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Prof Samantha Thomas

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Professor, Public Health

Faculty

Faculty of Health

Department

School of Health & Social Dev

Campus

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Contact

Biography

Samantha is a public health sociologist in the Determinants of Health Team, Institute for Health Transformation. She is the Higher Degree Research Coordinator for the School of Health and Social Development, and is the co-ordinator of the Qualitative Special Interest Group: Innovative Qualitative Methods in the School of Health and Social Development and the Institute for Health Transformation.

Samantha specialises in the commercial and political determinants of health, and public health advocacy. She specialises in understanding the range of factors that may contribute to the prevention and reduction of gambling related harm. Samantha has conducted a range of studies in the area of gambling, including the impact of gambling advertising on young people, young men and sports betting, young women's gambling, and factors that may contribute to the normalisation of gambling. She is involved in developing education programs relating to gambling harm prevention and reduction both in Australia and the United Kingdom. She is currently involved in projects examining the impact of tobacco marketing on young men in Cambodia, and new strategies to engage young people in climate change advocacy.

Prior to joining Deakin, Samantha worked at the World Health Organisation (Geneva), King's College London, Monash University, and the University of Wollongong.

Samantha has an extensive track record in competitive grant funding, and has received grants from the ARC Discovery and Linkage Grant Schemes, the NHMRC, the Victorian Department of Justice, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Gambling with Lives (UK) and the NSW Office of Gaming.

Samantha has provided expert testimony to a number of Australian Parliamentary Inquiries, including the Australian Senate Committee on Gambling Reform. She most recently provided expert testimony to the UK House of Lords, and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm in the UK.

Her work is regularly featured in national and international press including ABC Four Corners.

Samantha currently supervises six PhD students in the area of gambling harm and tobacco control. Current PhD and Honours projects include:

  • The normalisation of gambling for older adults
  • Women and gambling related harm 
  • Young men and sports betting
  • The impact of tobacco marketing on young men in Cambodia The role of industry discourses on the normalisation of gambling
  • Conceptualisations of gambling risk, and housing instability
  • Youth advocacy for climate change 
Read more on Samantha's profile

Knowledge areas

Gambling

Tobacco Control

Public Health Advocacy

Youth health

Commercial determinants of health

Political determinants of health

Qualitative research

Media appearances

https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/gambling-companies-targeting-women/9370118

https://iht.deakin.edu.au/2020/04/with-pokies-shut-down-coronavirus-stress-could-drive-more-people-to-reckless-online-gambling/

https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/crown-casino-closes-half-its-poker-machines-to-stem-coronavirus-spread-20200316-p54afm.html

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-news/articles/uk-mps-call-for-gambling-ad-ban,-drawing-on-deakin-research

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-29/coronavirus-and-problem-gambling/12095714

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/concerns-for-problem-gamblers-as-unregulated-online-gambling-surges

Publications

Filter by

2024

Australian youth perspectives on the role of social media in climate action

G Arnot, H Pitt, S McCarthy, C Cordedda, S Marko, S Thomas

(2024), Vol. 48, pp. 100111-100111, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, United States, C1

journal article

Young people's views about the use of celebrities and social media influencers in gambling marketing

H Pitt, S McCarthy, M Randle, M Daube, S Thomas

(2024), Vol. 39, pp. 1-12, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

'You can't really separate these risks, our environment, our animals and us': Australian children's perceptions of the risks of the climate crisis

G Arnot, H Pitt, S McCarthy, E Warner, S Thomas

(2024), Vol. 39, pp. 1-13, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article
2023

Viewing young men's online wagering through a social practice lens: implications for gambling harm prevention strategies

C Nyemcsok, H Pitt, P Kremer, S Thomas

(2023), Vol. 33, pp. 1-12, Critical Public Health, London, England, C1

journal article

"Drugs and alcohol get talked about, why not betting?" Young men's qualitative insights about strategies to prevent gambling harm

C Nyemcsok, H Pitt, P Kremer, S Thomas

(2023), Vol. 34, pp. 276-283, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, London, Eng., C1

journal article

"It is always there in your face." Australian young people discuss exposure to gambling activities and promotions.

S Thomas, S McCarthy, H Pitt, S Marko, S Cowlishaw, M Randle, M Daube

(2023), Vol. 3, pp. 1-10, SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

A scoping review of the individual, socio-cultural, environmental and commercial determinants of gambling for older adults: implications for public health research and harm prevention

R Johnson, H Pitt, M Randle, S Thomas

(2023), Vol. 23, pp. 1-15, BMC Public Health, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Protecting children and young people from contemporary marketing for gambling

S Thomas, M Van Schalkwyk, M Daube, H Pitt, D McGee, M McKee

(2023), Vol. 38, pp. 1-14, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

The impact of responsible gambling framing on people with lived experience of gambling harm

S Marko, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Daube

(2023), Vol. 8, pp. 01-13, Frontiers in Sociology, Lausanne, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Older adults' perceptions of the risks associated with contemporary gambling environments: Implications for public health policy and practice

