S., Maurushat, A., Rønne, P.B., Sala, M., eds. Financial Cryptography and Data Security. Springer.
  • Taylor, J., Thackray, H., Hodge, S.E., McAlaney, J., 2020. Introducing Psychological Concepts and Methods to Cybersecurity Students. Research Anthology on Rehabilitation Practices and Therapy.
  • McAlaney, J., Benson, V., 2019. Cybersecurity as a social phenomenon. Cyber Influence and Cognitive Threats.
  • Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2019. Exploring the Risk Factors of Interactive E-Health Interventions for Digital Addiction. Internet and Technology Addiction Breakthroughs in Research and Practice.
  • Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2019. Exploring the Risk Factors of Interactive E-Health Interventions for Digital Addiction. Substance Abuse and Addiction Breakthroughs in Research and Practice.
  • Benson, V., McAlaney, J., Frumkin, L.A., 2019. Emerging Threats for the Human Element and Countermeasures in Current Cyber Security Landscape. Cyber Law Privacy and Security Concepts Methodologies Tools and Applications.
  • Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2019. Exploring the Risk Factors of Interactive E-Health Interventions for Digital Addiction. Multigenerational Online Behavior and Media Use Concepts Methodologies Tools and Applications.
  • Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., Gatzidis, C., Anderson, E.F., Melacca, D., Taylor, J., 2018. Applying Psychological Theory to in-game moral behaviors through the development of a purpose-made game. In: Bowman, N.D., eds. Video Games: A Medium That Demands Our Attention. New York and London: Routledge, 108-125.
  • McAlaney, J., Benson, V., Frumkin, L.A., 2018. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security.
  • Thackray, H., McAlaney, J., 2018. Groups online: Hacktivism and social protest. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security. 194-209.
  • Taylor, J., Thackray, H., Hodge, S.E., McAlaney, J., 2018. Introducing psychological concepts and methods to cybersecurity students. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security. 98-108.
  • Benson, V., McAlaney, J., Frumkin, L.A., 2018. Emerging threats for the human element and countermeasures in current cyber security landscape. Psychological and Behavioral Examinations in Cyber Security.
  • McAlaney, J., Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Rasmussen, S., Van Hal, G., 2013. Substance use behaviours and normative beliefs in North West European university and college students. In: Shek, D.T.L., Sun, R.C.F., Merrick, J., eds. University and College Students: Health and Development Issues for the Leaders of Tomorrow. Nova Publishers.
  • Boot, C.R., Dahlin, M., Lintonen, T., Stock, C., Van Hal, G., Rasmussen, S., McAlaney, 2013. Associations between misperceptions on substance use by peers and health and academic outcomes in university students. In: Shek, D.T.L., Sun, R.C.F., Merrick, J., eds. University and College Students: Health and Development Issues for the Leaders of Tomorrow. Nova Publishers.
  • McAlaney, McMahon, J., Edgar, F., 2009. Public and professional conceptualisations of binge drinking: are we all talking the same language? Binge Drinking Research Progress. Nova Publishers.

