Logo close icon
search button

    Close window

      Close window

      Studying with us during coronavirus in 2021
      Contact
      Share
      Section navigation

      Prof Olga van den Akker

      BSc. PhD.
      ROLE: Professor-Health Psychology
      SCHOOL: Science & Technology
      DEPARTMENT: Psychology
      TELEPHONE: +44 (0)20 8411 6953
      EMAIL: O.Vandenakker@mdx.ac.uk
      1. Biography &
        Qualifications
      2. Learning &
        Teaching Interests
      3. Research Outputs &
        Interests
      4. Funded Research &
        Knowledge Exchange Projects
      5. Engagement &
        Impact

      • Biography &
        Qualifications

        Olga B.A. van den Akker BSc PhD is Professor of Health Psychology at Middlesex University in London. She was an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a Chartered Health Psychologist.

        Since completing her BSc in Psychology at the University of East London, she was awarded an MRC studentship at St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London to carry out a PhD investigating the Psychophysiology of the menstrual cycle. This was followed by post doctoral research at the Institute of Psychiatry and St. Mary’s hospitals London, and senior academic posts at the University of East London, University of Birmingham and Aston University. In 2007 she became a Professor of health psychology (and Head of Department between 2007-2013) at Middlesex University, London.

        Her current and previous advisory and editorial activities include HFEA advisor to the ‘One at a Time’ taskforce; Editor of the Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology and membership of executive committees of the British Infertility Counseling Association, the British Fertility Society and the Society for Reproductive & Infant Psychology. She is currently on the editorial board of a number of journals. Her research focuses on reproductive health psychology; she has authored three books, several book chapters, and numerous scientific journal publications.

        Selected Publications / Seminars

        Authored books:

        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2017) Surrogate Motherhood Families. Palgrave MacMillan.

        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2012) Reproductive Health Psychology , Wiley-Blackwell, March,. ISBN-10:0470683384(hb) ISBN-13: 9780470683378(pb)

        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2002) The Complete Guide to Infertility: Diagnosis, Treatments, options. Free association Books, March. ISBN: 1-85343-540-6

        Edited books

        • CarolineJ. Hollins-Martin, Olga B.A. van den Akker, Colin R. Martin and Victor R. Preed Handbook of diet and nutrition in the menstrual cycle, periconception and fertility (2014), +450 pages, hardback, Human health handbooks - 2212-375X, Volume 7 ISBN: 978-90-8686-212-2

        Articles and chapters in edited books:

        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2018 ) Chapter: Assisted reproductive technologies including fertility preservation, surrogate motherhood, gamete donation and IVF. In: International Handbook of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health. (Eds) Jane Ussher, Joan Chrisler and Janette Perz Routledge.

        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2018) Chapter: Psychological and ethical issues in third party assisted conception and surrogate motherhood. In: Pathways and barriers to the transition to parenthood –Existential concerns regarding fertility, pregnancy and early parenthood. (Ed) Orit Taubman –Ben-Ari.

        • van den Akker, O. (2015) 'Emotional and Psychosocial Risk Associated with Fertility Treatment' in Reducing Risk in Fertility Treatment. Mathur, Raj (Ed.) Springer-Verlag, pp79-96. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-5257-6_5.

        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2012) The Maternity Blues. In: Martin,C (Ed) Perinatal Mental Health, Chapter 16, pp187-194, M&K Publishing, ISBN 978-1-905539-49-9.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2012) Sexual Dysfunction. In: Martin,C (Ed) Perinatal Mental Health, Chapter 8, pp107-116, M&K Publishing, ISBN 978-1-905539-49-9.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2012). Premature labour and delivery. In: Martin,C (Ed) Perinatal Mental Health, Chapter 11, pp 137-144, M&K Publishing, ISBN 978-1-905539-49-9.
        • van den Akker, O.B,A (2011) The Menstrual Cycle: Psychological, Behavioural, Physiological and Nutritional factors. In Preedy VR Watson RR & Martin CR (Ed) International Handbook of Behaviour, diet and Nutrition. Part 6, 879-888, DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-92271-3-58. http://www.springerlink.com/content /?Author=Olga+van+den+Akker.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A (2010) . Surrogate Mothers. In Tyano, S Keren, M Herrman, H & Cox, J. (Eds) Partenthood and Mental Health: A bridge between Infant and Adult Psychiatry. Wiley-Blackwell. PP39-49. ISBN 978-0-470-74722-3.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2010) The Nature Nurture. What do theory and research tell us. In: Crawshaw,M & Balen,R (Eds) Adoption after infertility: Messages from Practice, Research and personal experience. Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd. Chapter 11, 164-179
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2008) 'Alcohol and fertility' In: Martin,C. (Ed) 'Identification and treatment of alcohol dependency'. M&K Publishers, Keswick, UK. Chapter 6, 349-363.
        • van den Akker, O. & Rosenblatt, D. (1993) Psychological factors in pregnancy and post partum in women at risk for preterm labour/delivery. HPRT Publication, 5, 31-43.
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1986) Stereotyped attitudes and symptom reporting during the menstrual cycle. In: Proceedings of the fifteenth European Conference on Psychosomatic Research (eds) Lacey,J.H.and Sturgeon,D.A.John Libbey, London, 271 273.

        Refereed articles in Academic Journals:

        • Allan, H., van den Akker, O, Culley, L. Mounce, G. Odelius, A. and Symon, A. (in press) An integrative literature review of psychosocial factors in the transition to parenthood following non-donor assisted reproduction. Human Fertility

        • Payne, N, Seehan, S., van den Akker, O.B.A. (2019) Experiences and psychological distress of fertility treatment and employment. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology. 40(2) 156-165. ISSN0167-482X, DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2018.1460351

        • Onyigbuo, C., Alexis-Garsee, C., and van den Akker, O. (2019) Predicting attitudes towards seeking medical care among Nigerian immigrants in the UK" Mental Health, Religion & Culture. Accepted.

        • Purewal, S., Chapman, S.C. E. & van den Akker, O.B.A (2019)   A systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle and body mass index predictors of successful assisted reproductive technologies Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 40(1), 2-18. DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2017.1403418.

        • Alexis-Garsee, Camille and Meehan, Stephanie and van den Akker, Olga (2018) An interpretative phenomenological analysis of discontinued use of the e-cigarette. Journal of Smoking Cessation . ISSN 1834-2612 (Accepted/In press)

        • Purewal, S. Chapman; S. van den Akker, O. (2018) Depression and state anxiety scores during assisted reproduction treatment are associated with outcome: a meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online.

        • Purewal, S. Chapman; S. van den Akker, O. (2018) A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological predictors of successful assisted reproductive technologies. BMC Research Notes. 10:711. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-017-3049-z

        • Frith, L. Blyth, E, Crawshaw, M and van den Akker, O (2018). Secrets and disclosure in donor conception. Sociology of Health and Illness. 40 (1) 188–203. DOI:10.1111/1467-9566.12633

        • Whitelock, V. Nouwen, A., van den Akker, O. and Higgs, S. (2018) The role of working memory sub-components in food choice and dieting success. Appetite. 124 . pp. 24-32. ISSN 0195-6663

        • Purewal, S. Chapman; S. van den Akker, O. (2018) Depression and state anxiety scores during assisted reproduction treatment are associated with outcome: a meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online.

        • Onyson, C., Alexis-Garsee, C., and van den Akker, O. (2018) Adaptation of the Measurement of Acculturation Strategies for People of African Decent (MASPAD) in measuring Acculturation in British Nigerians. Mental Health, Religion and Culture.

        • Frith, L. Blyth, E, Crawshaw, M and van den Akker, O (2017). Secrets and disclosure in donor conception. Sociology of Health and Illness.

        • Purewal, S., Chapman, S.C. E. & van den Akker, O.B.A (2017)   A systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle predictors of successful assisted reproductive technologies Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.

        • Whitelock, V. Nouwen, A., van den Akker, O. and Higgs, S. (2017) The role of working memory sub-components in food choice and dieting success. Appetite.