H Pitt, S McCarthy, S Thomas, M Randle, S Marko, S Cowlishaw, S Kairouz, M Daube

(2023), Vol. 8, pp. 1-10, Frontiers in Sociology, Lausanne, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Australian young people's perspectives about the political determinants of the climate crisis

Grace Arnot, Samantha Thomas, Hannah Pitt, Elyse Warner

(2023), pp. 1-11, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Statutory levy on gambling may do more harm than good

M van Schalkwyk, S Thomas, M McKee, G Fell, M Daube

(2023), Vol. 381, pp. e075035-e075035, BMJ: British Medical Journal, London, Eng., C1

journal article

"It shows we are serious": Young people in Australia discuss climate justice protests as a mechanism for climate change advocacy and action

G Arnot, S Thomas, H Pitt, E Warner

(2023), Vol. 47, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, C1

journal article

Australian young people's perceptions of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis

Grace Arnot, Samantha Thomas, Hannah Pitt, Elyse Warner

(2023), Vol. 38, pp. 1-12, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

The lived experience of financial harm from gambling in Australia

S Marko, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Daube

(2023), Vol. 38, Health Promotion International, C1

journal article

Effectiveness of the Australian MATES in Construction Suicide Prevention Program: a systematic review

Jorgen Gullestrup, Tania King, Samantha Thomas, Anthony LaMontagne

(2023), Vol. 38, pp. 1-15, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Global public health action is needed to counter the commercial gambling industry

S Thomas, S Cowlishaw, J Francis, M van Schalkwyk, M Daube, H Pitt, S McCarthy, D McGee, M Petticrew, T Rwafa-Ponela, A Minja, G Fell

(2023), Vol. 38, pp. 1-8, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Supporting young people as genuine political actors in climate decision-making

Grace Arnot, Hannah Pitt, Simone McCarthy, Philippa Collin, Samantha Thomas

(2023), Vol. 38, pp. daad148-, Health Promotion International, England, C1

journal article

Unhealthy and health promoting sponsorship of male and female professional sporting teams in Australia

Hannah Pitt, Simone McCarthy, Melanie Randle, Samantha Thomas, Grace Arnot, Mike Daube

(2023), Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article

The symbolic consumption processes associated with 'low-calorie' and 'low-sugar' alcohol products and Australian women

Hannah Pitt, Simone McCarthy, Danica Keric, Grace Arnot, Sarah Marko, Florentine Martino, Julia Stafford, Samantha Thomas

(2023), Vol. 38, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article
2022

Electronic gambling machine harm in older women: a public health determinants perspective

S McCarthy, H Pitt, M Bellringer, S Thomas

(2022), Vol. 30, pp. 41-50, Addiction Research and Theory, C1

journal article

"I always walked out with an empty purse." Older adults' engagement with electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia

H Pitt, S Thomas, S Cowlishaw, M Randle, S Balandin

(2022), Vol. 33, pp. 533-541, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article

Expert by Experience engagement in gambling reform: qualitative study of gamblers in the United Kingdom

C Nyemcsok, H Pitt, P Kremer, S Thomas

(2022), Vol. 37, Health Promotion International, England, C1

journal article

Accessing the invisible population of low-risk gamblers, issues with screening, testing and theory: a systematic review

N Davies, G Roderique-Davies, L Drummond, J Torrance, K Sabolova, S Thomas, B John

(2022), pp. 1-15, Journal of Public Health (Germany), Berlin, Germany, C1

journal article

Gamblers' perceptions of responsibility for gambling harm: a critical qualitative inquiry

S Marko, S Thomas, K Robinson, M Daube

(2022), Vol. 22, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

"They loved gambling more than me." Women's experiences of gambling-related harm as an affected other

S McCarthy, S Thomas, H Pitt, E Warner, G Roderique-Davies, A Rintoul, B John

(2022), pp. 1-10, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Young people in Australia discuss strategies for preventing the normalisation of gambling and reducing gambling harm

H Pitt, S Thomas, M Randle, S Cowlishaw, G Arnot, S Kairouz, M Daube

(2022), Vol. 22, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

Young men's perceptions about the risks associated with sports betting: a critical qualitative inquiry

C Nyemcsok, H Pitt, P Kremer, S Thomas

(2022), Vol. 22, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

Women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and gambling-related harm

S McCarthy, S Thomas, S Marko, H Pitt, M Randle, S Cowlishaw

(2022), Vol. 46, pp. 821-828, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1

journal article

Young women's engagement with gambling: A critical qualitative inquiry of risk conceptualisations and motivations to gamble

S McCarthy, S Thomas, H Pitt, S Marko, M Randle, S Cowlishaw, S Kairouz, M Daube

(2022), Vol. 34, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article

"Aussies love a bet": Gamblers discuss the social acceptance and cultural accommodation of gambling in Australia

S Marko, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Daube

(2022), Vol. 46, pp. 829-834, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1

journal article

A critical qualitative inquiry of the social practices of older adult gamblers: implications for public health risk prevention

Rebecca Johnson, Hannah Pitt, Melanie Randle, Samantha Thomas

(2022), pp. 1-22, Ageing and Society, Cambridge, Eng., C1

journal article

Convenient consumption: a critical qualitative inquiry into the gambling practices of younger women in Australia