Conferences

  • Wang, R., Bush-Evans, R., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Bolat, E., Thomas, S., Phalp, K., 2024. Usability of Responsible Gambling Information on Gambling Operator' Websites: A Webcam-Based Eye Tracking Study. Eye Tracking Research and Applications Symposium ETRA.
  • Gurgun, S., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2023. Can We Re-design Social Media to Persuade People to Challenge Misinformation? An Exploratory Study. Lecture Notes in Computer Science Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics, 13832 LNCS, 123-141.
  • Lyons, D., Kiyak, C., Cetinkaya, D., Hodge, S., McAlaney, J., 2022. Design and Development of a Mobile Application to Combat Digital Addiction and Dissociative States during Phone Usage. Proceedings 2022 IEEE International Conference on E Business Engineering Icebe 2022, 204-209.
  • Hodge, S.E., Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., 2020. Designing Meta-choices in a Purpose Made Game to Explore Anti-social Choices. Proceedings of 2020 7th IEEE International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing Besc 2020.
  • Mcalaney, J., Hambidge, S., Kimpton, E., Thackray, H., 2020. Knowledge is power: An analysis of discussions on hacking forums. Proceedings 5th IEEE European Symposium on Security and Privacy Workshops Euro S and Pw 2020, 477-483.
  • McAlaney, J., Aldhayan, M., Almourad, M.B., Cham, S., Ali, R., 2020. Predictors of Acceptance and Rejection of Online Peer Support Groups as a Digital Wellbeing Tool. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 1161 AISC, 95-107.
  • McAlaney, J., Aldhayan, M., Almourad, M.B., Cham, S., Ali, R., 2020. On the need for cultural sensitivity in digital wellbeing tools and messages: A UK-China comparison. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 1160 AISC, 723-733.
  • Aldhayan, M., Naiseh, M., McAlaney, J., Ali, R., 2020. Online Peer Support Groups for Behavior Change: Moderation Requirements. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, 385 LNBIP, 157-173.
  • Taylor-Jackson, J., McAlaney, J., Foster, J.L., Bello, A., Maurushat, A., Dale, J., 2020. Incorporating psychology into cyber security education: A pedagogical approach. Lecture Notes in Computer Science Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics, 12063 LNCS, 207-217.
  • Alutaybi, A., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2019. How can social networks design trigger fear of missing out? Conference Proceedings IEEE International Conference on Systems Man and Cybernetics, 2019-October, 3758-3765.
  • Alutaybi, A., McAlaney, J., Arden-Close, E., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2019. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as Really Lived: Five Classifications and one Ecology. Besc 2019 6th International Conference on Behavioral Economic and Socio Cultural Computing Proceedings.
  • McAlaney, J., Close, E.A., Ali, R., 2019. Gender differences in attitudes towards prevention and intervention messages for digital addiction. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 931, 806-818.
  • Cham, S., Algashami, A., Aldhayan, M., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Almourad, M.B., Ali, R., 2019. Digital addiction: Negative life experiences and potential for technology-assisted solutions. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 931, 921-931.
  • Cham, S., Algashami, A., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2019. Goal setting for persuasive information systems: Five reference checklists. Lecture Notes in Computer Science Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics, 11433 LNCS, 237-253.
  • Drosatos, G., Nalbadis, F., Arden-Close, E., Baines, V., Bolat, E., Vuillier, L., Kostoulas, T., Wasowska, S., Bonello, M., Palles, J., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2018. Empowering responsible online gambling by real-time persuasive information systems. Proceedings International Conference on Research Challenges in Information Science, 2018-May, 1-11.
  • M'MANGA, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., Kadobayashi, Y., Miyamoto, D., 2018. Eliciting Persona Characteristics for Risk Based Decision Making. In: 32nd International BCS Human Computer Interaction Conference 02/07/2018 Belfast, UK.
  • M'MANGA, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Kadobayashi, Y., Miyamoto, D., 2018. Qualitative Adaptation: Informing Design for Risk-based Decision Making. In: 2nd Workshop on the Challenges and Opportunities for Qualitative Data Research Methods in HCI 02/07/2018 Belfast, UK.
  • Skinner, T., Taylor, J., Dale, J., McAlaney, D.J., 2018. The development of intervention E-learning materials and implementation techniques for cyber-security behaviour change. Proceedings of Aisb Annual Convention 2018, 29-33.
