We are pleased to invite UK, EU and international applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship for A co-designed, participatory exploration of the role of social identity processes in addressing health inequalities among young people (13 - 18 years) living in socioeconomically deprived areas from Teesside University’s Centre for Applied Psychological Science.
Project description
The aim of this PhD studentship is to explore the role of social identity processes in the promotion of behaviours associated with positive health and educational outcomes among young people (13 - 18 years) living in socioeconomically deprived areas.
Social identity theory explains the processes by which individuals assume group-based social memberships and how these memberships influence beliefs and behaviours. Social identities provide individuals with meaning, support and agency, which are linked to holistic improvements in psychological well-being. For example, an individual may identity as a student and/or as a parent, or an athlete. Such identifications, as well as the strength to which an individual identifies, will increase the likelihood that behaviours that are central to that identity will be internalised and performed. The adoption of a shared social identity provides the basis for reciprocal social influence, underpinning both the provision and receipt of social support, which can lead to improved psychological wellbeing.
However, these clear benefits to psychological wellbeing may also inadvertently pose significant challenges to the efficacy of targeted interventions to address health and educational inequalities across the UK. Young people (13 - 18 years) who are born and/or are residents of areas of low socioeconomic status, such as many areas within the North-East of England, typically form strong familial and community-based identities that are inextricably entrenched within a social class structure. Deeply embedded class-based identities may limit opportunities for social mobility, and adoption and engagement of behaviours known to promote physical and psychological wellness such as physical activity and healthy dietary behaviour.
The supervisor is Dr Robert Portman from the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law.
Entry requirements
You should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline. A master’s level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area.
International applicants should have a standard of English at IELTS 6.5 minimum and will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.
How to apply
Application is online
Key dates
- Closing date for applications is 5.00pm, 1 February 2023.
- Shortlisting and online interviews are expected to be held mid-March 2023.
- Successful applicants will be expected to start May or October 2023.
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