Stephen Gallagher

Stephen Gallagher is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Limerick, affiliated with the Centre for Social Issues Research and the Health Research Institute. His research focuses on stress and health, particularly examining biobehavioral pathways involving immune, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. He leads the Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health (SASH) Laboratory, equipped with advanced cardiovascular and biomarker analysis tools. His work explores chronic stressors like caregiving, unemployment, and acute stress scenarios, alongside interventions to improve well-being through social support and positive psychology.

Collaborations span local (UL), national (NUI-G, UCC, MIC, UCD), and international institutions (UK, US), addressing topics such as caregiver health, loneliness, and the impact of social relationships on health. Supported by funding from the Irish Research Council and Health Research Board, his projects develop interventions targeting stress management and health behavior change in chronic illness populations like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Recipient of the Deanery Prize (1999) and Ratcliffe Prize (2009), he actively supervises research and engages in professional roles with the Psychological Society of Ireland and British Psychological Society’s Health Psychology Division.