        • van den Akker, Olga and Payne, Nicola and Lewis, Suzan (2017) Catch 22? Disclosing assisted conception treatment at work. International Journal of Workplace Health Management . ISSN 1753-8351 (Published online first)

        • Frith, L., Crawshaw, M., van den Akker, O. and Blyth, E. (2017) Searching for 'relations' using a DNA linking register: Constructions of identity, relatedness and kinship by adults conceived following sperm donation. BioSocieties. doi:10.1057/s41292-017-0063-2

        • Onyigbuo, C., Alexis-Garsee, C, and van den Akker, O. (2017) Nigerian clergy and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of health-seeking behaviours among Nigerian immigrants in the UK Mental Health, Religion and Culture. 19:10, 1043-1055, DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2017.1312320

        • Alexis-Garsee, C., Gilbert, H. and van den Akker, O.B.A. (2017) Difficulties quitting for smokers with and without a respiratory disease and use of a tailored intervention for smoking cessation – A qualitative study. Journal of Smoking Cessation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/jsc.2017.5 Published online: 27 March 2017, pp. 1-9.

        • Blyth, E., Crawshaw, M., Frith, L. and van den Akker, C. (2017) Gamete donors’ reasons for, and expectations and experiences of, registration with a voluntary donor linking register. Human Fertility 21:268-278. DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1292005.

        • Dyson, S., Liang, L., van den Akker, O. and Mike O'Driscoll (2017) The extent, variability, and attitudes towards volunteering among undergraduate nursing students: Implications for pedagogy in nurse education. Nurse Education in Practice, 23,15–22.

        • Crawshaw, M, Frith, L., van den Akker, O and Blyth, E (2016) Voluntary DNA-based information exchange and contact services following donor conception: an analysis of service users’ needs. New Genetics and Society.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14636778.2016.1253462
        • van den Akker, O.B.A., Postavaru, G., Purewal, S. (2016) Maternal psychosocial consequences of twins and multiple births following assisted and natural conception: a meta-analysis. Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 33, 1-14. doi.org/10.1016/J.rbmo.2016.04.009.
        • Onyigbuo, C.C. Alexis-Garsee, C., and van den Akker, O.B.A. (2016) An exploration of health seeking behaviours among Nigerian Christians in the UK: Towards enhanced health services utilisation. Mental Health, Religion & Culture. doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2016.1166357.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. Camara, I., and Hunt, B. (2016) 'Together... for only a moment': British newspaper constructions of altruistic non-commercial surrogate motherhood. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 34, 3, 271-281.
        • van den Akker, O. (2016) Reproductive health matters. The Psychologist. 29 (1) 2-5.
        • van den Akker, O. Fronek, P. Blyth,E. and Frith, L. (2016) ‘This neo- natal ménage à trois’ British media framing of transnational surrogacy. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 34(1) 15-27.
        • Onyigbuo,C., van den Akker, O and Alexis-Garsee, C. (2015) A cross cultural study of the health-seeking behaviours of Nigerians from the perspective of Nigerian care providers: Challenges for collaboration. Humanities and Social Sciences Review. 537-554.
        • Whitelock,V. Nouwen,A. Houben,K. van den Akker,O. Neira Miller,I. Narendan,P. Rosenthal, P and Higgs,S. (2015). Does neurocognitive training have the potential to improve dietary self-care in type 2 diabetes? Study protocol of a double blind randomised controlled trial. BMC Nutrition, vol 1, no. 1, 11., 10.1186/s40795-015-0006-x
        • Abbasi M & van den Akker, O (2015) A systematic review of changes in women’s physical activity before, during and after pregnancy. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. 33, (4) 325-358
        • van den Akker O.B.A. Crawshaw, M.C, Blyth, E.D and Frith, L.J (2015) Expectations and experiences of gamete donors and donor-conceived adults searching for genetic relatives using DNA linking through a voluntary register. Human Reproduction, 30 (1): 111-121.
        • Abbasi M,  van den Akker O & Bewley C (2014) Persian couples' experiences of depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in the pre- and perinatal period. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol: 35, 1,16-21.
        • Crawshaw, M, Blyth, E, and van den Akker, O (2013) The Ethics and aesthetics of Paid Surrogacy Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Midwifery News, Spring, 20-23.
        • van den Akker, Olga B. A (2013) INVITED REVIEW: For your eyes only: Bio-behavioural and psycho-social research priorities. Human Fertility, 2013; 16(1): 89-9.
        • Crawshaw M, Blyth, E and van den Akker O (2013)The changing profile of surrogacy in the UK- Implications for policy and practice. Journal of Social welfare and family law, 23,3,265-275
        • van den Akker, O.B.A (2012) "For your eyes only: Bio-behavioural and Psycho-Social Research priorities" Human Fertility. 16,1, 89-93.
        • Purewal S, Crawshaw M and van den Akker O (2012) Compleing the surrogate motherhood process: Parental Order Reporters attitudes toward surrogacy arrangements, role ambiguity and role conflict. Human Fertility, 15,2, 94-99
        • Crawshaw M Purewal S and van den Akker O (2012) Working at the margins: The views and experiences of court social workers on Parental Orders' work in surrogacy arrangements. British Journal of Social WorkISSN 0045-3102 (print) ; 1468-263X (online)
        • Purewal S Crawshaw M and van den Akker O (2012 in press) From ET to PO: Parental Order Reporters welfare of children assessment at the end of the surrogate process. Human Fertility.
        • van den Akker O & Purewal S (2011) Elective single-embryo transfer: persuasive communication strategies can affect choice in a young British population Reproductive Biomedicine Online. Ethics Bioscience and Life. Vol. 23, Issue 7, 838-850
        • van den Akker O.B.A (2011) The Psychological and Social consequences of Miscarriage. Expert Review of Obstetrics and Gynacology. 6, no.3, p. 295 - 304.
        • Abbasi, M, Bewley C and van den Akker O (2011) Personal and environmental factors encouraging or preventing healthy lifestyle behaviours among Persian couples: a Phenomenological investigation. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. 29,2,136-147.
        • Purewal, S., & van den Akker, O.B.A (2010). Attitudes and Intentions to Donate Oocytes for Research. Fertility and Sterility. 93,4, 1080-7. Impact factor 3.28.
        • Purewal, S., & van den Akker, O. B. A. (2009). Systematic review of oocyte donation: investigating attitudes, motivations and experiences. Human Reproduction Update. 15 (5):499-515.
        • Purewal, S., & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2009) A study of the effect of message framing on oocyte donation. Human Reproduction. In Press.
        • Purewal, S., & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2009) A qualitative study on women's perceptions of oocyte donation. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology.
        • Purewal, S., & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2009). Attitudes and Intentions to Donate Oocytes for Research. Fertility and Sterility.
        • Donnelly,L, Shaw,R & van den Akker,O (2008) "eHealth as a challenge to 'expert' power: a focus group study of Internet use for health information and management." Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 101, 501-6.
        • Purewal, S., & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2007) The socio-cultural and biological meaning of parenthood. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, Vol. 28. No. 3, pp 79-86.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A. (2007) Psychological trait and state characteristics, social support and attitudes to the surrogate pregnancy and baby. Human Reproduction, 22,8, 2287-2295.
        • Purewal,S & van den Akker,O (2007) 'The socio cultural and biological meaning of parenthood' Journal of Psychosomatic Obs & Gynaec, 28,2, 79-86. Invited paper
        • Segev,J & van den Akker,O.B.A (2006) A review of ART family functioning. Invited paper for Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing, 9S2; e162-e170. Invited paper
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2006) A review of Gamete donor Family Contructs: Current research and future directions. Human Reproduction Update, 12,2, 91-101.
        • Purewal,S and van den Akker,O.B.A (2006) British women's attitudes towards oocytes donation: Ethnic differences and altruism Patient Education and Counselling, 57,2, 183-189
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2005) 'A longitudinal pre pregnancy to post delivery comparison of Genetic and gestational surrogate and intended mothers: Confidence and Gyneology'.J Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 26,4, 277-284.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2005) 'Coping, Quality of Life and psychiatric morbidity in 3 groups of sub-fertile women: Does process or outcome affect psychological functioning?' Patient Education and Counselling 57,2, 183-189.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2003) 'Genetic and gestational surrogate mothers' experience of surrogacy' Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology21, 2 / 145 – 161.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2001) 'The acceptable face of parenthood: Psychosocial factors of infertility treatment'. Psychology Evolution and Gender,3,2, 137-153.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2001) 'Leisure activities and adolescent sexual behaviour' Sex Education,1,2, 137-147.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2001) 'Adoption in the age of reproductive technology. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology.19,2, 147-159.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2000)'The importance of a genetic link in mothers commissioning a surrogate baby in the UK'. Human Reproduction,15,8, 110-117.
        • Smith-Wynter, L & van den Akker, O.B.A (2000) 'Patients' perception of crisis pain management in sickle cell disease: a cross cultural study' Nursing Times Research,5,3, 2-11.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A, Andre, J, Lees, S. & Murphy,T (1999) 'Adolescent sexual behaviour and knowledge. British Journal of Midwifery,7,12, 765-769.
        • Smith-Wynter, L & van den Akker, O.B.A (1999) The feasibility of nursing patients with Sickle Cell Crisis at home. British J. Community Nursing, 4,10, 531-537.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A. (1999) Organisational selection and assessment of women involved in surrogate motherhood. Human Reproduction. 14,1, 101-105.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (1998) 'A survey of the functions and responsibilities of organisations dealing with surrogate motherhood'. Human Fertility.1, 10-13.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (1998) 'Surrogate motherhood: Demistifying the controversies' British J. Midwifery.6,12, 768-770.
        • Colley, K & van den Akker, O (1998) 'Developing a year 9 safe-sun programme' Education and Health, 16,3, 55-59.
        • Eboh, W & van den Akker,O.B.A. (1997) Antenatal screening for couples at risk of having children with Sickle Cell Disorders. Midwives, 110, 1309, 26-27.
        • Molassiotes, A, van den Akker, O.B.A., Milligan,D.W. & Goldman,J.M. (1997) Symptom distress, coping style and biological variables as predictors of survival after Bone Marrow Transplantation. J. Psychosomatic Research, 42, 3. 275-285.
        • Molasiotis,A, van den Akker, O.B.A. & Boughton, B. (1997) Perceived social support, family environment and psychosocial recovery in bone marrow transplant long-term survivors. Social Science and Medicine, 44, 3, 317-325.
        • Molassiotis,A, van den Akker,OBA, Milligan,DW, Goldman,JM & Boughton,BJ (1996) Psychological adaptation and symptom distress in bone marrow transplant recipients. Psycho-Oncology, 5, 9-22.
        • Hewitt, A. & van den Akker, O.B.A. (1996) Dysmennorhoea, menstrual attitudes and GP consultation. British Journal of Nursing, 5,8, 480-484.
        • Molasiotis A, van den Akker O, Milligan DW, Goldman JM, Boughton BJ, Holmes JA and Thomas S. (1996) Quality of life in Long-term survivors of marrow transplantation with a matched group receiving maintenance chemotherapy. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 17, 249-258.
        • Eboh-Kanu,W. and van den Akker,O.B.A (1996) Health and Health promotion: Including inherited disorders in school health education programmes. British Journal of Nursing, 5, 1, 30-33.
        • Killingworth,A. and van den Akker,O.B.A. (1996) Quality of life of renal dialysis patients: Trying to find the missing measurement. International Journal of Nursing studies, 33, 1, 107-120.
        • Eboh-Kanu,W. and van den Akker,O.B.A (1996) Health and Health promotion: Including inherited disorders in school health education programmes. British Journal of Nursing, 5, 1, 30-33.
        • Molassiotis,A, Boughton,B.J. Burgoyne,T, and van den Akker,O.B.A.(1995) Comparison of the overall quality of life in 50 long-term survivors of autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplantation. J. Advanced Nursing, 22, 509-516.
        • Eboh-Kanu, W. & van den Akker, O.B.A. (1995) Service provision for sickle cell disease. British Journal of Midwifery, 3, 4, 189-195.
        • van den Akker O, Eves, F, Service S, & Lennon, B.(1995) Menstrual cycle symptom reporting in 3 British Ethnic groups. Social Science and Medicine, 40, 10, 1417-1423.
        • Molassiotis,A, van den Akker, OBA, Milligan,DW, and Boughton,BJ. (1995) Gonadal function and psychosexual adjustment in male long-term survivors of bone marrow transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 16, 253-259.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A, Eves,F,F, Stein,G.S and Murray, R.M. (1995) Genetic and environmental factors in premenstrual symptom reporting and its relationship to depression and a general neuroticism trait. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 39,4, 477-487.
        • van den Akker, O., Packer, A. & Eves, F. (1995) Menstrual cycle symptom reporting and negative outlook. Health care for Women International,16,3 263-272.
        • Molassiotis,A, and van den Akker,O.B.A. (1995) Psychological stress in nursing and medical staff on BMT units. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 15, 449-454.
        • Molassiotis, A, Boughton, B.J. Burgoyne,T & van den Akker, O.B.A. (1994) Psychological and physical difficulties in patients post BMT. EBMT-NG Journal, 1, 2-6.
        • van den Akker, O. (1994) Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something taboo: Review article. Special Issue, Journal of Infant and Reproductive Psychology, 12, 179-188.
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1994) The pattern of menstrual cycle symptom reporting in women attending a clinic for premenstrual syndrome. British J. Midwifery 2,5, 223-115.
        • Eboh, W & van den Akker, O. (1994) Antenatal care of women with sickle cell disease. British Journal of Midwifery, 2,1, 6-11.
        • Killingworth,V. Brooking, J.I, Atkinson,A, Michael, J and van den Akker, O. (1993) Selection, assessment and support in British renal units. EDTNA, XIX no 3, 27-28.
        • van den Akker, O. (1993) Prophylactic benefits of antenatal screening: Helpful or harmful? British Journal of Midwifery ,1,5, 220-223.
        • Stein, G. & van den Akker, O. (1992) The retrospective diagnosis of Postnatal Depression by questionnaire. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 36, 1, 67 75.
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1989) Psychophysiological responses in women reporting severe paramenstrual symptoms. Psychosomatic Medicine 51, 319 328.
        • van den Akker, O., Neale, M., Stein, G. & Murray, R. (1987) Genetic and environmental variation in menstrual cycle histories of two British twin samples. Acta Geneticae Medicae et Gemellologiae 36, 541 548.
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1987) Psychophysiological responses in women with premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Journal of Psychophysiology 1, 149 158.
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1985) Psychological and physiological menstrual cycle changes in women with menstrual and premenstrual symptoms. British Journal of Psychiatry 147, 164 169.

