People_

Associate Professor Sophie Lewis

PhD, Monash University

Associate Professor
Sydney School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Health

Email

sophie.lewis@sydney.edu.au

Details

Member of Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies

Websites

Google Scholar Profile

Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies

Centre for Disability Research and Policy

Biographical details

Dr Sophie Lewis is Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. A qualitative researcher and health sociologist, her research takes a person-centred approach and provides in-depth insights into individuals’ experiences of health, illness and care and the social forces that shape these experiences. She uses innovative qualitative methods to critically examine intersections between chronicity, incurability and social connectedness for people with long-term and/or life-limiting conditions, across diverse illness and care contexts (e.g. metastatic cancers, obesity, culturally diverse populations, informal carers). This includes research on loneliness, stigma and social suffering; end-of-life care, death and dying; and the complexity of healthcare decision-making.

Research interests

Sociology of Health and Healthcare

Qualitative research

Chronic illness

Critical public health

Teaching and supervision

Sophie is Director of Honours for Sydney School of Health Sciences.

She teaches across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses within health and social sciences. She supervises Honours, masters, and PhD projects on topics ranging from chronic illness, loneliness, advanced cancer, bereavement and peer support, healthcare decision making and end of life care.

Current projects

Young people and chronicity: Growing up well in precarious times (LP240100339)

Co-investigators: Associate Professor Sophie Lewis, Professor Lorraine Smith, Professor Grace Spencer, Dr Maja Moensted, Dr Stephen Hughes, Dr Joanna Harnett, Lisa Todd, Anthony Flynn.

Partners: Epilepsy Action Australia, Asthma Australia

Funded by: ARC

The cost-of-living crisis and surging healthcare costs have had a disproportionately damaging effect on young people. This impact has been especially pronounced for the one in three young Australians aged 15 to 24 with a chronic health condition. In partnership with Epilepsy Action Australia, Asthma Australia, and young people, this project will examine, from multiple perspectives, how young people and their families navigate the social, educational and financial aspects of growing up while living with a chronic condition. Findings will be used to co-develop publicly available resources to support young people, families and other key stakeholders such as educators, advoacates and care providers.

The Cost of Living (Well): A Sociological Study of Cost, Value, and Care (LP230200894)

Co-investigators: Associate Professor Katherine Kenny, Associate Professor Sophie Lewis, Professor Alex Broom, Dr Lukas Hofstaetter, Sarah Judd-Lam.

Partner: Carers NSW

Funded by: ARC

This project aims to uncover the full extent and consequences of rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs in Australia. Out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) often come as a rude shock and can lead to financial distress, compromised care, increased inequalities, and significant suffering. Taking a person-centred, strengths-based approach, this project will identify how people in need of high-cost care, their carers, and their healthcare providers navigate the difficulties posed by the new OOP economy of healthcare. Expected outcomes include publicly accessible resources and targeted policy and practice advice that will provide significant benefit by reducing the burdens, suffering, and harms caused by high OOPCs in Australia’s current healthcare system.

Sick, lonely and left behind? (DP200101872)

Co-investigators: Dr Sophie Lewis, Professor Karen Willis, Professor Lorraine Smith, Professor Anne Rogers, Associate Professor Leslie Dubbin.

Funded by: ARC

Taking a sociological approach, this project aims to generate new knowledge about the experience and meanings of loneliness for people and communities, and the social factors implicated in the rise of loneliness in contemporary Australia. By focusing on loneliness in people with long-term health conditions, this knowledge will be used to develop policy and practice recommendations for the health- and community-care sectors in how to support people and communities experiencing loneliness.

A new direction in end of life care? Assessing the impact and outcomes of the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying Act

Funded by: NHMRC

This project assesses the impact of the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying Act (2017), documenting the experiences of patients, families and health professionals to develop a framework for ongoing evaluation of VAD. It will contribute to enhancing end of life care in Victoria and nationally.

Living with cancer, living in limbo. A sociological study of cancer. (DE170100440)

Funded by: ARC

This project aims to study the experiences of Australian women with advanced, incurable breast cancer, including their illness, wellness and survivorship experiences. It will examine how women negotiate the uncertainties of survivorship and the knowledge of clinical terminality. Focusing on women who seek to live with, rather than die from, cancer is expected to advance sociological understandings of uncertainty, insecurity and biographical and social complexity and provide end-user, translatable knowledge for improving care and support for women.

Goal setting and chronic condition self-management (DP150101406)

Co-investigators: Professor Lorraine Smith and Professor Karen Willis

Funded by: ARC

Drawing on psychological and sociological insights, this unique project investigates how self-management goals are negotiated and enacted, providing essential understanding of the mismatch between experts and patients. The project aims to contribute new knowledge about the complex interactions between individuals and healthcare providers and is expected to result in a way forward for more effective chronic condition self-management.

Goal setting and chronic condition self-management. Chronic condition healthcare contributes 70 per cent of Australia's healthcare burden. Without a cure, chronic condition self-management is imperative. The dominant medical approach prioritises compliance with medical and lifestyle regimes. There is little evidence that patients' needs and wishes accord with the medical model. Drawing on psychological and sociological insights, this unique project investigates how self-management goals are negotiated and enacted, providing essential understanding of the mismatch between experts and patients. The project aims to contribute new knowledge about the complex interactions between individuals and healthcare providers and is expected to result in a way forward for more effective chronic condition self-management.

