Developing and testing a Virtual Reality based Neurofeedback Response to Threat Training program

Retaining optimal levels of threat perception is important for adaptive functioning, else individuals approach risky situations in an impulsive reckless manner, or avoid save situations due to a hypervigilant state. Tracking and modifying threat perception and responses has implications for reducing maladaptive outcomes. We aim to develop a Virtual Reality based Neurofeedback Response to Threat Training (VR-NFRTT) program to teach individuals how to effectively manage the acute adrenalised fear state. The proposed PhD will identify underpinning biological and behavioural threat markers and test the effectiveness of biofeedback training targeting those to modulate threat perception and responses.

We form part of a large multidisciplinary VR research team involved in integrating psychophysiological measures in VR for response modulation and intervention (e.g., VR exposure therapy). The supervisory team have particular expertise in reinforcement/threat sensitivity, hazard perception and biopsychology.

The Department of Psychology is one of the largest in the UK. You will take advantage of our wide range of expertise and world-class experimental facilities – including our VR and two EEG labs. We have state-of-the-art pre-consumer HMD hardware - the Oculus Rift and a high quality Graphics Processing Unit, capable of delivering graphically detailed intense VR experiences. We also have mobile capability for VR based interventions via the GearVR, mobile EEG headsets (Emotive, Muse, NuAmps) and BioPack (Heart Rate, GSR).

We house over 60 PGR students and offer extensive general (through the doctoral school) and specialist training in relation to methods or analyses. Our students are invited to attend Research Group meetings and departmental seminars becoming part of the research culture. During the current REF period, our PGRs already produced over 100 papers, presented at over 80 national/international conferences, won prestigious awards (e.g., Durand Jacobs Award, PsyPAG Rising Researcher Award), and progressed into research or academic roles within the Department or externally.

For informal enquiries about the project please contact [Email Address Removed]

Specific qualifications/subject areas required of the applicants for this project
Entrants must have a first/undergraduate Honours degree, with an Upper Second Class or a First Class grade, in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or related subject area. Entrants with a Lower Second Class grade at first degree must also have a postgraduate Masters Degree at Merit.

This studentship competition is open to applicants who wish to study for a PhD on a full-time basis only. The studentship will pay UK/EU fees (currently set at £4,195 for 2017/18 and are revised annually) and provide a maintenance stipend linked to the RCUK rate (this is revised annually and is currently set at £14,553 for the academic year 2017/18) for up to three years. Applications from non-EU students are welcome, but a successful non-EU candidate would be responsible for paying the difference between non-EU and UK/EU fees. (Fees for 2017/18 are £12,900 for non-EU students and £4,195 for UK/EU students). The studentships will be expected to commence in October 2018.