        Other refereed articles:

        • Crawshaw, M Blyth, E, & van den Akker O (2013) The Ethics and aesthetics of Paid    Surrogacy. Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Midwifery News, Spring, 20-23.
        • Blyth, E, Hunt J and van den Akker O (2011) Evidence and models of best practice should guide recruitment of gamete donors. Bionews Commentaries, 17 October 2011. http://www.bionews.org.uk/page_109712.asp
        • Blyth,E, Crawshaw,M & van den Akker,O (2009) Disclosing donor information: A new code of silence. BioNews, Commentaries http://www.bionews.org.uk/commentary.lasso?storyid=4233
        • Blyth,E, Crawshaw,M & van den Akker,O (2009) Disclosing donor information: A new code of silence.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A. (2006) The psychology of surrogacy in the UK. BICA Journal, 13,3, 14-20. Invited paper
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2005)Younger women may have more difficulty coping with infertility than older women. Clinician's Reasearch Digest Nov, vol23, number 11, 3.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A. & Draper,H (2005) Ethics committees in assisted conception units. Infertility Network, 4, 21.
        • van den Akker,O (2000) Report on a symposium on surrogacy presented at the 20th. Annual Conference of the Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Birmingham, 11-13 September 2000, Cots Newsletter, nov. 2000, 51, 18-19.
        • van den Akker,O and Pattison, H. (2000) Never Again…Until next year. A look back at the 20th. Annual Conference of the Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Birmingham, 11-13 September 2000,By the conference Organisers Olga van den Akker and Helen Pattison. (2000) The Psychologist, 13,12, 591-592.
        • van den Akker O.B.A. (2000) What about the context. (2000) Education and debate article Response to Education and debate: For and against: Doctors should advise adolescents to abstain from sex. Stammers and Ingham. eBMJ 321 (7275):1520.
        • van den Akker O.B.A. (2000) Removal of donor anonymity. CHILD chat Winter, no 86, 33.
        • van den Akker O.B.A. (2000) Great expectations. Response to Brinsden et al (2000) Education and debate article 'Treatment by in vitro fertilisation with surrogacy: experience of one British centre. eBMJ 320 (7239):924.
        • Eboh, W & van den Akker,O.B.A. (2000) Letter: What does it mean to have informed choice?. eBMJ,320, (7231)337-341.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A. (2000) Letter: Attitudes to adolescent boys sexual and reproductive health urgently needs changing.BMJ, 320 March 4, 643.
        • van den Akker O.B.A. (1999) Urgent need to change attitudes to adolescent boys sexual health. Response to Gavin Yamey's Editorial 'Sexual and reproductive health: what about boys and men'? eBMJ 11/22/9913:46:28