Associations

The Australian Sociological Association

The Public Healh Association of Australia

Awards and honours

Sydney Accelerated Researcher (SOAR) Prize, 2023-204

University of Sydney Thompson Equity Prize, 2023

Current research students

Project title	Research student
Weight stigma in maternity care: Experiences, outcomes and contributing factors	Ashleigh ARMANASCO
Conceptualizing Stigma, Disability Policy and Its Impacts to The Lives of People with Disabilities (PwDs) in Indonesia	Adhi PRANA

Publications

By Type

Expand all

Books

Bismark, M., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Smallwood, N. (2022). Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: In Their Own Words. United Kingdom: Routledge. [More Information]

Book Chapters

Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2020). The Imperative of Choice in Australian Healthcare. In Not known (Eds.), Navigating Private and Public Healthcare: Experiences of Patients, Doctors and Policy-Makers, (pp. 227-248). TBC. [More Information]
Kilpatrick, S., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2014). Community action in Australian farming and fishing communities. In Nick Gallent, Daniela Ciaffi (Eds.), Community Action and Planning: Contexts, drivers and outcomes, (pp. 79-96). Bristol: Policy Press. [More Information]

Journals

Janover, E., La Brooy, C., Philip, J., Lewis, S., Kerridge, I., Komesaroff, P. (2024). Attitudes to End-of-Life Care and Voluntary Assisted Dying Amongst Members of the Australian Jewish community. Journal of Religion and Health. [More Information]
Lewis, S., La Brooy, C., Kerridge, I., Holmes, A., Olver, I., Hudson, P., Dooley, M., Komesaroff, P. (2024). Choreographing a good death: Carers’ experiences and practices of enacting assisted dying. Sociology of Health & Illness. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Smith, A. (2024). Complexities in supportive care for people with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative study. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. [More Information]
Cheung, M., Lewis, S., Raja, R., Willis, K., Dubbin, L., Rogers, A., Moensted, M., Smith, L. (2024). Disruption and Improvisation: Experiences of Loneliness for People With Chronic Illness. Qualitative Health Research. [More Information]
Mackie, G., Boyle, F., Lewis, S., Smith, A. (2024). Finding my tribe: a qualitative interview study of how people living with metastatic breast cancer perceive support groups. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. [More Information]
Komesaroff, P., Chapman, M., Lamba, G., Kerridge, I., Stewart, C., Holmes, A., Lewis, S., Philip, J. (2024). Should voluntary assisted dying in Victoria be extended to encompass people with dementia? Medical Journal of Australia, 220(9), 452-454. [More Information]
La Brooy, C., Russell, H., Lewis, S., Komesaroff, P. (2024). The Impact of Voluntary Assisted Dying on Grief and Bereavement for Family Members and Carers in the Australian State of Victoria: A Qualitative Study. Health and Social Care in the Community, 2024 (3172357), 1-10. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Smith, L., Dubbin, L., Rogers, A., Moensted, M., Smallwood, N. (2024). There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness. Social Science and Medicine, 343, 116596. [More Information]
Donaghy, J., Lewis, S., Keep, M., Carland, J. (2024). “I was told I either came back or I lost my job”: a qualitativestudy of the experiences of Australian women navigating thereturn-to-work following early pregnancy loss. Community, Work and Family. [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2023). Australians' experiences of COVID-19 during the early months of the crisis: A qualitative interview study. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1092322-1-1092322-12. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Smith, L. (2023). Chronic condition self-management is a social practice. Journal of Sociology, 59(1), 215-231. [More Information]
Moensted, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Dubbin, L., Rogers, A., Smith, L. (2023). Friendship, connectedness and (in)authenticity for those with chronic illness: Trading in one social gain for another. Social Science and Medicine-Qualitative Research in Health, 3, 100246. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Newton, G., Kenny, K., Boyle, F. (2023). The incurable self: Negotiating social bonds and dis/connection with metastatic breast cancer. Sociology of Health & Illness. [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2022). 'The day everything changed': Australians' COVID-19 risk narratives. Journal of Risk Research, 25(10), 1147-1160. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Bismark, M., Smallwood, N. (2022). A time for self-care? Frontline health workers' strategies for managing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM Mental Health, 2, 100053. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Franklin, M., Smith, L. (2022). Challenging times: disconnects between patient and professional temporalities in chronic condition management. Critical Public Health, 32(4), 438-449. [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2022). Coping with COVID-19: The sociomaterial dimensions of living with pre-existing mental illness during the early stages of the coronavirus crisis. Emotion, Space and Society, 42, 100860. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willmott, L., White, B., La Brooy, C., Komesaroff, P. (2022). First Nations Perspectives in Law-Making About Voluntary Assisted Dying. Journal of Law and Medicine, 29(4), 1168-1181.
Smith, A., Boyle, F., Lewis, S. (2022). Potential inequities in availability of care from breast care nurses: a qualitative study reporting the experiences and perspectives of women with metastatic breast cancer in Australia. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1). [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2022). Sociomaterialities of health, risk and care during COVID-19: Experiences of Australians living with a medical condition. Social Science and Medicine, 293, 114669. [More Information]