S Thomas, H Pitt, M Randle, S Cowlishaw, A Rintoul, S Kairouz, M Daube

(2022), Vol. 37, Health promotion international, England, C1

journal article

The receptivity of young people to gambling marketing strategies on social media platforms

Hannah Pitt, Simone McCarthy, Angela Rintoul, Samantha Thomas

(2022), Melbourne, Vic., A6

research report/technical paper
2021

Parent and child perceptions of gambling promotions in Australian sport

J David, S Thomas, M Randle, H Pitt, M Daube

(2021), Vol. 35, pp. 362-372, Health Promotion International, England, C1

journal article

'It's basically everywhere': Young adults' perceptions of gambling advertising in the UK

J Torrance, G Roderique-Davies, S Thomas, N Davies, B John

(2021), Vol. 36, pp. 976-988, Health Promotion International, England, C1

journal article

Do health halos and conspicuous consumption influence the appeal and risk perceptions of e-cigarettes among young Cambodian men?

T Stubbs, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Daube

(2021), Vol. 31, pp. 505-510, Tobacco Control, England, C1

journal article

How Do People With Intellectual Disability Engage With and Understand Gambling? A Qualitative Study of Adults in Victoria, Australia

H Pitt, S Thomas, J Watson, R Shuttleworth, K Murfitt, S Balandin

(2021), Vol. 8, Frontiers in Public Health, Switzerland, C1

journal article

"You don't really see the dangers of it at the time." Risk perceptions and behaviours of older female gamblers

S McCarthy, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Bellringer

(2021), Vol. 272, Social Science and Medicine, England, C1

journal article

Young people's reflections on the factors contributing to the normalisation of gambling in Australia

C Nyemcsok, S Thomas, H Pitt, S Pettigrew, R Cassidy, M Daube

(2021), Vol. 45, pp. 165-170, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

"When the Fun Stops, Stop": An analysis of the provenance, framing and evidence of a 'responsible gambling' campaign

M van Schalkwyk, N Maani, M McKee, S Thomas, C Knai, M Petticrew

(2021), Vol. 16, PLoS ONE, United States, C1

journal article

Strategies to prevent and reduce gambling harm in Australian women

S McCarthy, H Pitt, M Bellringer, S Thomas

(2021), Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, C1

journal article
2020

A public health advocacy approach for preventing and reducing gambling related harm

J David, S Thomas, M Randle, M Daube

(2020), Vol. 44, pp. 14-19, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

'Everyone knows grandma'. Pathways to gambling venues in regional Australia

Amy Bestman, Samantha Thomas, Melanie Randle, H Pitt, Rebecca Cassidy, Mike Daube

(2020), Vol. 35, pp. 1273-1282, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Gambling-related harms attributable to lotteries products

L Booth, S Thomas, R Moodie, A Peeters, V White, H Pierce, A Anderson, S Pettigrew

(2020), Vol. 109, Addictive Behaviors, England, C1

journal article

Weighing up the risks and benefits of community gambling venues as recreational spaces for people with lifelong disability

H Pitt, S Thomas, J Watson, R Shuttleworth, K Murfitt, S Balandin

(2020), Vol. 20, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

The development and implementation of electronic gambling machine policy: a qualitative study of local government policy makers

S Marko, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Daube

(2020), Vol. 44, pp. 369-375, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1

journal article

Gambling Harm as a Global Public Health Concern: A Mixed Method Investigation of Trends in Wales

B John, K Holloway, N Davies, T May, M Buhociu, A Cousins, S Thomas, G Roderique-Davies

(2020), Vol. 8, Frontiers in Public Health, Switzerland, C1

journal article

'It's a tradition to go down to the pokies on your 18th birthday' - the normalisation of gambling for young women in Australia

S McCarthy, S Thomas, H Pitt, M Daube, R Cassidy

(2020), Vol. 44, pp. 376-381, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article
2019

The role of public health advocacy in preventing and reducing gambling related harm: challenges, facilitators, and opportunities for change

J David, S Thomas, M Randle, M Daube, S Balandin

(2019), Vol. 27, pp. 210-219, Addiction research and theory, Abingdon, Eng., C1

journal article

Exploring children's experiences in community gambling venues: a qualitative study with children aged 6-16 in regional New South Wales

Amy Bestman, Samantha Thomas, Melanie Randle, Hannah Pitt, Mike Daube

(2019), Vol. 30, pp. 413-421, Health promotion journal of Australia, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

Locating gambling problems across a continuum of severity: Rasch analysis of the Quinte Longitudinal Study (QLS)

S Cowlishaw, S Merkouris, N Dowling, S Rodda, A Suomi, S Thomas

(2019), Vol. 92, pp. 32-37, Addictive Behaviors, England, C1

journal article

Women and gambling-related harm: A narrative literature review and implications for research, policy, and practice

S McCarthy, S Thomas, M Bellringer, R Cassidy

(2019), Vol. 16, Harm Reduction Journal, C1

journal article

Recall and awareness of gambling advertising and sponsorship in sport in the UK: A study of young people and adults