        Editorials

        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2010) 'Surrogate motherhood: A critical perspective'. Editorial: Expert review for Obstetrics & Gynecology, 5, 1, 5-7
        • van den Akker,O.B.A & Redshaw,M (2008) Editorial: Beliefs and attitudes during pregnancy and post natally. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 26, 3.
        • Redshaw,M & van den Akker,O.B.A (2008) Editorial: Understanding factors which can influence the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 26, 2 71-73.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A & Redshaw,M (2008) Editorial: The contextual challenges of successfully becoming a parent – from inception to completion Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 26, 1,1-3.
        • Redshaw,M & van den Akker,O.B.A (2007) Editorial:Maternal mental health & wellbeing Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 25.4.253-254.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A & Redshaw,M (2007) Editorial: Pregnancy and postnatal states and support. The effects of the partner. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 25, 3, 171-172.
        • Redshaw,M & van den Akker,O.B.A (2007) Editorial: Starting with the baby. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 25.2,103-105.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A & Redshaw,M (2007) Editorial: The breadth and depth of psychological research into reproductive health Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 25, 1,1-3.
        • Redshaw,M & van den Akker,O.B.A (2006) Editorial: The nature of relationships: maltreatment, mothering and migration Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 24.3.
        • van den Akker,O.B.A & Redshaw,M (2006) Editorial: Depression in the perinatal and postnatal period continues to challenge researchers and practitioners worldwide. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 24, 2,73-75.
        • Redshaw,M & van den Akker,O.B.A (2006) Editorial: Researching parenting: in prospect and in retrospect Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 24, 1, 1-3.
        • van den Akker,O (2005) Editorial Long live Myths; Size and Shape do matter. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23, 4,299-301.
        • van den Akker,O (2005) Editorial Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23, 3, 205-6
        • van den Akker,O (2005) Editorial: Choices and consequences in reproduction. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23, 2,117-119.
        • van den Akker,O & Gross, H (2005) Editorial: Management of aspects of self and others in reproductive health psychology. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23, 1,1-2.
        • van den Akker,O & Gross, H (2004) Editorial: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 22, 4.
        • Gross, H & van den Akker,O (2004) Editorial: Reproductive Issues in the Public Eye. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 22,3, 143-144.
        • van den Akker,O & Gross, H (2004) Editorial: Maternal attachment to the foetus and interactions with the infant and the case of (non) attachment in surrogates. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 22, 2,55-56.
        • Gross, H & van den Akker,O (2004) Editorial: The importance of the postnatal period for mothers, fathers and infant behaviour. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 22,1, 3-4.
        • van den Akker,O & Gross, H (2003) Editorial: The importance of the postnatal period for mothers, fathers and infant behaviour. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 21, 4, 5-6.
        • van den Akker,O & Gross, H (2003) Editorial, Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 21, 3.
        • Gross, H & van den Akker,O (2003) Editorial, Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 21, 2, 5-6.
        • van den Akker,O & Gross, H (2003) Editorial, Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 21, 1, 5-6.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (1995) Editorial- Teenage pregnancy: A continued cause for concern? British Journal of Midwifery, 3,1,6-7.

        Recent other invitations:

        Invited symposium: Psychological and ethical issues in third party assisted conception and surrogate motherhood. Israeli Science Foundation (ISF) Tel Aviv, Israel (2018).

        keynote address: The Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology Annual Conference (2016).

        Framing International Surrogacy workshop: ‘Accepting ‘difference’ thereby allowing for accurate genetic and gestational (birth) information for all’ University of Sussex, 25/ July/ 2016.

        BPS Seminar Series, New frontiers of family: The psychological implications of emerging family forms Beyond the non-nuclear family: Non-nuclear family planning Wednesday 20th April 2016 Birkbeck, University of London (Room: CLO B01) Keynote Speaker: Third party reproduction and the family.

        The Brocher Foundation Summer Academy. ‘Ethical, legal and social issues in assisted reproductive technologies. Geneva, Switzerland, 1-5 June 2015.

        The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) Annual Meeting in Toronto on Thursday, September 22, 2011, Invited lecture: Surrogacy outcomes from the perspectives of the surrogates and intended parents.

        1st World Congress of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Androlofy, (WCOGA) 20-23 March 2011. Psychosomatic and Biological Perspectives in Clinical Controversies. Invited symposium chair ‘International Symposium: Alcohol and substance misuse’ and Invited Presentation ‘Alcohol in Reproductive Health’

        2nd National Conference: Reproductive Medicine 2010, 9th and 10th September, Institute of Physics, London, W1B 1NT Invited Lecture: Psycho-social factors in infertility

        One day Multidisciplinary Workshop on Surrogacy: A Special Case, Invited Lecture 30th July 2010 Medical Law, University of Glasgow

        Refereed and Published Conference proceedings

        • van den Akker, O., Payne,N., and Seenan, S. (2017) Infertility and treatment experiences: results of a survey 20 years on. 37th Annual Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology Conference.  York, 12th and 13th September 2017.

        • Jalmbrant, M., Jones, B., Saso, S., van den Akker, O., Smith, R. (2017) Developing a psychological screening protocol for the UK uterine transplant trial. RCOG 2017 Congress in Cape Town. 20-22 March.

        • Whitelock V, Nouwen A, Houben K, van den Akker O, Rosenthal M, Higgs S. (2017) The effect of working memory training on food intake and diabetes control in people with Type 2 diabetes: a double blind randomised controlled trial. Diabetic Medicine. Mar;34:168-168.

        • Payne, N., Lewis, S., and van den Akker, O. Beyond work-family conflict: The experience of combining work and fertility treatment. Equality, Diversity ad Inclusion Conference, London 28-30 June 2017

        • Jalmbrant, M., Bacarese-Hamilton, T., Jones, B., Saso, S., van den Akker, O., Smith, R. (2017) A survey of the psychological attributes of women waiting for Uterus Transplants: general and fertility specific quality of life and psychological distress. RCOG 2017 Congress in Cape Town. 20-22 March.

        • van den Akker, O. Postavaru, G. and Purewal. S. (2016) Paper presentation "A meta-analysis of Maternal psychosocial effects of twins and multiple births following assisted conception or natural conception/ART singleton births”. The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 32nd Annual Meeting, Helsinki, Finland, 3 to 6 July. Human Reproduction, 31, 1, i33.

        • Payne, N. van den Akker, O., & Lewis, S. (2016) Women’s Experiences of combining Work and IVF: Sense of Entitlement to Support (DOP Symposium: Women, work and wellbeing: support during challenging times). Conference of the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology, 11-13 April, Athens, Greece.

        • Camara,I, Hunt,B & van den Akker, O (2015) British media constructions of surrogate motherhood in the United Kingdom. Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Nottingham, 14-15 Steptember.

        • van den Akker, O. Blyth,E. Frith,L. Fronek, P (2015) Social changes in family building: British media constructions of cross border surrogacy. EHPS, 1-5 September.

        • Alexis-Garsee, C. van den Akker,O. Meehan S. (2015) E-cigarettes are a replacement, not an aid to quit’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of vaping experiences. EHPS, 1-5 September.