Willis, K., Ezer, P., Lewis, S., Bismark, M., Smallwood, N. (2021). "Covid Just Amplified the Cracks of the System": Working as a Frontline Health Worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10178. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Rogers, A., Smith, L. (2021). Between knowing and doing person-centredness: A qualitative examination of health professionals' perceptions of roles in self-management support. Health, 25(3), 339-356. [More Information]
Kirby, E., Broom, A., MacArtney, J., Lewis, S., Good, P. (2021). Hopeful dying? The meanings and practice of hope in palliative care family meetings. Social Science and Medicine, 291, 114471-1-114471-9. [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2021). Learning about COVID-19: a qualitative interview study of Australians’ use of information sources. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 662. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2021). Participants' experiences of and perceived value regarding different support types for long-term condition self-management programmes. Chronic Illness, 17(3), 242-256. [More Information]
Broom, A., Lewis, S., Parker, R., Williams Veazey, L., Kenny, K., Kirby, E., Kokanovic, R., Lwin, Z., Koh, E. (2021). Personhood, belonging, affect and affliction. The Sociological Review, 69(5), 1051-1071. [More Information]
Spencer, G., Lewis, S., Reid, M. (2021). The agentic Self and uncontrollable body: Young people’s management of chronic illness at university. Health, 25(3), 357-375. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Kenny, K., Broom, A., Kirby, E., Boyle, F. (2021). The social meanings of choice in living-with advanced breast cancer. Social Science and Medicine, 280, 1-8. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Broom, A., Kenny, K., Kirby, E. (2020). Cancer caregivers' experiences of prognosis in Australia: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open, 10(1), 1-9. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2020). Goal setting in group programmes for long-term condition self-management support: experiences of patients and healthcare professionals. Psychology & Health, 35(1), 70-86. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2020). How do facilitators of group programmes for long-term conditions conceptualise self-management support? Chronic Illness, 16(2), 104-118. [More Information]
Kirby, E., Kenny, K., Broom, A., Oliffe, J., Lewis, S., Wyld, D., Yates, P., Parker, R., Lwin, Z. (2020). Responses to a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative patient-centred interview study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 28(1), 229-238. [More Information]
Dudley, D., O'Loughlin, K., Lewis, S., Loh, V. (2020). Retirees' perceptions of goal setting: A qualitative study. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 39(3), e360-e367. [More Information]
Broom, A., Parker, R., Raymond, S., Kirby, E., Lewis, S., Kokanovic, R., Adams, J., de Souza, P., Woodland, L., Wyld, D., et al (2020). The (Co)production of difference in the care of patients with cancer from migrant backgrounds. Qualitative Health Research, 30(11), 1619-1631. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Venville, A., Smith, L. (2019). Controlled, Constrained, or Flexible? How Self-Management Goals Are Shaped By Patient–Provider Interactions. Qualitative Health Research, 29(4), 557-567. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Venville, A., Smith, L. (2019). Goals for living with a chronic condition: The relevance of temporalities, dispositions, and resources. Social Science and Medicine, 233, 13-20. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Collyer, F., Willis, K., Harley, K., Marcus, K., Calnan, M., Gabe, J. (2018). Healthcare in the News Media: The Privileging of Private Over Public. Journal of Sociology, 54(4), 574-590. [More Information]
Spencer, G., Lewis, S., Reid, M. (2018). Living with a chronic health condition: Students health narratives and negotiations of (ill) health at university. Health Education Journal, 77(6), 631-643. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Collyer, F. (2018). Navigating and making choices about healthcare: The role of place. Health & Place, 52, 215-220. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Bourke-Taylor, H., Smith, L. (2018). Patients' and healthcare professionals' perceptions of self-management support interactions: Systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Chronic Illness, 14(2), 79-103. [More Information]
Collyer, F., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2017). Gatekeepers in the healthcare sector: Knowledge and Bourdieu's concept of field. Social Science and Medicine, 186, 96-103. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2017). The experience of facilitators and participants of long term condition self-management group programmes: A qualitative synthesis. Patient Education and Counseling, 100(12), 2244-2254. [More Information]
Willis, K., Collyer, F., Lewis, S., Gabe, J., Flaherty, I., Calnan, M. (2016). Knowledge matters: producing and using knowledge to navigate healthcare systems. Health Sociology Review, 25(2), 202-216. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Yee, J., Kilbreath, S. (2016). Living well? Strategies Used by Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer. Qualitative Health Research, 26(9), 1167-1179. [More Information]
