Research
Clinical Psychology Research
Dr Jacob Sorbello is an early career researcher interested in further research opportunities. He obtained his Clinical Psychology PhD from Griffith University in 2022. His research thesis examined the motivational contributors to alcohol and drug preloading (i.e., the behaviour of consuming alcohol or drugs prior to target event where further consumption may take place) in night-time entertainment districts (NEDs).
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Dr Jacob and his colleagues conducted broad field investigations into preloading behaviours prior to individuals entering or leaving popular NEDs. These findings have led to further insights that have contributed methodological, theoretical and clinical implications to the understanding of the preloading phenomena.
Dr Jacob's research interests align with his clinical practice interests in the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders, developing broad and brief interventions to reduce addictions and investigating the role and function of exposure in various treatments.
For more information on Dr Jacob's research, interest or to collaborate on research projects, please visit the contacts page.
Publications
2018
PeerJ
Fuel-cell breathalyser use for field research on alcohol intoxication: An independent psychometric evaluation
Sorbello, Devilly, Allen, Brown & Hughes (2018).
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2022
Current Psychology
Drink for drink: Measurement of preloading motivations for field and survey research with correlates of alcohol related harms
Sorbello & Devilly (2022).
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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-03579-w
2022
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst: Examining the preloading motivations associated with alcohol use and past harms during a night-out
Sorbello, Devilly & Allen (2022)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687637.2022.2118032?journalCode=idep20
2022
Addictive Behaviors
This is the rhythm of the night: Examining the phases of a night-out on preloading motivations and intentions to backload
Sorbello, Devilly, Hughes & Piron (2022)
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460322003173
2022
Preprint
The use and validation of drug screening technologies in night-time entertainment districts
Hughes, Sorbello, Allen, Piron & Devilly (2022)
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Together we are stronger: Promoting and prioritising social connection in outpatient addiction recovery groups
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https://belmontprivate.com.au/staff/publications-and-resources
Poster Presentation
2022
2024
Journal of Experimental Criminology
Examining the use of drug screening technologies in night-time entertainment districts
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Hughes, Sorbello, Piron, Allen, Piatkowski & Devilly (2024)
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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11292-024-09643-8
2024
Harm Reduction
The theory of preloading: A cognitive-behavioural motivational model​
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https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-01122-7
Conference Proceedings
2018
Australasian Professional Society of Alcohol and Drugs
Auckland, New Zealand
2024
AddictionZ
Gold Coast, Australia
Lisbon Addictions
Lisbon, Portugal
2024
Symposium: Drink and other drugs in the entertainment districts of Queensland: Preloading, personality and legislation.
Devilly, Hides, Kavanagh, Sorbello, Hughes & Allen.
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Presentation 1: The effects of temperance legislation on drinking behaviours in night-time entertainment districts depends on whether people go out to drink or drink to go out.
Devilly, Hides, Kavanagh, Sorbello & Hughes.
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Presentation 2: Results of a large point of entry study: The prevalence of drug- and polysubstance preloading.
Hughes, Devilly & Sorbello.
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Presentation 3: Why do people preload? The motivations influencing alcohol intoxication in night-time entertainment districts.
Sorbello, Devilly & Hughes.
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Presentation: Insights from the Wild; Harm minimisation strategies for alcohol and substance use across a night-out.
Sorbello.
Introducing the theory of preloading: A cognitive-behavioural motivational model
Sorbello & Devilly.
Upcoming Projects and Publications
2025
In development
Creating interventions from the theory of preloading
Sorbello & Devilly.