Dual process interventions to change health behaviours

Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health

Eligibility: Home UK/EU applicants who must be permanently resident in UK/EU
Closing date: 24.00 (midnight) 12 April 2018
Duration: three years
Start date: September 2018
Value p.a.: Bursary of £14,777 plus fees
Supervisors: Dr Emma Davies & Professor David Foxcroft

Project description:
It is now well recognised that unhealthy behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating are influenced by non-conscious processes, for example habit, and environmental cues, such as the social context. Because of this, researchers are now searching for new ways to improve people’s health based on dual process models of behaviours. One theory, for example, is the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM), which assumes that unhealthy behaviours are driven by social reactions to risk-conducive situations. Two meta-analyses have shown that there is strong support for the PWM in explaining and predicting health behaviours, but at present, less is known about how to apply this model within an intervention. This project will use the PWM, or another dual process model, as the basis for developing an intervention and furthermore, explore how we can measure change within such an intervention.

A PhD in this area could focus on excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity or unhealthy eating. In our research we employ frameworks such as the Behaviour Change Wheel to systematically develop interventions using qualitative and quantitative methods. Our research also has a strong grounding in theory and so we would welcome applicants who are willing to grapple with both theoretical and applied issues.

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.

For further information contact Dr Emma Davies: [Email Address Removed]

Requirements:
Applicants should have (or be expecting) a first class or upper second class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or acceptable equivalent qualification in psychology or related cognate discipline (knowledge of research design and statistics is essential). EU Applicants must have a valid IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall minimum score of 7.0 and no score below 6.0 issued since 7th March 2016 by an approved test centre. We are prepared to consider alternative acceptable evidence of English Language ability.

How to apply:
Applications should be sent to [Email Address Removed] and should include an application form
(http://www.hls.brookes.ac.uk/images/research/phd-studentship-application-form-jan-14.doc) and a project proposal (max 2000 words) including background, aims and an outline of how those aims will be addressed.

Completion of a DBS check is required on enrolment the cost of this will be covered by the University.