N Djohari, G Weston, R Cassidy, M Wemyss, S Thomas

(2019), Vol. 16, Harm Reduction Journal, England, C1

journal article
2018

The problem with 'responsible gambling': impact of government and industry discourses on feelings of felt and enacted stigma in people who experience problems with gambling

H Miller, S Thomas

(2018), Vol. 26, pp. 85-94, Addiction research and theory, Abingdon, Eng., C1

journal article

Industry interests in gambling research: lessons learned from other forms of hazardous consumption

S Cowlishaw, S Thomas

(2018), Vol. 78, pp. 101-106, Addictive Behaviors, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

Attitudes towards community gambling venues and support for regulatory reform: An online panel study of residents in New South Wales, Australia

A Bestman, S Thomas, M Randle, H Pitt, M Daube

(2018), Vol. 15, Harm Reduction Journal, England, C1

journal article

From problem people to addictive products: A qualitative study on rethinking gambling policy from the perspective of lived experience

H Miller, S Thomas, P Robinson

(2018), Vol. 15, Harm Reduction Journal, England, C1

journal article

Women's gambling behaviour, product preferences, and perceptions of product harm: Differences by age and gambling risk status

S McCarthy, S Thomas, M Randle, A Bestman, H Pitt, S Cowlishaw, M Daube

(2018), Vol. 15, Harm Reduction Journal, C1

journal article

Young people's awareness of the timing and placement of gambling advertising on traditional and social media platforms: A study of 11-16-year-olds in Australia

S Thomas, A Bestman, H Pitt, R Cassidy, S McCarthy, C Nyemcsok, S Cowlishaw, M Daube

(2018), Vol. 15, Harm Reduction Journal, England, C1

journal article

Do betting advertisements contain attention strategies that may appeal to children? An interpretative content analysis

Hannah Pitt, Samantha Thomas, Amy Bestman, Melanie Randle, Mike Daube

(2018), Vol. 29, pp. 265-273, Health promotion journal of Australia, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

Young people's recall and perceptions of gambling advertising and intentions to gamble on sport

Christian Nyemcsok, Samantha Thomas, Amy Bestman, Hannah Pitt, Mike Daube, Rebecca Cassidy

(2018), Vol. 7, pp. 1068-1078, Journal of behavioral addictions, Budapest, Hungary, C1

journal article

The determinants of gambling normalisation: Causes, consequences and public health responses.

Samantha Thomas, H Pitt, Amy Bestman, Melanie Randle, Simone McCarthy, Mike Daube

(2018), Melbourne, Vic., A6

research report/technical paper

A public health framework for assessing gambling industry strategies and tactics

Samantha Thomas, Melanie Randle, H Pitt, Amy Bestman, Mike Daube, Simone Pettigrew

(2018), Melbourne, Vic., A6

research report/technical paper
2017

The role of peer influences on the normalisation of sports wagering: a qualitative study of Australian men

E Deans, S Thomas, M Daube, J Derevensky

(2017), Vol. 25, pp. 103-113, Addiction research and theory, Abingdon, Eng., C1

journal article

The influence of marketing on the sports betting attitudes and consumption behaviours of young men: Implications for harm reduction and prevention strategies

E Deans, S Thomas, J Derevensky, M Daube

(2017), Vol. 14, Harm Reduction Journal, England, C1

journal article

Factors that influence children's gambling attitudes and consumption intentions: Lessons for gambling harm prevention research, policies and advocacy strategies

H Pitt, S Thomas, A Bestman, M Daube, J Derevensky

(2017), Vol. 14, Harm Reduction Journal, C1

journal article

The "Walk of Shame": a Qualitative Study of the Influences of Negative Stereotyping of Problem Gambling on Gambling Attitudes and Behaviours

H E. Miller, S Thomas

(2017), Vol. 15, pp. 1284-1300, International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, C1

journal article

Children's attitudes towards Electronic Gambling Machines: An exploratory qualitative study of children who attend community clubs

A Bestman, S Thomas, M Randle, H Pitt

(2017), Vol. 14, Harm Reduction Journal, C1

journal article

Public attitudes towards gambling product harm and harm reduction strategies: An online study of 16-88 year olds in Victoria, Australia

S Thomas, M Randle, A Bestman, H Pitt, S Bowe, S Cowlishaw, M Daube

(2017), Vol. 14, Harm Reduction Journal, C1

journal article

What do children observe and learn from televised sports betting advertisements? A qualitative study among Australian children

H Pitt, S Thomas, A Bestman, M Daube, J Derevensky

(2017), Vol. 41, pp. 604-610, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, C1

journal article

The unintended normalization of gambling: family identity influences on the adoption of harmful consumption practices

K Westberg, M Beverland, S Thomas

(2017), Vol. 37, pp. 426-443, Journal of macromarketing, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

A comparative content analysis of media reporting of sports betting in Australia: Lessons for public health media advocacy approaches

J David, S Thomas, M Randle, S Bowe, M Daube

(2017), Vol. 17, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article
2016

Surveillance, responsibility and control: an analysis of government and industry discourses about 'problem' and 'responsible' gambling