        • Lewis,S, Payne, N, van den Akker, O. (2015) Medically Assisted Reproduction and the workplace: a new work-life balance issue?  the CIPD conference.8 December.
        • van den Akker, O., Hunt, B. & Camara, I. (2015) British media constructions of surrogate motherhood in the United Kingdom. SRIP Annual Conference, 14TH- 15TH September.
        • Alexis-Garsee, C.,  van den Akker, O., and Meehan, S (2015) 'An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on smokers' reasons for discontinued use of the e-cigarette ' the EHPS Conference, Limassol,Cyprus 1-5 September.
        • van den Akker, O., Blyth, E,  Frith,L & Fronek,P. (2015)  'Social changes in family building: British media constructions of cross border surrogacy' EHPS Conference, Limassol,Cyprus 1-5 September.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A (2015) 'Third party reproduction: Interpretations of and resourcing 'family' in genetic and gestational surrogate motherhood and gamete donation' Invited presentation: Brocher Foundation Summer Academy on "Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Assisted Reproductive Technologies",, Geneva, Switzerland. 1 to 5 June
        • van den Akker,O.,  Wardene,H. Lindberg,A.,  & Ali,N (2014)  Menstrual cycle attitudes, mindfulness, health seeking behaviour, young British women. SRIP conference, Valetta, Malta, 16-17 September.
        • Olga van den Akker, Esther Adenike Ogundipe, Sylvia Voldset Gjølberg (2014) Sexual expression amongst Norwegian older residents and care staff. SRIP conference, Valetta, Malta, 16-17 September.
        • Jarrett,P., & van den Akker, O. (2014) Women with Gestational Diabetes and co-morbid depression: An exploratory study. SRIP conference, Valetta, Malta, 16-17 September.
        • Patricia Jarrett, Professor Olga van den Akker and Professor Arie Nouwen, Middlesex University Women with Gestational Diabetes and Co-Morbid Depression: An Exploratory Study (paper). International Marcé Society Biennial Scientific Meeting: 10-12 September 2014
        • Nicola Payne, Suzan Lewis, Christina Constantinou & Olga van den Akker. Work and Family: Sense of Entitlement to Workplace Support for Infertility Treatment. The work-family Researchers Network conference in New York July (2014)
        • Payne N, van den Akker O, Constantinou C, Lewis S. (2014) Work-Life balance and Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR): MAR uses experiences of workplace support. The European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology conference. London 2014
        • van den Akker O (Middlesex University), Crawshaw M (University of York), Blyth E (University of Huddersfield) and Frith L (University of Liverpool) (2014) Symposium: Diverse parenting: theory, practice and policy The experiences of donor conceived adults seeking their donor and genetically related siblings (paper) The British Psychological Society, Conference: Annual Conference  Birmingham,
        • Patel, A & van den Akker O (2013) Attitudes towards parenthood and expectations of work-life balance. Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Sept 15-17.
        • Oluwatosin E.E. and van den Akker O.B.A. (2012) Factors influencing men's attitudes towards preconception health. Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Oxford, September 11-14th.
        • van den Akker O and Purewal S (2012) The efficacy of persuasive communication strategies encouraging elective single embryo transfer in young British men. European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology. Istanbul, Turkey, July 1-4.
        • Chapman S Purewal S & van den Akker O (2011) A meta-analysis of the physiological, behavioural and psychological variables predicting in vitro fertilisation treatment outcome. 25th Annual Conference of the EHPS 2011 Crete, Greece, 20th - 24th September.
        • Purewal,S Crawshaw M & van den Akker O (2011) An investigation into Parental Order Reporters' attitudes towards their work and surrogacy arrangements in the UK. 27th Annual conference - ESHRE 2011 - Stockholm, Sweden, 3-6 July 2011
        • Paranirupasingam S & van den Akker O (2011). People Over 50: Sexual Attitudes, Knowledge and Quality of Life. 31st Annual SRIP Conference, University of Nottingham, 14-15 September 2011. (BEST POSTER PRIZE)
        • Khan,F Purewal S and van den Akker O (2011). Young men's attitudes to current sexual health and future reproductive health and parenthood. 31st Annual SRIP Conference, University of Nottingham, 14-15 September 2011
        • Carlson,C Westley,D & van den Akker,O (2010) Measures of Subjective Vitailty in the British Sign Language (BSL) Community. BPS Annual Conference, March 2010
        • Purewal, S & van den Akker, O. B. A. (2010) A qualitative study of attitudes towards oocyte donation. Psychology & Health, Volume 25, Issue S1 August 2010, page 311(Abst).
        • Crawshaw, M., Purewal, S., Khan, F., & van den Akker O. B. A. (2010). Parental Order Reporters' attitudes towards their role, surrogacy arrangements and UK legislation. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, (Abst).
        • Purewal, S & van den Akker, O. B. A.. (2009). Oocyte donation and the framing effect: changing intentions. Psychology & Health, Vol. 24, Suppl. 1, pp. 327-328.
        • Purewal & van den Akker,O (2009) A Systematic Review of the psychological determinants and motivational patterns of oocyte donation. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 27,3, 320.
        • Abbassi,M, van debn Akker,O & Bewley,C (2009) Life style factors before, during and after pregnancy: a phenomenological investigation of couple's preferences, attitudes and behaviours. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 27,3, 299.
        • Poote,A.E & van den Akker,O. (2008) Predictors of differences in attitudes to surrogate parenthood. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 26,3, 263.
        • Purewal, S & van den Akker, O. B. A. (2008) Factors Influencing Attitudes towards Potential Oocyte Donation for Research. The Psychologist Book of Abstracts. BPS Annual Conference, 2008, pp 178-179.
        • Purewal,S & van den Akker,O. (2008) Attitudes toward oocyte donation and parenthood: Structural equation modelling analyses. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 26,3, 263-264.
        • Poote,A, & van den Akker,O.B.A. (2008) Attitudes to surrogacy in a UK population. Human Reproduction, 23,S1,i226.
        • Devi,R & van den Akker,O.B.A (2008) Coping, Social Support and infertility diagnosis. Human Reproduction, 23,S1,i225-6.
        • Offord,M & van den Akker,O (2007) On boys and sex. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 25,3, 242.
        • Purewal,S & van den Akker,O (2007) Women's reasons for parenthood. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 25,3, 242-243
        • van den Akker,O.B.A (2007) A quantitative assessment of surrogate and intended mothers' psychological characteristics, social support and attitudes to the pregnancy and baby. Human Reproduction 22, Suppl. 1, i64-i65.
        • Bhundia,R, & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2006) 'Differences in Organ donation attitudes and intentions between British Asian and Caucasian populations' The Psychologist
        • Purewal & van den Akker O.B.A. (2006) An overview of cultural differences in perceptions of involuntary childlessness: A cause for concern. ESRC Colloquium Sept. Nottingham
        • van den Akker O.B.A. (2006) The Psychosocial factors in Surrogate Motherhood. BFS Publication
        • Donnelly,L, Shaw,R & van den Akker (2006) The discursive construction of empowerment in infertility related websites Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 24,3, 261.
        • Purewal,S & van den Akker (2006) Cultural and gender differences in reasons for parenthood. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology,24,3,274.
        • Bhundia,R, & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2005) 'Organ donation attitudes and the intentions to donate amongst Asians and Caucasians' The Psychologist, 20, Suppl.1, 270 (Abstr).
        • Purewal,S and van den Akker,O.B.A (2005) British women's attitudes towards oocytes donation: Ethnic differences and altruism. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23,3283-284, (Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2004) 'A longitudinal comparison of Genetic and Gestational surrogate and Intended mothers: Confidence and Genealogy. The Psychologist, Supplement. (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2004) 'A longitudinal pregnancy to post delivery comparison of genetic and gestational surrogate and intended mothers: confidence and gynaelogy' Psychology and Health, vol 19, Suppl pp175. (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2003) 'A longitudinal comparison of genetic and gestational surrogate and intended mothers: changes in attitudes at the start and following a surrogate arrangement' Human Reproduction, vol 18, Suppl 1 0-242. (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2003) 'A prospective evaluation of genetic and gestational surrogate and intended mothers' psychological trait and state characteristics: pre-pregmnancy and pregnancy data'. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 21,3, 261-262, (Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2003) 'Motherhood through surrogacy' The Psychologist, (Abstr)
        • Williamson,E & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2003) 'The influence of family alcohol culture and social network drinking on alcohol expectancy and consumption.' The Psychologist, 11,1,144. (Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2002) 'The psychosocial care involved in Commissioning and surrogate motherhood: The organisation's perspective. The Psychologist, (Abstr)
        • Murphy,M, Jones,D, Hallam,Z,Martin,R, Hakin,R & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2002) 'Infertility in focus: how far would you go?'. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 20,3, 192, (Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2001) 'The new reproductive technologies: Ethical implications of the dissonance between desired and eventual outcome' The Psychologist, 9, 2, 266.(Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2001) 'Fertile and subfertile women's choice of social over genetic parenthood' The Psychologist, 9, 1, 60.(Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2000) 'A comparison of coping style, quality of life and psychiatric morbidity in women undergoing ART, adoption or surrogacy' Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 18,3, 253 .(Abstr)
        • Smith,C, Bailey,L, Adhege,J & van den Akker, O.B.A. (2000) 'Patient satisfaction in an ACU' Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 18,3, 265.(Abstr)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (1999) 'Psychosocial characteristics of surrogate mothers' The Psychologist, vol 7, no 2, pp 140 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (1999) 'Women's ideas about surrogate motherhood' The Psychologist, vol 7, no 1, pp 78.(Abstr)
        • Eboh,W & van den Akker O.B.A. (1998) 'Is it realistic to expect midwives to take up health promotion in the area of haemoglobinopathies?'. Journal of Infant & Reproductive Psychology 16,4, 238 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (1998) 'The selection and assessment of women involved in surrogate motherhood'. J. Infant and Reproductive Psychology, 16,4, 223 (Abstr)
        • Eboh,W & van den Akker O.B.A. (1998) 'Factors affecting the Midwives role in screening at-risk couples for Haemoglobinopathies'. Journal of Infant & Reproductive Psychology 16,4, 311 (Abstr).
        • Smith-Wynter, L. & van den Akker O.B.A. (1998) 'Sickle cell disease and patients perception of the crisis: Comparisons between Jamaica and Birmingham'. Journal of Infant and Reproductive Psychology, 16,4, 311. (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A & Murphy,T (1997) Sexually active adolescents risky behaviours and control. Proceedings of the British Psychological Society, 5, 1, 17 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. & Raybould, H. (1997) Women's Health beliefs and the prevetion of Osteoporosis. Proceedings of the British Psychological Society, 5, 1, 17 (Abstr).
        • Eboh, W, & van den Akker, OBA. (1996) Antenatal counselling services and uptake of prenatal diagnosis for couples at-risk of having children with major heamoglobinopathies. J Infant and Reproductive Psychology , 14,4,322-323 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. & Murphy, T.(1996) Adolescent responses to sexual, social and educational activities. J. Infant and Reproductive Psychology 14,4, 310-311 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O. and Rosenblatt, D. (1995) To try or not to try: Decision-making regarding pregnancy after preterm delivery. Journal of Infant and Reproductive Psychology, 13, 3/4, 165 (Abstr)
        • Eboh, W & van den Akker, O. (1995) The effects of counselling on knowledge of Sickle cell disease. Journal of Infant and Reproductive Psychology, 13, 3/4, 163 (Abstr)
        • Molassiotis,A, Boughton,BJ, Milligan,DW, Goldman,JM, Thomas,S, Holmes,JA and van den Akker, OBA. (1995) Comparison of the quality of life in the long-term survivors of BMT and a matched group of patients treated with conventional chemotherapy. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 15, 2, S180 (Abstr).
        • Molassiotis,A, Boughton,BJ, Milligan,DW, Goldman,JM, Thomas,S, Holmes,JA and van den Akker, OBA. (1995) Psychosexual and gonadal function in male BMT long-term survivors. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 15, 2, S173 (Abstr).
        • Molassiotis,A, Boughton,BJ, Milligan,DW, Goldman,JM, Thomas,S, Holmes,JA and van den Akker, OBA. (1995) Assessment of mood changes, symptom distress and coping mechanisms during isolation for BMT. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 15, 2, S168. (Abstr)
        • van den Akker,O, Eves,F. Service,S & Lennon,B (1995) Ethnic group differences in menstrual cycle symptom reporting The Psychologist, Proceedings of the BPS, 3, 2, 133 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker,OBA, Eves,FF, Stein,GS Neale,MC and Murray,RM. (1994) Genetic and environmental factors in premenstrual symptom reporting and its relationship to a general neuroticism trait. Behaviour Genetics, 24,6, 535 (Abstr).
        • Molasiotis, A, Boughton, B.J & van den Akker, O.B.A. (1994) Psychological morbidity, burnout and job satisfaction in nursing and medical staff who work in BMT units. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 259 (Abstr).
        • Molasiotis, A, Boughton, B.J, Burgoyne, T, van den Akker, O.B.A. (1994) Psychosocial and physical difficulties in patients post BMT. Bone Marrow Transplantation 258 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O, Packer, A & Eves F, (1992) Menstrual cycle symptom reporting and its relationship to negative outlook. The Psychologist,(Abstr).
        • Sharifian, N., Packer, A., van den Akker, O. and Eves, F. (1991) Negative affect and symptom reporting during the menstrual cycle. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 8, 4, 298 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O., Sweeney, V. & Rosenblatt, D. (1991) Psychological factors in pregnancy and post partum in women at risk for preterm labour/delivery. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 8, 4, 296 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O., Eves, F., Stein, G. & Murray, R. (1989) A study of common genetic variability between personality, depression and premenstrual syndrome reporting. Acta Geneticae Medicae et Gemellologiae 38, 246 247 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O., Neale, M., Stein, G. & Murray, R. (1986) Genetic and environmental variation in menstrual cycle histories: A twin study. Acta Geneticae Medicae et Gemellologiae 35, 74 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1985) A Psychophysiological Study of premenstrual tension. Psychophysiology 22, 617 (Abstr).
        • van den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1985) An investigation of psychological and physiological changes in women with premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Biological Psychology 20, 186 187 (Abst).
        • an den Akker, O. & Steptoe, A. (1984) Psychophysiological activity during the menstrual cycle. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 2, 216 (Abstr).