Couch, D., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Blood, R., Holland, K., Komesaroff, P. (2016). Obese people's perceptions of the thin ideal. Social Science & Medicine, 148, 60-70. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Kokanovic, R., Pirotta, M. (2015). 'I'm managing myself': how and why people use St John's wort as a strategy to manage their mental health risk. Health, Risk and Society, 17(5-6), 439-457. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Westberg, K. (2015). '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. Health Expectations, 18(1), 124-136. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Yee, J., Kilbreath, S., Willis, K. (2015). A qualitative study of women's experiences of healthcare, treatment and support for metastatic breast cancer. The Breast, 24(3), 242-247. [More Information]
Holland, K., Blood, R., Thomas, S., Lewis, S. (2015). Challenging stereotypes and legitimating fat: An analysis of obese peoples views on news media reporting guidelines and promoting body diversity. Journal of Sociology, 51(2), 431-445. [More Information]
Couch, D., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Blood, R., Komesaroff, P. (2015). Obese Adults' Perceptions of News Reporting on Obesity: The Panopticon and Synopticon at Work. Sage Open, 5(4), 1-14. [More Information]
Willis, K., Lewis, S., Ng, F., Wilson, L. (2015). The Experience of Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer-A Review of the Literature. Health Care for Women International, 36(5), 514-542. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Olds, T., Pettigrew, S., Randle, M., Lewis, S. (2014). â€œDon't eat that, you'll get fat!â€� Exploring how parents and children conceptualise and frame messages about the causes and consequences of obesity. Social Science and Medicine, 119, 114-122. [More Information]
Olds, T., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Petkov, J. (2013). Clustering of attitudes towards obesity: a mixed methods study of Australian parents and children. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10, 1-11. [More Information]
Lindsay, S., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Westberg, K., Moodie, R., Jones, S. (2013). Eat, drink and gamble: marketing messages about 'risky' products in an Australian major sporting series. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 1-11. [More Information]
Vitetta, L., Coulson, S., Beck, S., Gramotnev, H., Du, S., Lewis, S. (2013). The clinical efficacy of a bovine lactoferrin/whey protein Ig-rich fraction (Lf/IgF) for the common cold: A double blind randomized study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 21(3), 164-171. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Westberg, K., Derevensky, J. (2013). What Influences the Beliefs, Behaviours and Consumption Patterns of 'Moderate Risk' Gamblers? International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 11(4), 474-489. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., McLeod, C., Haycock, J. (2012). 'They are working every angle'. A qualitative study of Australian adults' attitudes towards, and interactions with, gambling industry marketing strategies. International Gambling Studies, 12(1), 111-127. [More Information]
Knoesen, N., Mancuso, S., Thomas, S., Komesaroff, P., Lewis, S., Castle, D. (2012). Relationship between Severity of Obesity and Mental Health: An Australian Community Survey. Asia-Pacific Psychiatry, 4(1), 67-75. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Duong, J., McLeod, C. (2012). Sports betting marketing during sporting events: a stadium and broadcast census of Australian Football League matches. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 36(2), 145-152. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Blood, R., Castle, D., Hyde, J., Komesaroff, P. (2011). 'I'm searching for solutions': Why are obese individuals turning to the Internet for help and support with 'being fat'? Health Expectations, 14(4), 339-350. [More Information]
Holland, K., Blood, R., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Komesaroff, P., Castle, D. (2011). 'Our girth is plain to see': An analysis of newspaper coverage of Australia's Future 'Fat Bomb'. Health, Risk and Society, 13(1), 31-46. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Hyde, J., Castle, D., Komesaroff, P. (2011). A Qualitative Investigation of Obese Men's Experiences with Their Weight. American Journal of Health Behavior, 35(4), 458-469. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Blood, R., Castle, D., Hyde, J., Komesaroff, P. (2011). How do obese individuals perceive and respond to the different types of obesity stigma that they encounter in their daily lives? A qualitative study. Social Science and Medicine, 73(9), 1349-1356. [More Information]
Dickins, M., Thomas, S., King, B., Lewis, S., Holland, K. (2011). The role of the Fatosphere in fat adults' responses to obesity stigma: A model of empowerment without a focus on weight loss. Qualitative Health Research, 21(12), 1679-1691. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Hyde, J., Castle, D., Blood, R., Komesaroff, P. (2010). "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. BMC Public Health, 10, 1-9. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Hyde, J., Castle, D., Komesaroff, P. (2010). "The solution needs to be complex." Obese adults' attitudes about the effectiveness of individual and population based interventions for obesity. BMC Public Health, 10, 1-9. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Karunaratne, A., Lewis, S., Castle, D., Knoesen, N., Honigman, R., Hyde, J., Kausman, R., Komesaroff, P. (2010). 'Just Bloody Fat!': A Qualitative Study of Body Image, Self-Esteem and Coping in Obese Adults. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 12(1), 39-49. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Blood, R., Castle, D., Hyde, J., Komesaroff, P. (2010). Do health beliefs and behaviors differ according to severity of obesity? A qualitative study of Australian adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(2), 443-459. [More Information]

