This week we continue our 'My First Paper' Campaign, showcasing researchers and their research - with Jasmine Warren, from Psychology, Institute of Population Health
What was the title of your first paper and who was it submitted to?
Journal: Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology
How would you explain what this paper was about to your granny?
We wanted to see if the menstrual cycle or contraception affects how much alcohol people drink, and how much people want to drink alcohol.
What was the most significant thing for you about that paper?
Alcohol consumption was higher in those using hormonal contraception. For those who didn’t use hormonal contraception, craving for alcohol changed over the different menstrual cycle phases.
What advice would you give to others about submitting their first paper?
Give yourself time for the submission itself, it can take a whole day to get the documents and formatting ready. Once you’ve submitted, take a break too – you deserve it! Also, if/when you receive reviewer comments remember that they are suggestions for improvement, not criticisms – it is hard not to take it personally but it will inevitably lead to a stronger paper.