        Book Reviews:

        • On having an own child. Reproductive technologies and the cultural construction of childhood. Karin Lesnik-Oberstein. (2009) Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 27,4, 423-6.
        • Building a family with the assistance of donor insemination. Ken Daniels (2006).Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 24,2. 179-180.
        • Genetics and Gene Therapy, (Ed) Sheila AM McLean (2005) Nursing Standard.
        • Inconceivable Conceptions. (Eds) Haynes,J & Miller,J. (2004) Journal ofReproductive & Infant Psychology 22,2
        • New Reproductive Technologies, Women's Health and Autonomy: Freedom or Dependency? Indo-Dutch studies on development alternatives, 25. (Gupta,J.A) (2003) Journal of Health Psychology
        • Statistics for Social and Health Research (Argyrous,G) (2003) Nursing Research.
        • Essential Health Psychology. Mark Forshaw (2003) Journal of Reproductive &Infant Psychology 21,1
        • The Health Psychology Reader. (2003) Edited by. David F. Marks. SagePublications. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, 21.1
        • Health Psychology: (2003) International Edition. Shelley, E. Taylor Journal ofReproductive & Infant Psychology, 21,1
        • Pharmacology for midwives.(2002) The evidence base for safe practice (S. Jordan).Nursing Standard,17, 6, 29.
        • Truth and the child 10 years on: Information exchange in donor assisted conception (2002). (Blyth, Crawshaw & Speirs Eds.) Journal of Infant & ReproductivePsychology.
        • The 'New' Family (Eds, Silva & Smart) Journal of Infant & ReproductivePsychology (1999) 17,4, 408.
        • Unspeakable losses (Kim Kluger-Bell) Nursing Standard (1999) may 26, 13, 36, 24.
        • Post Natal Depression (Paula Nicolson) Nursing Standard, (1999), 17,13,26, 25.
        • Genetics The Fetus and Our Future. (Bagness,C) Journal of Infant & ReproductivePsychology (1999), 17,1, 98.
        • Renal Nursing (Smith, T, Ed) Nursing Standard, (1997) Oct. 8, nr 3, vol 12, pp 28.
        • Psychological aspects of women's reproductive health. (O'Hara et al) BritishJournal of Midwifery (1996) 4, 7, 380.
        • Changing conceptions of motherhood. The practice of surrogacy in Britain. (BMA) British Journal of Midwifery (1996) 4, 6, 328.
        • The Health Psychology of Women (Eds, Niven,C. and Carroll, D. (1995) Journal ofPsychophysiology.
        • The real facts of life: Feminism and the politics of sexuality c1850-1940.(Jackson, M) British Journal of Midwifery (1995) 3, 6, 347.
        • Handbook of behavioural medicine for women (Eds. Blechman, E.A & Brownell, K.D.) Journal of Psychophysiology (1992), 6, 71 75.

