Dr A Pitkethly, Dr T Westbury
No more applications being accepted
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Physical activity (PA) has a significant impact on health, with ‘conclusive and overwhelming’ scientific evidence available highlighting physical inactivity as a primary cause of 35 chronic diseases (Boothe et al., 2012) and is considered a ‘vital sign’ (Golightly et al., 2017). Regular PA can strengthen our immune systems as we age (Nieman & Wentz, 2019), lowering our risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes various cancers and stroke (Allender et al., 2007), dementia, anxiety and depression (Knapen et al., 2019). As such, incorporating PA should be considered a ‘principal intervention’ for primary prevention of chronic disease (Durstine et al., 2013). The promotion of PA for individuals with chronic conditions, and with multimorbidity, is extensively supported (Pedersen & Saltin, 2015). Yet, these individuals are significantly more likely to engage in insufficient levels of PA (Dhalwani et al., 2016).
In order to promote sustained individual health behaviour change, Motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising technique (O’Halloran et al., 2014). MI is a person-centred, directive counselling style that aims to address individual ambivalence aroaund behaviour change. MI does this by placing the emphasis on clients developing their own argument for change (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). MI has been shown to be an effective method in overweight or obese individuals (Armstrong et al., 2011), those struggling with substance abuse issues (Smedslund et al., 2011). In a systematic review, O’Halloran et al. (2014) found moderate evidence that motivational interviewing has a small effect, relative to comparison groups, leading to modest improvements in increasing PA levels in people with chronic health conditions.
With the ever increasing burden of chronic disease on our health services, health policy has recently emphasised the central role of patient self-management in future healthcare (Taylor et al., 2014). For example, digital interventions provide a potentially effective means to deliver self-regulated support through education or behaviour change support to promote activities, e.g increasing PA, that can contribute to condition management. Systematic reviews examining the impact of self-management digital interventions show small effects for illness outcomes, e.g. asthma, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (Morrison et al., 2014; Pal et al., 2014; Pfaeffli et al., 2015). However, evidence for these programmes remains inconsistent (Black et al., 2011) and our understanding around their effectiveness is not complete (Salisbury et al., 2015). A systematic review (Shingleton, & Palfai, 2016) exploring technology-delivered adaptations of Motivational Interviewing for health-related behaviours found that few studies provided enough detail of how MI components were delivered via technology. The feasibility of delivering Motivational Interviewing through technological methods is supported, however, data regarding their efficacy are limited, and strategies to deliver relational components still remain a challenge (Shingleton, & Palfai, 2016).
With the emergence and potential promise of the online environment to support behaviour change, this PhD study aims to examine the range of online Motivational Interviewing programmes for PA related outcomes particularly those affected by chronic health conditions by first conducting a systematic review. Secondly, a mixed method approach will be required to explore the needs and barriers for training providers; and the needs and barriers of individuals suffering from chronic health conditions.Finally, this PhD will aim to develop an optimised online intervention for PA promoters to effectively enhance PA related outcomes in individuals suffering from chronic health conditions.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in exercise or health psychology, physical activity & health, or sport & exercise science, with a good fundamental knowledge of motivation and behaviour change theories as well as counselling approaches, including Motivational Interviewing. A strong interest and some experience in digitial and/or technological approaches to support physical activity & health behaviour change would also be valuable.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental counselling approaches to physical activity & health behaviour change, in particular Motivational
Intervewing
• Competent in theories related to motivation and physical activity & health behaviour change.
• Knowledge of digital and technological approaches to support physical activity & health behaviour change
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
Postgraduate training including technological approaches to health behaviour change.
Funding Notes
This is an unfunded position
Please quote the project code SAS0070 in your enquiry and application.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)
• A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of
what you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)
References
Indicative Bibliography Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford press.
O’Halloran, P. D., Blackstock, F., Shields, N., Holland, A., Iles, R., Kingsley, M., ... & Taylor, N. F. (2014). Motivational interviewing to increase physical activity in people with chronic health conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical rehabilitation, 28(12), 1159-1171.
Shingleton, R. M., & Palfai, T. P. (2016). Technology-delivered adaptations of motivational interviewing for health-related behaviors: A systematic review of the current research. Patient education and counseling, 99(1), 17-35.
Oikonomidi, T., Vivot, A., Tran, V. T., Riveros, C., Robin, E., & Ravaud, P. (2019). A Methodologic Systematic Review of Mobile Health Behavior Change Randomized Trials. American journal of preventive medicine, 57(6), 836-843.
Ossebaard, H. C., & Van Gemert-Pijnen, L. (2016). eHealth and quality in health care: implementation time. International journal for quality in health care, 28(3), 415-419.
Golightly, Y. M., Allen, K. D., Ambrose, K. R., Stiller, J. L., Evenson, K. R., Voisin, C., ... & Callahan, L. F. (2017). Peer Reviewed: Physical Activity as a Vital Sign: A Systematic Review. Preventing chronic disease, 14.