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Conferences

Collyer, F., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2017). Healthcare Knowledge Practices and Inequality: The Australian Experience. British Sociological Association 49th Medical Sociology Group Annual Conference, York: University of York.
Willis, K., Lewis, S., Collyer, F. (2017). Navigating and Making Choices about Healthcare: The Role of Place. Belonging in a Mobile World, University of Western Australia: The Australian Sociological Association (TASA).
Willis, K., Collyer, F., Flaherty, I., Lewis, S., Gabe, J., Calnan, M. (2016). Navigating Healthcare in a Public/Private System - the Inequalities of Choice. 3rd International Sociological Association (ISA) Forum 2016 - The Futures We Want: Global Sociology and the Struggles for a Better World, Vienna: International Sociological Association.
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Short, S., Collyer, F., Harley, K., Gabe, J., Calnan, M. (2016). The Unequal Structuring of Healthcare Choice: Perceptions of Australian Health Consumers. Faculty of Pharmacy Presentation, Sydney: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney.
Lewis, S., Harley, K., Marcus, K., Willis, K., Collyer, F. (2015). Our Health System In Intensive Care: Newspaper Representations Of Australia’s Dual Public/Private Health Care System. The Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA) 2015: Neoliberalism and Contemporary Challenges for the Asia-Pacific, Cairns: TASA.
Flaherty, I., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Collyer, F. (2015). Private health insurance and 'the good citizen'. The Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA) 2015: Neoliberalism and Contemporary Challenges for the Asia-Pacific, Cairns: TASA.
Willis, K., Collyer, F., Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Flaherty, I., Gabe, J., Calnan, M. (2015). Using Bourdieu To Understand The Dynamics Of Choice In Healthcare. British Sociological Association Medical Sociology Group Annual Conference 2015, York: The British Sociological Association.
Harley, K., Marcus, K., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2014). Newspaper Messages about Public and Private Health-Care Services in Australia: The Entrenchment of Unequal Choice. XVIII ISA World Congress of Sociology: Facing an unequal world: Challenges for Global Sociology, Yokohama: International Sociological Association.
Lewis, S., Willis, K. (2013). Living well? Experiences of women living with metastatic breast cancer. The Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA) 2013: Reflections, Intersections and Aspirations 50 years of Australian Sociology, Melbourne, Vic: The Australian Sociological Association (TASA).
Blood, R., Holland, K., Thomas, S., Karunaratne, A., Lewis, S. (2010). On Being 'Fat': Obese and Overweight Australians Respond to News Depictions of Obesity and Overweight. International Communications Association 2010: Matters of Communication: Political, Cultural and Technological Challenges, Singapore: International Communications Association.

show 7 more

Report

Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Browning, C. (2010). Social Connectedness: An evidenced based review and recommendations for Arthritis Victoria. Consumer Health Research Group (CHaRGe), Primary Care Research Unit, Monash University.

Research Reports

Thomas, S., Lewis, S. (2012). Conceptualisations of gambling risks and benefits: A socio-cultural study of 100 Victorian gamblers, (pp. 6 - 75). Melbourne, Australia: Office of Gaming and Racing, Victorian Government Department of Justice.

By Year

Expand all

2024

Janover, E., La Brooy, C., Philip, J., Lewis, S., Kerridge, I., Komesaroff, P. (2024). Attitudes to End-of-Life Care and Voluntary Assisted Dying Amongst Members of the Australian Jewish community. Journal of Religion and Health. [More Information]
Lewis, S., La Brooy, C., Kerridge, I., Holmes, A., Olver, I., Hudson, P., Dooley, M., Komesaroff, P. (2024). Choreographing a good death: Carers’ experiences and practices of enacting assisted dying. Sociology of Health & Illness. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Smith, A. (2024). Complexities in supportive care for people with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative study. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. [More Information]
Cheung, M., Lewis, S., Raja, R., Willis, K., Dubbin, L., Rogers, A., Moensted, M., Smith, L. (2024). Disruption and Improvisation: Experiences of Loneliness for People With Chronic Illness. Qualitative Health Research. [More Information]
Mackie, G., Boyle, F., Lewis, S., Smith, A. (2024). Finding my tribe: a qualitative interview study of how people living with metastatic breast cancer perceive support groups. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. [More Information]
Komesaroff, P., Chapman, M., Lamba, G., Kerridge, I., Stewart, C., Holmes, A., Lewis, S., Philip, J. (2024). Should voluntary assisted dying in Victoria be extended to encompass people with dementia? Medical Journal of Australia, 220(9), 452-454. [More Information]
La Brooy, C., Russell, H., Lewis, S., Komesaroff, P. (2024). The Impact of Voluntary Assisted Dying on Grief and Bereavement for Family Members and Carers in the Australian State of Victoria: A Qualitative Study. Health and Social Care in the Community, 2024 (3172357), 1-10. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Smith, L., Dubbin, L., Rogers, A., Moensted, M., Smallwood, N. (2024). There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness. Social Science and Medicine, 343, 116596. [More Information]
Donaghy, J., Lewis, S., Keep, M., Carland, J. (2024). “I was told I either came back or I lost my job”: a qualitativestudy of the experiences of Australian women navigating thereturn-to-work following early pregnancy loss. Community, Work and Family. [More Information]

show 6 more

2023

Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2023). Australians' experiences of COVID-19 during the early months of the crisis: A qualitative interview study. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1092322-1-1092322-12. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Smith, L. (2023). Chronic condition self-management is a social practice. Journal of Sociology, 59(1), 215-231. [More Information]
Moensted, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Dubbin, L., Rogers, A., Smith, L. (2023). Friendship, connectedness and (in)authenticity for those with chronic illness: Trading in one social gain for another. Social Science and Medicine-Qualitative Research in Health, 3, 100246. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Newton, G., Kenny, K., Boyle, F. (2023). The incurable self: Negotiating social bonds and dis/connection with metastatic breast cancer. Sociology of Health & Illness. [More Information]

show 1 more

2022

Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2022). 'The day everything changed': Australians' COVID-19 risk narratives. Journal of Risk Research, 25(10), 1147-1160. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Bismark, M., Smallwood, N. (2022). A time for self-care? Frontline health workers' strategies for managing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM Mental Health, 2, 100053. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Franklin, M., Smith, L. (2022). Challenging times: disconnects between patient and professional temporalities in chronic condition management. Critical Public Health, 32(4), 438-449. [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2022). Coping with COVID-19: The sociomaterial dimensions of living with pre-existing mental illness during the early stages of the coronavirus crisis. Emotion, Space and Society, 42, 100860. [More Information]
Bismark, M., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Smallwood, N. (2022). Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: In Their Own Words. United Kingdom: Routledge. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willmott, L., White, B., La Brooy, C., Komesaroff, P. (2022). First Nations Perspectives in Law-Making About Voluntary Assisted Dying. Journal of Law and Medicine, 29(4), 1168-1181.
Smith, A., Boyle, F., Lewis, S. (2022). Potential inequities in availability of care from breast care nurses: a qualitative study reporting the experiences and perspectives of women with metastatic breast cancer in Australia. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1). [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2022). Sociomaterialities of health, risk and care during COVID-19: Experiences of Australians living with a medical condition. Social Science and Medicine, 293, 114669. [More Information]