        Official Reports

        • Payne, N., and van den Akker, O. (2016) Fertility Network UK  Survey on the Impact of Fertility Problems. Report commissioned by and produced for INUK May 2016.

        • The Centre for Social Justice (2008) Fathers not Included A response to the HFEA Bill. A report by the Family Law Review of the Centre for Social Justice. http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/client/images/csj%20fathers%20web%20FINAL.pdf (Consultant)
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2005) HGC Commissioned Report. Review: Public Attitudes to Genetics and Genetic Decision making. Human Genetics Commission, London.
        • van den Akker, O.B.A. (2002) HFEA Commissioned Report. Review: Psycho-social, moral and ethical issues involved in Donor, Surrogacy and Adoption Triads: A graded Evaluation. Human Fertilisation & Embryology Association, London.

        Media experience

        Media Publications:

        Newspapers

        • The Guardian (2011) expert commentray on Elton Jonh and his partner's Surrogate baby.
        • The Independent. ( uly 2010) expert commentary on Cristiano Ronaldo's (25 year old footballer's) payment of a surrogate mother to have his baby son.
        • Mail online 'Caroline 25th June (2010) was fathered by a sperm donor- so why does she bitterly resent the stranger who gave her life? Cited expert comentary on the case.
        • Enfield advertiser and Gazette.
        • Observer, (2006) Sunday 30 July, page 59. Interview for: 'How can I help my 14-year old daughter with PMT?
        • Sunday Observer Interview 4/May/2008 in the news section page 15 'Twelve year olds ask Childline for sex help'
        • The Sunday Times (2006) July 23, p5 Interview for: 'Too much too young' Teenage mothers tell Sian Griffiths why they have few regrets about having their children so early.
        • Daily Telegraph (2005) Interview 'A quarter of girls aged 14 claim to have had sex with several partners', 24/march.
        • The Psychologist (2005) Interview by Christian Jarrett: The right to know who youcame from.18, 5, 260.
        • Daily Express, Sat 31 Jan (2004) 'Suffer the little Children' Interviewed for artice on Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe.
        • Birmingham Post, 5 Nov. (2003) Page 4 'Surrogate Motherhood not that stressful, says new research from Aston'
        • The Sunday Mercury (1994) July 3, pp 38. 'Kids aged 11 face quiz on sex habits'.
        • The Yorkshire Evening Press (1996) July 4. pp.3 'Teenagers are ignoring sex warnings'.
        • Birmingham Post (1996) July 5. pp. 5 'Just say no to help gymslip mothers'.
        • Evening Standard (1996) July 4. (no copy).
        • The Birmingham Post, (1998) March 13, pp.1 'Morals and the baby boom'.
        • The Nursing Standard (1996) July 10. vol 10, 42, 9. 'Most sexually active teenager would have unprotected sex'
        • The Birmingham Post (1998) June 27. pp4. 'Childless couples turning to surrogacy'.
        • The Independent (1998) June 27. Home News pp 7. 'Mothers back surrogacy'.

        Radio

        • BBC LDN Drivetime debate / Monday 27 January / 5pm Invited to participate in a live round table discussion with Eddie Nestor, on compulsory sex and relationship education in schools to aid tackling rising levels of abuse against women and girls.
        • BBC LDN Drivetime debate / Wednesday 31st July / 5pm Invited to participate in a live round table discussion with Eddie Nestor, Eleanor Mills, Associate Editor of Sunday Times; Melissa Kite from the Spectator and Francis Gilbert, school teacher and author on the subject of young peoples' attitudes towards sex and relationships.
        • Austrian Radio interview Julu (2010)
        • BBC Radio 3 Sept (2008) Ronnie Barber, Three Counties Radio 'Half of women would ask a friend to father a child'
        • BBC Radio 5 Feb (2001). Nicky Campbell, Five Live Debate 'Too much too young'
        • BBC Radio York (1996) July 5. Julia Booth Interview.
        • BBC Radio West Midlands (1996) July 4. Interview Broadcast 'On the hour news bulletin'.
        • BBC, London World Service, (1998) July 27th. Interview broadcast in severallanguages on Science today.

        Television

        • BBC South East Today 6.30pm 5th Oct. (2010) interview about Psychological profile of surrogate who had delivered 8 babies. https:/owa.mdx.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=a4396eb2ba5a4817b7881a28b977365a&URL=http%3a%2f%2fw ww.bbc.co.uk%2fprogrammes%2fb006pfp8%2fepisodes%2fplayer
        • The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation NRK, (2006) Interview for documentary on families created following third party assisted conception.
        • BBC1 Invited participant on Teenage pregnancy on 'Kilroy' Monday 1st. Oct 2001,9.00 am.
        • BBC1 Invited Expert on Surrogacy on 'The Vanessa Show' Live Friday 16th. July1999, 10.15 am.

        Magazines:

        • Cosmopolitan (2013) Interviewed for feature about women who have babies with private sperm donors they meet online.

        • Love it! Interviewed on Teenage pregancy. 2-9 February 2010

        • Love it! Interviewed on 'The baby faced dad' article, 10-16 march 2009. 26-27.
        • Woman. Interview on males and infertility for article entitled 'How he feels aboutinfertility'. 12/09/2005, 24-25.
        • Cosmopolitan. Interviewed for article 'Conception by deception. Women who stealsperm', Nov. 2000 pp87-92.
        • T.V. Quick Magazine. Interview on sex in adolescents as shown on current soaps. 25-31 March, 13, 15.

        Electronic publications:

        Editorships

        • Editorial board member Expert review for Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008-present Associate Editor Biomedical research 2008-present http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcresnotes Editor in Chief Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology 2003-2009 Newsletter Editor SRIP 1999-2002 Member of Editorial board: British J. Midwifery 1998-2001 Book review editor. J. Infant & Reprod. Psychol. 1998-2002 Consulting editor: Nursing Research 1995-1999

        Membership of Professional Societies

        • HFEA member of 'One at a Time' Taskforce 2007- Member of Executive Committee British Infertility Counselling Association 2007-2009 Member of Executive Committee British Fertility Society 2007-2009 HFEA Advisor / Inspector 2005- 2008 Member of Birmingham Women's Hospital ACU Ethics Committee 2001-2007 Member of Birmingham Women's Hospital ACU Advisory Committee 2001-2007 Committee member Society for Infant & Reproductive Psychology 1997- present Committee member British Menstrual Cycle Research Group 1997- 1999 Committee member the British Psychophysiology Society 1985 - 1995 Treasurer Psychophysiology Society 1987-1989 Membership Secretary Psychophysiology Society 1985-1987 Associate Fellow British Psychological Society Psychophysiology Society Marce Society Society for Reproductive & Infant Psychology Behaviour Genetics British Menstrual Cycle Research Group British Association for Adoption Fostering British Infertility & Counselling Association European Society for Human Reproduction & Embryology

        External examining experience

        • University of Abertay:External Examiner UG Psychology & Social Sciences Programmes 2006-present External PhS's examined for:Staffordshire University 2009 University of Queensland, Australia 2009 University of Nottingham 2008 University of Liverpool 2008 Thames Valley University 2008 University of York, 2007 University of Cardiff, 2007 University of Sheffield, 2006

        Languages Spoken

        Fluent English and Dutch

      • Learning &
        Teaching Interests

        Subject area: Health Psychology

        Methodology: Quantitative, qualitative, experimental, systematic reviewing, meta analysis

      • Research Outputs &
        Interests

        • Health Psychology
        • Reproductive Health Psychology; PMS, PND, Preterm Labour/ delivery, Prenatal screening, Infertility, Gamete donation, Surrogate motherhood
        • Bone marrow transplantation, Renal disease, Sickle cell disease, Genetics

        Applications for PhD research, or research assistant schemes in reproductive health psychology are welcomed. PhD students will also be considered in any other area of health psychology as applied to specific issues and specific health concerns.

