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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.     

Sorbello Psychology Research 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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https://peerj.com/articles/4418/

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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https://psyarxiv.com/x837e/

Together we are stronger: Promoting and prioritising social connection in outpatient addiction recovery groups

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Sorbello (2024)

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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​

Sorbello & Devilly (2024)

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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.

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