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2021

Willis, K., Ezer, P., Lewis, S., Bismark, M., Smallwood, N. (2021). "Covid Just Amplified the Cracks of the System": Working as a Frontline Health Worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10178. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Rogers, A., Smith, L. (2021). Between knowing and doing person-centredness: A qualitative examination of health professionals' perceptions of roles in self-management support. Health, 25(3), 339-356. [More Information]
Kirby, E., Broom, A., MacArtney, J., Lewis, S., Good, P. (2021). Hopeful dying? The meanings and practice of hope in palliative care family meetings. Social Science and Medicine, 291, 114471-1-114471-9. [More Information]
Lupton, D., Lewis, S. (2021). Learning about COVID-19: a qualitative interview study of Australians’ use of information sources. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 662. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2021). Participants' experiences of and perceived value regarding different support types for long-term condition self-management programmes. Chronic Illness, 17(3), 242-256. [More Information]
Broom, A., Lewis, S., Parker, R., Williams Veazey, L., Kenny, K., Kirby, E., Kokanovic, R., Lwin, Z., Koh, E. (2021). Personhood, belonging, affect and affliction. The Sociological Review, 69(5), 1051-1071. [More Information]
Spencer, G., Lewis, S., Reid, M. (2021). The agentic Self and uncontrollable body: Young people’s management of chronic illness at university. Health, 25(3), 357-375. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Kenny, K., Broom, A., Kirby, E., Boyle, F. (2021). The social meanings of choice in living-with advanced breast cancer. Social Science and Medicine, 280, 1-8. [More Information]

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2020

Lewis, S., Broom, A., Kenny, K., Kirby, E. (2020). Cancer caregivers' experiences of prognosis in Australia: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open, 10(1), 1-9. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2020). Goal setting in group programmes for long-term condition self-management support: experiences of patients and healthcare professionals. Psychology & Health, 35(1), 70-86. [More Information]
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2020). How do facilitators of group programmes for long-term conditions conceptualise self-management support? Chronic Illness, 16(2), 104-118. [More Information]
Kirby, E., Kenny, K., Broom, A., Oliffe, J., Lewis, S., Wyld, D., Yates, P., Parker, R., Lwin, Z. (2020). Responses to a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative patient-centred interview study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 28(1), 229-238. [More Information]
Dudley, D., O'Loughlin, K., Lewis, S., Loh, V. (2020). Retirees' perceptions of goal setting: A qualitative study. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 39(3), e360-e367. [More Information]
Broom, A., Parker, R., Raymond, S., Kirby, E., Lewis, S., Kokanovic, R., Adams, J., de Souza, P., Woodland, L., Wyld, D., et al (2020). The (Co)production of difference in the care of patients with cancer from migrant backgrounds. Qualitative Health Research, 30(11), 1619-1631. [More Information]
Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2020). The Imperative of Choice in Australian Healthcare. In Not known (Eds.), Navigating Private and Public Healthcare: Experiences of Patients, Doctors and Policy-Makers, (pp. 227-248). TBC. [More Information]

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2019

Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Venville, A., Smith, L. (2019). Controlled, Constrained, or Flexible? How Self-Management Goals Are Shaped By Patient–Provider Interactions. Qualitative Health Research, 29(4), 557-567. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Venville, A., Smith, L. (2019). Goals for living with a chronic condition: The relevance of temporalities, dispositions, and resources. Social Science and Medicine, 233, 13-20. [More Information]

2018

Lewis, S., Collyer, F., Willis, K., Harley, K., Marcus, K., Calnan, M., Gabe, J. (2018). Healthcare in the News Media: The Privileging of Private Over Public. Journal of Sociology, 54(4), 574-590. [More Information]
Spencer, G., Lewis, S., Reid, M. (2018). Living with a chronic health condition: Students health narratives and negotiations of (ill) health at university. Health Education Journal, 77(6), 631-643. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Collyer, F. (2018). Navigating and making choices about healthcare: The role of place. Health & Place, 52, 215-220. [More Information]
Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Bourke-Taylor, H., Smith, L. (2018). Patients' and healthcare professionals' perceptions of self-management support interactions: Systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Chronic Illness, 14(2), 79-103. [More Information]

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2017

Collyer, F., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2017). Gatekeepers in the healthcare sector: Knowledge and Bourdieu's concept of field. Social Science and Medicine, 186, 96-103. [More Information]
Collyer, F., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2017). Healthcare Knowledge Practices and Inequality: The Australian Experience. British Sociological Association 49th Medical Sociology Group Annual Conference, York: University of York.
Willis, K., Lewis, S., Collyer, F. (2017). Navigating and Making Choices about Healthcare: The Role of Place. Belonging in a Mobile World, University of Western Australia: The Australian Sociological Association (TASA).
Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., Smith, L. (2017). The experience of facilitators and participants of long term condition self-management group programmes: A qualitative synthesis. Patient Education and Counseling, 100(12), 2244-2254. [More Information]