        Publication Feed

        Exploring factors having an impact on attitudes and motivations towards volunteering in the undergraduate nursing student population − a comparative study of the UK and Ghana

        Dyson, Sue E. and Korsah, Kwadwo and Liu, Liang Q. and O'Driscoll, Mike and van den Akker, Olga (2021) Exploring factors having an impact on attitudes and motivations towards volunteering in the undergraduate nursing student population − a comparative study of the UK and Ghana. Nurse Education in Practice , 53 . ISSN 1471-5953 (Published online first)

        Transition to parenthood after successful non-donor in vitro fertilisation: The effects of infertility and in vitro fertilisation on previously infertile couples' experiences of early parenthood

        Allan, Helen T. and Mounce, Ginny and Culley, Lorraine and van den Akker, Olga and Hudson, Ruth (2019) Transition to parenthood after successful non-donor in vitro fertilisation: The effects of infertility and in vitro fertilisation on previously infertile couples' experiences of early parenthood. Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine . ISSN 1363-4593 (Published online first)

        Experiences of involuntary childlessness and treatment in the UK: what has changed in 20 years?

        Payne, Nicola and Seenan, Susan and van den Akker, Olga (2019) Experiences of involuntary childlessness and treatment in the UK: what has changed in 20 years? Human Fertility . ISSN 1464-7273 (Published online first)

        Assisted conception: fertility preservation, surrogate motherhood, gamete / embryo donation, and in vitro fertilization

        van den Akker, Olga (2019) Assisted conception: fertility preservation, surrogate motherhood, gamete / embryo donation, and in vitro fertilization. In: Routledge International Handbook of Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health. Ussher, Jane and Chrisler, Joan and Perz, Janette , eds. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, London and New York, pp. 237-250. ISBN 9781138490260

        Psychological and ethical issues in third party assisted conception and surrogate motherhood

        van den Akker, Olga (2019) Psychological and ethical issues in third party assisted conception and surrogate motherhood. In: Pathways and Barriers to Parenthood: Existential Concerns Regarding Fertility, Pregnancy, and Early Parenthood. Taubman –Ben-Ari, Orit , ed. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 113-125. ISBN 9783030248635

        View more publications

      • Funded Research &
        Knowledge Exchange Projects

        PI van den Akker, O.B.A. Payne, et al (2019). The intersection of contemporary reproduction, work, and working life: Towards an agenda for research and practice. £1,500. Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology Developmental grant application.

        PI: Chatrakul Na Ayudhya Uracha, Payne, N. van den Akker, O and Lewis, S. (2019) internal research grant from the School of Business, Economics, and Informatics at Birkbeck University ‘A survey with HR managers and line managers in the UK to look at policies and support for employees who use ART’. The application was successful -received £4500.

        PI: Dyson, S. &van den Akker, O. (2018) Stimulating compassion and empathy for patient benefit through structured volunteering in nurse education. Research incentives £3,111

        PI: Dyson, S, van den Akker, Oet al (2018) Building social capital through volunteering.Res & knowl exchange £4,000.

        PI van den Akker, O. (2018) Enhancing student research to presentation level. CAPE funded £3.487.

        PI: Helen Allan; Olga van den Akker; Ginny Mounce (2018) Experiences of couples in early parenthood following successful IVF. Department of adult, child and midwifery small research and knowledge exchange/transfer grants Research/Incentives £3,111

        PI: Dyson, S, van den Akker, O et al (2018) Building social capital through volunteering.Res & knowl exchange £4,000.

        PI van den Akker, O. Allen, H., Culley, L, Symon, A and de Lacey, S. £1,500. Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology Developmental grant application ‘A multidisciplinary research, theory and practice workshop on the early parenthood experiences of non-donor infertile couples after successful fertility treatment’ (2016)

        PI Payne, N. & van den Akker, O. £6,900. INUK.  Survey on the impact of fertility problems (2015)

        PI van den Akker O with Purewal S £9486 The British Academy. A systematic review and meta analysis of the psychosocial consequences of twins and multiple births following medically assisted reproduction. (2014)

        PI. van den Akker with Crawshaw (University of York) BASW / PROGAR. £1,500 SRIP Workshop funding 'A research, policy and practice informed roundtable discussion of current challenges in surrogacy arrangements nationally and internationally' (2014)

        PI Dyson S, with van den Akker,O and Cunningham S £6,625 funded by Middlesex University School of Health and Education:'Volunteering in health and social care: building social capital through volunteerism: a pilot project' (2013)

        PI. Jarrett P with van den Akker, O £5,440 funded by Middlesex University School of Health and Education: 'Women's experience of Gestational Diabetes and Depression: A Phenomenological Study' (2013)

        PI Payne N with van den Akker, O and Lewis S £4,944 Middlesex University Psychology research funding 'Employment and Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR): The needs and experiences of employed MAR users' (2013)

        PI van den Akker,O with Payne N and Lewis S £3,598 Middlesex University Psychology research funding 'Workplace policies and practices to support users of Assisted Reproductive Technology' (2013)

        PI. van den Akker with Crawshaw (University of York) BASW / PROGAR. £1,500 SRIP Workshop funding 'A research and practice informed approach to family building through donor conception' at the Nuffield foundation / BMA. (2012)

        PI. Purewal with van den Akker £7,400. British Academy 'A meta analysis on the psychological and behavioural variables predicting In Vitro Fertilization treatment outcome: A path analytic investigation'. (2010)

        PI. van den Akker with Purewal. £5,000 Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority for a study assessing attitudes to Single Embryo Transfer. (2010)

        PI. Alexis-Garsee with Gilbert (University of London) & van den Akker £22,771. UK Respiratory Research Foundation of the IPCRG Smokers with chronic illness: A qualitative analysis of barriers, motivation to quit and tailored interventions for smoking cessation in COPD smokers. (2009)

        van den Akker Consultancy £9000 for Editorial work Taylor & Francis Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology (2007-2009)

        van den Akker £4000 NHS Consultancy, Stage 2 BPS Health Psychology Student (2008)

        PI. van den Akker with Baluch £1000 Matched funding Middlesex University School of Health & Social Sciences Business development (2008)

        PI. van den Akker with Baluch £1000 Match funding Middlesex University School of Health & Social Sciences Research (2008)

        PI. van den Akker with Baluch £1000 SRIP Workshop The future of infertility (2008)

      • Engagement &
        Impact

        Editorial Activities

        Editorial board member Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology 2008-present

        Editorial board member: Biomed Central RBM Online 2008-present

        Editorial board member: Expert review of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008-present

        Editor in Chief Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology 2003- 2008

        Newsletter Editor SRIP 1999-2002

        Member of Editorial board: British J. Midwifery 1998-2001

        Book review editor: J. Infant & Reproductive Psychology 1998-2002

        Consulting editor: Nursing Research 1995-1999

        Committee / Advisory activities

        Committee member Society for Infant & Reproductive Psychology 1997-2019

        Member Project Group on Assisted Reproduction (PROGAR) 2009-Present

        Advisory group HFEA eSET taskforce 2009-2010

        Committee member BFS (BICA representative) 2007- 2009

        External Advisor DIPex, Oxford University 2007-2009

        Executive Committee Member BICA 2007-2009

        Member of Birmingham Women's Hospital ACU Ethics Committee 2001-2007

        Committee member British Menstrual Cycle Research Group 1997- 1999

        Committee member the British Psychophysiology Society 1985 - 1995

        Treasurer Psychophysiology Society 1987-1989

        Membership Secretary Psychophysiology Society 1985-1987

        Membership of Professional Societies 

        Practitioner Psychologist Health and Care Professions Council 2011-2017

        Associate Fellow; Chartered Health Psychologist, British Psychological Society (previous)

      In this section

      Back to top

      We use Cookies

      View our Privacy and Cookie policy

      Accept