H Miller, S Thomas, K Smith, P Robinson

(2016), Vol. 24, pp. 163-176, Addiction research and theory, Abingdon, Eng., C1

journal article

Shaping pathways to gambling consumption? An analysis of the promotion of gambling and non-gambling activities from gambling venues

A Bestman, S Thomas, M Randle, H Pitt, M Daube, S Pettigrew

(2016), Vol. 24, pp. 152-162, Addiction research and theory, Abingdon, Eng., C1

journal article

Gambling advocacy: Lessons from tobacco, alcohol and junk food

S Thomas, J David, M Randle, M Daube, K Senior

(2016), Vol. 40, pp. 211-217, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1-1

journal article

Obese people's perceptions of the thin ideal

D Couch, S Thomas, S Lewis, R Blood, K Holland, P Komesaroff

(2016), Vol. 148, pp. 60-70, Social Science and Medicine, England, C1

journal article

Social inclusion and the Fatosphere: the role of an online weblogging community in fostering social inclusion

M Dickins, C Browning, S Feldman, S Thomas

(2016), Vol. 38, pp. 797-811, Sociology of Health and Illness, England, C1-1

journal article

Creating symbolic cultures of consumption: An analysis of the content of sports wagering advertisements in Australia

E Deans, S Thomas, M Daube, J Derevensky, R Gordon

(2016), Vol. 16, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

"It's just everywhere!" Children and parents discuss the marketing of sports wagering in Australia

H Pitt, S Thomas, A Bestman, M Stoneham, M Daube

(2016), Vol. 40, pp. 480-486, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, C1

journal article

Have adults lost their sense of play? An observational study of the social dynamics of physical (in)activity in German and Hawaiian leisure settings

A Thiel, H Thedinga, S Thomas, H Barkhoff, K Giel, O Schweizer, S Thiel, S Zipfel

(2016), Vol. 16, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

"I can sit on the beach and punt through my mobile phone": The influence of physical and online environments on the gambling risk behaviours of young men

E Deans, S Thomas, M Daube, J Derevensky

(2016), Vol. 166, pp. 110-119, Social Science and Medicine, England, C1

journal article

Initiation, influence, and impact: Adolescents and parents discuss the marketing of gambling products during Australian sporting matches

H Pitt, S Thomas, A Bestman

(2016), Vol. 16, BMC Public Health, C1

journal article

Child and parent recall of gambling sponsorship in Australian sport

S Thomas, H Pitt, A Bestman, M Randle, M Daube, S Pettigrew

(2016), North Melbourne, Vic., A6

research report/technical paper
2015

Viewing The Biggest Loser : modes of reception and reflexivity among obese people

K Holland, R Blood, S Thomas

(2015), Vol. 25, pp. 16-32, Social semiotics, Oxford, Eng., C1-1

journal article

A web-based, social networking physical activity intervention for insufficiently active adults delivered via Facebook app: randomized controlled trial

C Maher, M Ferguson, C Vandelanotte, R Plotnikoff, I De Bourdeaudhuij, S Thomas, K Nelson-Field, T Olds

(2015), Vol. 17, pp. e174-e174, Journal of medical internet research, Toronto, Ont., C1-1

journal article

Corporate social responsibility programs of big food in Australia: a content analysis of industry documents

Z Richards, S Thomas, M Randle, S Pettigrew

(2015), Vol. 39, pp. 550-556, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Children's implicit recall of junk food, alcohol and gambling sponsorship in Australian sport

A Bestman, S Thomas, M Randle, S Thomas

(2015), Vol. 15, pp. 1-9, BMC public health, London, Eng., C1

journal article

You just change the channel if you don't like what you're going to hear: gamblers' attitudes towards, and interactions with, social marketing campaigns

S Thomas, S Lewis, K Westberg

(2015), Vol. 18, pp. 124-136, Health expectations, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Obese adults' perceptions of news reporting on obesity: the panopticon and synopticon at work

S Thomas, D Couch, W Blood, Lewis, S, P Komesaroff

(2015), Vol. 5, pp. 1-14, Sage open, London, Eng., C1

journal article

The Big Gamble: the need for a comprehensive research approach to understanding the causes and consequences of gambling harm in Australia

S Thomas, S Thomas

(2015), Vol. 22, pp. 39-42, Australasian epidemiologist, Canberra, A.C.T., C1

journal article
2014

Parent and child interactions with two contrasting anti-obesity advertising campaigns: a qualitative analysis

S Thomas, T Olds, S Pettigrew, H Yeatman, J Hyde, C Dragovic

(2014), Vol. 14, pp. 1-11, BMC Public Health, London, Eng., C1

journal article

How the causes, consequences and solutions for problem gambling are reported in Australian newspapers: a qualitative content analysis

H Miller, S Thomas, P Robinson, M Daube

(2014), Vol. 38, pp. 529-535, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Don't eat that, you'll get fat! Exploring how parents and children conceptualise and frame messages about the causes and consequences of obesity.