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2016

Willis, K., Collyer, F., Lewis, S., Gabe, J., Flaherty, I., Calnan, M. (2016). Knowledge matters: producing and using knowledge to navigate healthcare systems. Health Sociology Review, 25(2), 202-216. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Yee, J., Kilbreath, S. (2016). Living well? Strategies Used by Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer. Qualitative Health Research, 26(9), 1167-1179. [More Information]
Willis, K., Collyer, F., Flaherty, I., Lewis, S., Gabe, J., Calnan, M. (2016). Navigating Healthcare in a Public/Private System - the Inequalities of Choice. 3rd International Sociological Association (ISA) Forum 2016 - The Futures We Want: Global Sociology and the Struggles for a Better World, Vienna: International Sociological Association.
Couch, D., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Blood, R., Holland, K., Komesaroff, P. (2016). Obese people's perceptions of the thin ideal. Social Science & Medicine, 148, 60-70. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K., Short, S., Collyer, F., Harley, K., Gabe, J., Calnan, M. (2016). The Unequal Structuring of Healthcare Choice: Perceptions of Australian Health Consumers. Faculty of Pharmacy Presentation, Sydney: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney.

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2015

Lewis, S., Willis, K., Kokanovic, R., Pirotta, M. (2015). 'I'm managing myself': how and why people use St John's wort as a strategy to manage their mental health risk. Health, Risk and Society, 17(5-6), 439-457. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Westberg, K. (2015). '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. Health Expectations, 18(1), 124-136. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Yee, J., Kilbreath, S., Willis, K. (2015). A qualitative study of women's experiences of healthcare, treatment and support for metastatic breast cancer. The Breast, 24(3), 242-247. [More Information]
Holland, K., Blood, R., Thomas, S., Lewis, S. (2015). Challenging stereotypes and legitimating fat: An analysis of obese peoples views on news media reporting guidelines and promoting body diversity. Journal of Sociology, 51(2), 431-445. [More Information]
Couch, D., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Blood, R., Komesaroff, P. (2015). Obese Adults' Perceptions of News Reporting on Obesity: The Panopticon and Synopticon at Work. Sage Open, 5(4), 1-14. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Harley, K., Marcus, K., Willis, K., Collyer, F. (2015). Our Health System In Intensive Care: Newspaper Representations Of Australia’s Dual Public/Private Health Care System. The Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA) 2015: Neoliberalism and Contemporary Challenges for the Asia-Pacific, Cairns: TASA.
Flaherty, I., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Collyer, F. (2015). Private health insurance and 'the good citizen'. The Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA) 2015: Neoliberalism and Contemporary Challenges for the Asia-Pacific, Cairns: TASA.
Willis, K., Lewis, S., Ng, F., Wilson, L. (2015). The Experience of Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer-A Review of the Literature. Health Care for Women International, 36(5), 514-542. [More Information]
Willis, K., Collyer, F., Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Flaherty, I., Gabe, J., Calnan, M. (2015). Using Bourdieu To Understand The Dynamics Of Choice In Healthcare. British Sociological Association Medical Sociology Group Annual Conference 2015, York: The British Sociological Association.

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2014

Kilpatrick, S., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2014). Community action in Australian farming and fishing communities. In Nick Gallent, Daniela Ciaffi (Eds.), Community Action and Planning: Contexts, drivers and outcomes, (pp. 79-96). Bristol: Policy Press. [More Information]
Harley, K., Marcus, K., Willis, K., Lewis, S. (2014). Newspaper Messages about Public and Private Health-Care Services in Australia: The Entrenchment of Unequal Choice. XVIII ISA World Congress of Sociology: Facing an unequal world: Challenges for Global Sociology, Yokohama: International Sociological Association.
Thomas, S., Olds, T., Pettigrew, S., Randle, M., Lewis, S. (2014). â€œDon't eat that, you'll get fat!â€� Exploring how parents and children conceptualise and frame messages about the causes and consequences of obesity. Social Science and Medicine, 119, 114-122. [More Information]

2013

Olds, T., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Petkov, J. (2013). Clustering of attitudes towards obesity: a mixed methods study of Australian parents and children. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10, 1-11. [More Information]
Lindsay, S., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Westberg, K., Moodie, R., Jones, S. (2013). Eat, drink and gamble: marketing messages about 'risky' products in an Australian major sporting series. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 1-11. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Willis, K. (2013). Living well? Experiences of women living with metastatic breast cancer. The Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA) 2013: Reflections, Intersections and Aspirations 50 years of Australian Sociology, Melbourne, Vic: The Australian Sociological Association (TASA).
Vitetta, L., Coulson, S., Beck, S., Gramotnev, H., Du, S., Lewis, S. (2013). The clinical efficacy of a bovine lactoferrin/whey protein Ig-rich fraction (Lf/IgF) for the common cold: A double blind randomized study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 21(3), 164-171. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Westberg, K., Derevensky, J. (2013). What Influences the Beliefs, Behaviours and Consumption Patterns of 'Moderate Risk' Gamblers? International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 11(4), 474-489. [More Information]