  • Alutaybi, A., McAlaney, J., Stefanidis, A., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2018. Designing social networks to combat fear of missing out. Proceedings of the 32nd International Bcs Human Computer Interaction Conference Hci 2018.
  • M'manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., 2018. Rationalising Decision Making about Risk: A Normative Approach. PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON HUMAN ASPECTS OF INFORMATION SECURITY & ASSURANCE (HAISA 2018), 263-271.
  • M'manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., 2017. Folk Risk Analysis: Factors Influencing Security Analysts’ Interpretation of Risk. In: 3rd Workshop on Security Information Workers 12/07/2017 Santa Clara, USA. Proceedings of the 3rd Workshop on Security Information Workers Usenix Association.
  • M'Manga, A., Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Williams, C., 2017. System design considerations for risk perception. Proceedings International Conference on Research Challenges in Information Science, 322-327.
  • Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Thackray, H., Richardson, C., James, S., Dale, J., 2017. Teaching psychological principles to cybersecurity students. IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference Educon, 1782-1789.
  • Hodge, S., Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., 2017. Restricted Content: Ethical Issues with Researching Minors’ Video Game Habits. In: CHI 06/05/2017 Denver.
  • Hodge, S., Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., 2017. Moral development and video game play. In: BPS Annual Conference 2017 03/05/2017 Brighton. https://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/user-files/Annual%20Conference%202017/AC2017%20ABSTRACT%20BOOK_web.pdf Leicester: BPS.
  • Taylor, J., Ollis, G., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., Thackray, H., 2017. Observations and reflections on teaching psychological principles and methods to cybersecurity students. In: National Conference for Learning and Teaching in Cyber Security 2017 05/04/2017 Liverpool John Moores University. York: HEA.
  • Algashami, A., Shahri, A., McAlaney, J., Taylor, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2017. Strategies and design principles to minimize negative side-effects of digital motivation on teamwork. Lecture Notes in Computer Science Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics, 10171 LNCS, 267-278.
  • Thackray, H., Richardson, C., Dogan, H., Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., 2017. Surveying the hackers: The challenges of data collection from a secluded community. European Conference on Information Warfare and Security Eccws, 0, 745-748.
  • Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2016. Online peer groups as a persuasive tool to combat digital addiction. Lecture Notes in Computer Science Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics, 9638, 288-300.
  • Thackray, H., McAlaney, J., Dogan, H., Taylor, J., Richardson, C., 2016. Social psychology: An under-used tool in cybersecurity. Proceedings of the 30th International Bcs Human Computer Interaction Conference Hci 2016, 2016-July.
  • Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Dogan, H., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2016. Exploring the requirements and design of persuasive intervention technology to combat digital addiction. Lecture Notes in Computer Science Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics, 9856 LNCS, 130-150.
  • Hodge, S., Taylor, J., McAlaney, J., Gatzidis, C., 2016. Design of a videogame to explore morality. Proceedings of the 30th International Bcs Human Computer Interaction Conference Hci 2016, 2016-July.
  • Ali, R., McAlaney, J., Faily, S., Phalp, K., Katos, V., 2015. Mitigating circumstances in cybercrime: A position paper. Proceedings 15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology CIT 2015 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications Iucc 2015 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable Autonomic and Secure Computing Dasc 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing Picom 2015, 1972-1976.
  • McAlaney, Taylor, J., Faily, S., 2015. The Social Psychology of Cybersecurity. In: 1st International Conference on Cyber Security for Sustainable Society 26/02/2015 Coventry, UK.
  • Faily, S., McAlaney, J., Iacob, C., 2015. Ethical dilemmas and dimensions in penetration testing. Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Human Aspects of Information Security and Assurance Haisa 2015, 233-242.
  • Ali, R., Jiang, N., Phalp, K., Muir, S., McAlaney, J., 2015. The Emerging Requirement for Digital Addiction Labels. In: The 21st International Working Conference on Requirements Engineering: Foundation for Software Quality (REFSQ 2015) 23/03/2015 Essen, Germany..