S Thomas, T Olds, S Pettigrew, M Randle, S Lewis

(2014), Vol. 119, pp. 114-122, Social science and medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1

journal article

A conceptual classification of parents' attributions of the role of food advertising in children's diets

S Pettigrew, K Chapman, C Miller, S Thomas

(2014), Vol. 1, pp. 1-12, BMC obesity, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2013

What influences the beliefs, behaviours and consumption patterns of 'moderate risk' gamblers?

S Thomas, S Lewis, K Westberg, J Derevensky

(2013), Vol. 11, pp. 474-489, International journal of mental health and addiction, Berlin, Germany, C1-1

journal article

Eat, drink and gamble: marketing messages about 'risky' products in an Australian major sporting series

S Lindsay, S Thomas, S Lewis, K Westberg, R Moodie, S Jones

(2013), Vol. 13, pp. 1-11, BMC public health, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Clustering of attitudes towards obesity: a mixed methods study of Australian parents and children

T Olds, S Thomas, S Lewis, J Petkov

(2013), Vol. 10, pp. 1-11, International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Challenging stereotypes and legitimating fat: an analysis of obese people's views on news media reporting guidelines and promoting body diversity

K Holland, R Blood, S Thomas, S Lewis

(2013), Vol. 51, pp. 431-445, Journal of sociology, Thousand Oaks, Calif., C1-1

journal article
2012

'It would be okay if they came through the proper channels': community perceptions and attitudes toward asylum seekers in Australia

F McKay, S Thomas, S Kneebone

(2012), Vol. 25, pp. 113-133, Journal of Refugee Studies, Oxford, UK, C1-1

journal article

Sports betting marketing during sporting events: a stadium and broadcast census of Australian Football League matches

S Thomas, S Lewis, J Duong, C McLeod

(2012), Vol. 36, pp. 145-152, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Relationship between severity of obesity and mental health: an Australian community survey

N Knoesen, S Mancuso, S Thomas, P Komesaroff, S Lewis, D Castle

(2012), Vol. 4, pp. 67-75, Asia-Pacific psychiatry, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

They are working every angle. A qualitative study of Australian adults' attitudes towards, and interactions with, gambling industry marketing strategies

S Thomas, S Lewis, C McLeod, J Haycock

(2012), Vol. 12, pp. 111-127, International gambling studies, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2011

A qualitative investigation of obese men's experiences with their weight

S Lewis, S Thomas, J Hyde, D Castle, P Komesaroff

(2011), Vol. 35, pp. 458-469, American journal of health behavior, Star City, W. Va., C1-1

journal article

Any one of these boat people could be a terrorist for all we know! Media representations and public perceptions of 'boat people' arrivals in Australia

F McKay, S Thomas, R Blood

(2011), Vol. 12, pp. 607-626, Journalism: theory, practice & criticism, London, England, C1-1

journal article

AIDS assassins : Australian media's portrayal of HIV-positive refugees who deliberately infect others

F McKay, S Thomas, K Holland, R Blood, S Kneebone

(2011), Vol. 9, pp. 20-37, Journal of immigration and refugee studies, Abingdon, England, C1-1

journal article

How do obese individuals perceive and respond to the different types of obesity stigma that they encounter in their daily lives? A qualitative study

S Lewis, S Thomas, R Blood, D Castle, J Hyde, P Komesaroff

(2011), Vol. 73, pp. 1349-1356, Social science and medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1

journal article

I'm searching for solutions: why are obese individuals turning to the Internet for help and support with 'being fat'?

S Lewis, S Thomas, R Blood, D Castle, J Hyde, P Komesaroff

(2011), Vol. 14, pp. 339-350, Health expectations, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

The role of the fatosphere in fat adults' responses to obesity stigma: a model of empowerment without a focus on weight loss

M Dickins, S Thomas, B King, S Lewis, K Holland

(2011), Vol. 21, pp. 1679-1691, Qualitative health research, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Our girth is plain to see: an analysis of newspaper coverage of Australia's future 'fat bomb'

K Holland, R Blood, S Thomas, S Lewis, P Komesaroff, D Castle

(2011), Vol. 13, pp. 31-46, Health, risk and society, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2010

'The solution needs to be complex.' Obese adults' attitudes about the effectiveness of individual and population based interventions for obesity

S Thomas, S Lewis, J Hyde, D Castle, P Komesaroff

(2010), Vol. 10, pp. 1-9, BMC public health, London, England, C1-1

journal article

'Just bloody fat!' : a qualitative study of body image, self esteem and coping in obese adults

S Thomas, A Karunaratne, S Lewis, D Castle, N Knoesen, R Honigman, J Hyde, R Kausman, P Komesaroff

(2010), Vol. 12, pp. 39-49, International journal of mental health promotion, London, England, C1-1

journal article

Do health beliefs and behaviors differ according to severity of obesity? A qualitative study of Australian adults

S Lewis, S Thomas, R Blood, J Hyde, D Castle, P Komesaroff

(2010), Vol. 7, pp. 443-459, International journal of environmental research and public health, Basel, Switzerland, C1-1

journal article

'I don't eat a hamburger and large chips every day!' A qualitative study of the impact of public health messages about obesity on obese adults