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2012

Thomas, S., Lewis, S., McLeod, C., Haycock, J. (2012). 'They are working every angle'. A qualitative study of Australian adults' attitudes towards, and interactions with, gambling industry marketing strategies. International Gambling Studies, 12(1), 111-127. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S. (2012). Conceptualisations of gambling risks and benefits: A socio-cultural study of 100 Victorian gamblers, (pp. 6 - 75). Melbourne, Australia: Office of Gaming and Racing, Victorian Government Department of Justice.
Knoesen, N., Mancuso, S., Thomas, S., Komesaroff, P., Lewis, S., Castle, D. (2012). Relationship between Severity of Obesity and Mental Health: An Australian Community Survey. Asia-Pacific Psychiatry, 4(1), 67-75. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Duong, J., McLeod, C. (2012). Sports betting marketing during sporting events: a stadium and broadcast census of Australian Football League matches. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 36(2), 145-152. [More Information]

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2011

Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Blood, R., Castle, D., Hyde, J., Komesaroff, P. (2011). 'I'm searching for solutions': Why are obese individuals turning to the Internet for help and support with 'being fat'? Health Expectations, 14(4), 339-350. [More Information]
Holland, K., Blood, R., Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Komesaroff, P., Castle, D. (2011). 'Our girth is plain to see': An analysis of newspaper coverage of Australia's Future 'Fat Bomb'. Health, Risk and Society, 13(1), 31-46. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Hyde, J., Castle, D., Komesaroff, P. (2011). A Qualitative Investigation of Obese Men's Experiences with Their Weight. American Journal of Health Behavior, 35(4), 458-469. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Blood, R., Castle, D., Hyde, J., Komesaroff, P. (2011). How do obese individuals perceive and respond to the different types of obesity stigma that they encounter in their daily lives? A qualitative study. Social Science and Medicine, 73(9), 1349-1356. [More Information]
Dickins, M., Thomas, S., King, B., Lewis, S., Holland, K. (2011). The role of the Fatosphere in fat adults' responses to obesity stigma: A model of empowerment without a focus on weight loss. Qualitative Health Research, 21(12), 1679-1691. [More Information]

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2010

Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Hyde, J., Castle, D., Blood, R., Komesaroff, P. (2010). "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. BMC Public Health, 10, 1-9. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Hyde, J., Castle, D., Komesaroff, P. (2010). "The solution needs to be complex." Obese adults' attitudes about the effectiveness of individual and population based interventions for obesity. BMC Public Health, 10, 1-9. [More Information]
Thomas, S., Karunaratne, A., Lewis, S., Castle, D., Knoesen, N., Honigman, R., Hyde, J., Kausman, R., Komesaroff, P. (2010). 'Just Bloody Fat!': A Qualitative Study of Body Image, Self-Esteem and Coping in Obese Adults. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 12(1), 39-49. [More Information]
Lewis, S., Thomas, S., Blood, R., Castle, D., Hyde, J., Komesaroff, P. (2010). Do health beliefs and behaviors differ according to severity of obesity? A qualitative study of Australian adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(2), 443-459. [More Information]
Blood, R., Holland, K., Thomas, S., Karunaratne, A., Lewis, S. (2010). On Being 'Fat': Obese and Overweight Australians Respond to News Depictions of Obesity and Overweight. International Communications Association 2010: Matters of Communication: Political, Cultural and Technological Challenges, Singapore: International Communications Association.
Thomas, S., Lewis, S., Browning, C. (2010). Social Connectedness: An evidenced based review and recommendations for Arthritis Victoria. Consumer Health Research Group (CHaRGe), Primary Care Research Unit, Monash University.

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Selected Grants

2024

The Cost of Living (Well): A Sociological Study of Cost, Value, and Care, Kenny K, Lewis S, Broom A, Hofstaetter L, Judd-Lam S, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Linkage Projects (LP)

2022

2023 SOAR - Sophie Lewis, Lewis S, DVC Research/SOAR Prizes

2021

Living beyond prognosis, Lewis S, Faculty of Medicine and Health/New Academic Staff Funding

2020

Sick, lonely and left behind A sociological study of loneliness, Lewis S, Smith L, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2018

A new direction in end of life care Assessing the impact and outcomes of the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying Act, Kerridge I, Olver I, Lewis S, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/Project Grants

2017

Living with cancer, living in limbo A sociological study, Lewis S, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA)

2015

Goal setting and chronic condition self-management, Smith L, Willis K, Lewis S, Wyke S, Rogers A, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

Forthcoming Publications

Franklin, M., Lewis, S., Townsend, J., Warren, M., Boyle, F., & Smith, A. L. (2024). Making the unbearable, bearable: Qualitative examination of patient, family and nurses’ perspectives on the role and value of specialist metastatic breast care nurses. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 102523.
Maple, J. L., Willis, K., Lewis, S., Putland, M., Baldwin, P., Bismark, M., ... & Smallwood, N. (2024). Healthcare workers’ perceptions of strategies supportive of their mental health. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 100049.
Li, Z., Laginha, K. J., Boyle, F., Daly, M., Dinner, F., Hirsch, P., ... Lewis, S. & Smith, A. L. (2024). Professionally led support groups for people living with advanced or metastatic cancer: a systematic scoping review of effectiveness and factors critical to implementation success within real-world healthcare and community settings. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 1-21.