Reports

Internet Publications

Artefacts

Posters

  • Kiyak, C., Cetinkaya, D., Ali, R., McAlaney, J., Hodge, S., 2022. Mind the gap: Minimising online gambling related harm through persuasive technologies. In: The 17th International Conference on Persuasive Technology.
  • McAlaney, J., Kimpton, E., Thackray, H., 2019. Fifty shades of grey hat: A socio-psychological analysis of conversations on hacking forums. In: CYPSY24: 24th Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
  • Drosatos, G., Nalmpantis, F., Baines, V., Bolat, E., Vuillier, L., Kostoulas, T., Arden-Close, E., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R., 2018. A conceptual architecture for empowering responsible online gambling with predictive, real-time, persuasive and interactive intervention. In: The 13th International Conference on Persuasive Technology (Persuasive’18).

Others

PhD Students

  • Sarah Hodge, 2018. Press trigger for morality: An exploration into the role of moral development, moral decision-making and video game play, (Completed)
  • Helen Thackray, 2019. Hackers gonna hack: Investigating the effect of group processes & social identities within online hacking communities, (Completed)
  • Jody Quigley, 2017. Social norms and self-harming behaviour
  • Tessa Corner. Is it possible to map the disease of addiction as a spectrum disorder?
  • Andrew Mmanga. Designing systems for risk-based decision making and assurance’ studentship
  • Sainabou Cham. Digital addiction awareness: modelling and tracking planned and deviated online usage
  • Aarif Alutaybi. Avoiding digital addiction: capturing and agreeing expectations in cyber social interactions
  • Lola Fagbule. Assessing behaviour change strategies in Cyber Security

Profile of Teaching PG

  • Cyberpsychology (MSc Cybersecurity and Human Factors)

Profile of Teaching UG

  • Social Psychology and Individual Differences (Level C)
  • Cyberpsychology (Level H)
  • Personality, Intelligence and Social Psychology (Level I, module leader)

Grants

  • Picturing and voicing responsible online gambling (Economic and Social Research Council, 11 Sep 2020). Completed
  • Cross-cultural psychological aspects of cybersecurity (Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, 03 Apr 2017). In Progress
  • Happy to Help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor (University of Oxford, 13 Sep 2016). Completed
  • Eye gaze in the job interview: Do differences in gaze between video conferencing and face-to-face interviews change interviewers' perceptions of candidates? (British Academy, 01 Apr 2016). In Progress
  • NHS Lothian Social Norms Project (NHS Lothian, 01 Aug 2012). Completed
  • NHS Fife Social Norms Project (NHS Fife, 01 Aug 2011). Completed
  • Social Norms Intervention for the Prevention of Polydrug Use (SNIPE) (European Union Drug Prevention and Information Programme, 01 Mar 2011). Completed
  • NHS Lothian Social Norms Project (NHS Lothian). Completed

Public Engagement & Outreach Activities

  • Enabling Safer Gambling Parliamentary reception (19 Apr 2023)

Conference Presentations

  • WACCO 2020 Workshop on Attackers and Cyber-Crime Operations, Knowledge is power: An analysis of discussions on hacking forums, 07 Sep 2020, Online
  • CyPsy24: Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, Cultural differences in attitudes towards interactive messages for digital addiction: A UK-China comparison, 24 Jun 2019, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
  • Realigning Cyber Security Education International Workshop, Incorporating Psychology into Cyber Security Education: Key Areas and Pedagogical Approaches, 27 Nov 2017, Australian Defence Force Academy
  • Symposium on Cyber Security, Motivations, group processes and decision making of hackers and hacktivists, 14 Nov 2017, Manchester
  • A Roadmap of Research in Cybersecurity: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Psychological and socio-technical aspects of cybersecurity, 15 Mar 2015, Doha, Qatar
  • First International Conference on Cyber Security for Sustainable Society 2015, The Social Psychology of Cybersecurity, 26 Feb 2015, Coventry
  • i-Don't Event, Overview of the Social Norms Approach, 12 Dec 2012, Carnegie College, Dunfermline
  • Social Norms Seminar, How to Implement the Social Norms Approach, 09 Feb 2012, Stevenage
  • Scottish Tobacco Control Alliance Youth and Tobacco Forum, Social Norms, 24 Feb 2011, Edinburgh
  • Drug Forum Education Seminar, Introduction to Social Norms, 19 Nov 2010, Birmingham

Qualifications

  • PGCE in Higher Education Practice (University of Bradford, 2010)
  • PhD in Binge drinking and culture change (University of the West of Scotland, 2008)
  • PGCE in Postgraduate Research Methods (University of the West of Scotland, 2006)
  • MSc in Psychological Research Methods (University of Strathclyde, 2002)
  • BSc (Hons) in Biology and Psychology (University of Stirling, 2001)

Memberships

  • British Psychological Society, Chartered Psychologist,
  • Science Council, Chartered Scientist,
  • Higher Education Academy, Fellow,
  • American Psychological Association, Associate,

Social Media Links

External Media and Press

The data on this page was last updated at 05:00 on February 18, 2026.