S Lewis, S Thomas, J Hyde, D Castle, R Blood, P Komesaroff

(2010), Vol. 10, BMC public health, London, England, C1-1

journal article

Improving communication when seeking informed consent: A randomised controlled study of a computer-based method for providing information to prospective clinical trial participants

A Karunaratne, S Korenman, S Thomas, P Myles, P Komesaroff

(2010), Vol. 192, pp. 388-392, Medical Journal of Australia, Australia, C1-1

journal article
2009

Understanding organ donation in the collaborative era: a qualitative study of staff and family experiences

S Thomas, S Milnes, P Komesaroff

(2009), Vol. 39, pp. 588-594, Internal medicine journal, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2008

'They all work...when you stick to them' : a qualitative investigation of dieting, weight loss, and physical exercise, in obese individuals

S Thomas, J Hyde, A Karunaratne, R Kausman, P Komesaroff

(2008), Vol. 7, Nutrition journal, London, England, C1-1

journal article

Being 'fat' in today's world : a qualitative study of the lived experiences of people with obesity in Australia

S Thomas, J Hyde, A Karunaratne, D Herbert, P Komesaroff

(2008), Vol. 11, pp. 321-330, Health expectations, Oxford, England, C1-1

journal article
2007

Cheapening the struggle : obese people's attitudes towards The Biggest Loser

S Thomas, J Hyde, P Komesaroff

(2007), Vol. 3, pp. 210-215, Obesity management, New Rochelle, N. Y., C1-1

journal article

The essential role of social theory in qualitative public health research

K Willis, J Daly, M Kealy, R Small, G Koutroulis, J Green, L Gibbs, S Thomas

(2007), Vol. 31, pp. 438-443, Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Attitudes towards and beliefs about genetic testing in the haemophilia community: a qualitative study

S Thomas, D Herbert, A Street, C Barnes, J Boal, P Komesaroff

(2007), Vol. 13, pp. 633-641, Haemophilia, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Complementary medicine use among people living with HIV/AIDS in Victoria, Australia: practices, attitudes and perceptions

S Thomas, K Lam, L Piterman, A Mijch, P Komesaroff

(2007), Vol. 18, pp. 453-457, International journal of STD and AIDS, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Occupational stress and job satisfaction in media personnel assigned to the Iraq War (2003)

N Greenberg, S Thomas, D Murphy, C Dandeker

(2007), Vol. 1, pp. 356-371, Journalism practice, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2006

Serving in Bosnia made me appreciate living in Bristol: stressful experiences, attitudes, and psychological needs of members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces

S Thomas, C Dandeker, N Greenberg, V Kelly, S Wessely

(2006), Vol. 171, pp. 376-380, Military medicine, Bethesda, Md., C1-1

journal article
2005

Redeveloping secure psychiatric services for women

S Thomas, M Dolan, J Shaw, S Thomas, G Thornicroft, M Leese

(2005), Vol. 45, pp. 331-339, Medicine, science and the law, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

The needs of males detained under the legal category of 'psychopathic disorder' in high security: implications for policy and service development

M Dolan, S Thomas, S Thomas, G Thornicroft

(2005), Vol. 16, pp. 523-537, Journal of forensic psychiatry and psychology, Abingdon, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2004

I was running away from death - the pre-flight experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the UK

S Thomas, S Thomas, B Nafees, D Bhugra

(2004), Vol. 30, pp. 113-122, Child: care health and development, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Displacement and health

S Thomas, S Thomas

(2004), Vol. 69, pp. 115-127, British medical bulletin, Oxford, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2003

Research with unaccompanied children seeking asylum

S Thomas, S Byford

(2003), Vol. 327, pp. 1400-1402, BMJ, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Do military peacekeepers want to talk about their experiences? Perceived psychological support of UK military peacekeepers on return from deployment

N Greenberg, S Thomas, A Iversen, C Unwin, L Hull, S Wessely

(2003), Vol. 12, pp. 565-573, Journal of mental health, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2002

Female genital mutilation: cultural and psychological implications

J Whitehorn, O Ayonrinde, S Thomas

(2002), Vol. 17, pp. 161-170, Sexual and relationship therapy, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Mental health and human rights: the MI Principles - turning rhetoric into action

S Thomas, G Thornicroft, P Huxley, R Jenkins, G Szmukler

(2002), Vol. 14, pp. 19-25, International review of psychiatry, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
1997

Patterns of general practitioner usage among Pacific people: indicative results from the Waikato Medical Care Survey 1991-2

P Davis, R Lay-Yee, S Thomas, B Gribben

(1997), Vol. 110, pp. 335-336, New Zealand medical journal, Dunedin, N.Z., C1-1

journal article

Funded Projects at Deakin

Australian Competitive Grants

Selling The Punt: An interdisciplinary analysis of the extent and impact of sports wagering marketing strategies in Australia.

