Ethnicity and alcohol use: understanding explanatory models and appropriate prevention interventions

Applications are invited from graduates in psychology or other relevant social science or health disciplines (to work in a programme grant team on interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use. This three year studentship will commence in June 2018 and will be based at the Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, at Queen Mary University of London. The Centre for Psychiatry is located at the Charterhouse Square campus, although students will be working in other campuses, and recruiting research subjects from varying geographical locations in East London.

Project description
The project seeks to better understand the explanatory models for problematic alcohol use in Bangladeshi, and other South Asian people, and White British people in East London. Located within this qualitative exploration, we which to better understand the types of interventions patients are willing to use, what they have found helpful, and their attitudes and willing towards new promising interventions such as physical activity and self management. The role of cultural taboos, religious beliefs, and social and group conformity, and the risk of emotional strain in the face of transgressing such taboos can inform an more influential clinical and public health response to problematic alcohol use in diverse community settings, and different sectors of society, different age groups, and across genders. Like all consumption related health problems, the role of self-esteem, identity, and self-efficacy are critical to explore and investigate. Following a critical qualitative enquiry, we propose to undertake more specific evaluations of the acceptability and feasibility of implementing promising interventions, and pilot the materials and methods to inform the programme grant and to develop a larger study that is more effective in specific ethno-cultural groups. We are seeking an ambitious student committed to a future academic career, and with the commitment and motivation to develop the skills to delivery a high quality research project, publish in peer review journals, work closely with the communities and stakeholders, and become a future leader in this area of health research and practice.

How to apply
Your application should consist of a CV, contact details of two academic referees, and you must also include a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) describing your interest in and suitability for this project. Please refer to guidance here: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/. You should hold at least one of the following:
• A first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant social science/health subject from a UK university
• A Masters degree
• A recognised equivalent from an accredited overseas institution
• An equivalent professional qualification.

Queries should be directed to Professor Bhui: [Email Address Removed]

Please submit your application to Ms Renata Samulnik: [Email Address Removed]

Closing date: 2nd March 2019