Prof Samantha Thomas, Prof Michael Daube, Dr Ross Gordon, Prof Gerard Hastings, Prof Jeffrey Derevensky

ARC - Discovery Projects

  • 2017: $48,077
  • 2016: $110,948

The big gamble: The normalisation of gambling in Australia

Prof Samantha Thomas, Dr Melanie Randle, Prof Michael Daube, Prof Susan Balandin, Dr Sean Cowlishaw, Prof Sylvia Kairouz, Dr Rebecca Cassidy

ARC - Discovery Projects

  • 2021: $93,002
  • 2020: $93,105
  • 2019: $86,909

The impact of gambling advertising, promotions, and sponsorship on children

Prof Samantha Thomas, Dr Melanie Randle, Dr Hannah Pitt, Prof Michael Daube

ARC - Discovery Projects

  • 2024: $59,460
  • 2023: $43,289
  • 2022: $65,406
  • 2021: $89,134

Other Public Sector Funding

A public health analysis of gambling marketing activities: Themes, targets, and impacts.

Prof Samantha Thomas, Prof Michael Daube, Dr Melanie Randle, Prof Simone Pettigrew

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2016: $48,064

The commercial determinants of gambling normalisation: Causes, consequences and public health advocacy responses

Prof Samantha Thomas, Prof Michael Daube, Dr Melanie Randle, Dr Melissa Stoneham

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2018: $7,874
  • 2017: $70,874
  • 2016: $78,749

Rethinking Approaches to Reducing Problem Gambling Stigma

Prof Samantha Thomas, Prof Stuart Thomas

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2016: $23,276

The shaping of adolescent and young adult women's gambling risk behaviours: A socio-cultural investigation of gambling attitudes, beliefs and consumption intentions

Prof Samantha Thomas, Miss Amy Bestman, Dr Hannah Pitt

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2018: $48,749
  • 2017: $65,903

Pathways to the Pokies

Prof Samantha Thomas, Prof Susan Balandin, Dr Melanie Randle, Dr Sean Cowlishaw

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2019: $18,275
  • 2018: $42,643

People with lifelong disability and their lived experiences of gambling

Dr Hannah Pitt, Dr Joanne Watson, Miss Amy Bestman, Prof Samantha Thomas, Prof Susan Balandin

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2020: $24,809
  • 2019: $14,885
  • 2018: $9,923

Responsible gambling for preventing and reducing harm through digital education.

Dr Sophie Mckenzie, Dr Nick Patterson, Prof Jo Coldwell-Neilson, Dr Elicia Lanham, Dr Guy Wood-Bradley, A/Prof Chathu Ranaweera, Prof Samantha Thomas, Dr Hannah Pitt

NSW Government - Office of Responsible Gambling

  • 2022: $25,000
  • 2021: $150,000
  • 2019: $75,000

The receptivity of young people to gambling marketing strategies on social media platforms.

Dr Hannah Pitt, Prof Samantha Thomas

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2023: $9,804
  • 2021: $9,920
  • 2020: $29,761

My life in recovery: A photovoice study of people who have experienced gambling harm.

Dr Simone McCarthy, Dr Hannah Pitt, Prof Samantha Thomas

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2024: $9,979
  • 2023: $22,453

Young people's perceptions of the commercial determinants of health, and youth involvement in public health strategies to respond.

Dr Simone McCarthy, Dr Hannah Pitt, Miss Grace Elizabeth Arnot, Prof Samantha Thomas

VicHealth Grant - Research

  • 2023: $34,143

An analysis of the targeting and representation of women in novel gambling promotions.

Dr Simone McCarthy, Dr Hannah Pitt, Miss Grace Arnot, Prof Samantha Thomas

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

  • 2024: $15,400

Industry and Other Funding

Developing evidenced based gambling harm prevention education for young people.

Prof Samantha Thomas, Dr Hannah Pitt

Gambling with Lives

  • 2021: $23,627
  • 2020: $20,000

PhD Scholarship - Understanding male help-offering in suicide prevention: A mixed methods study

Prof Tony LaMontagne, Mr Jorgen Gullestrup, Prof Samantha Thomas

3-2 MATES Allison Milner Memorial PhD Scholarship

  • 2024: $32,500
  • 2023: $32,500
  • 2022: $43,000

Student Mental Health Project with BUPA

Prof Tony LaMontagne, Prof Samantha Thomas, Dr Patrick Owen, Dr Shane Kavanagh

BUPA HI Pty Ltd

  • 2024: $12,500
  • 2023: $25,000
  • 2022: $15,000

Supervisions

Principal Supervisor
2023

Christian Nyemcsok

Thesis entitled: The determinants of young men¿s online wagering and strategies to prevent harm: A critical qualitative inquiry

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2022

Simone McCarthy

Thesis entitled: Australian women's lived experience of gambling: A critical qualitative inquiry

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2019

Jennifer David

Thesis entitled: The role of public health advocacy: Strategies to prevent and reduce gambling related harm

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

Amy Bestman

Thesis entitled: Pathways to Electronic Gambling Machine Venues in New South Wales

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2018

Helen Miller

Thesis entitled: The problem with 'responsible' gambling: Government, industry and consumer approaches.

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

Hannah Pitt

Thesis entitled: Sports betting advertising: Shaping children's gambling attitudes and consumption intentions

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2017

Emily Deans

Thesis entitled: Young men's gambling: The influence of socio-cultural and marketing factors

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development