PhD Study : The effect of a school-based, peer-led walking intervention on well-being in adolescent girls

Summary

Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with improved physical and mental health. Young people with sedentary lifestyles are at higher risk of mental illness. PA levels decline as children move into adolescence. Across the island of Ireland, participation in PA by girls is extremely low and Northern Ireland (NI) has the lowest proportion of children meeting current PA guidelines. Rates of mental illness in NI are also higher than in other parts of the UK with concerns about the transgenerational impact of the conflict on the mental health of future generations. Adolescence frequently marks the emergence of the first symptoms of depression and adolescent girls in NI are at high risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour. There is also growing concern about the amount of time adolescents spend using mobile device and computer screens. Aside from the effect on sedentary behaviour, the impact of engagement with social media and other types of screen-time may have a negative impact on young peoples’ well-being. Initial studies show promising effects of PA interventions for increasing mental health in adolescents.

Aside from home, adolescents spend more time in school than in any other setting, so schools represent a key environment for promoting health-related behaviours and reduce the unintended health inequalities in interventions, as all adolescents can participate irrespective of socioeconomic status.

Following a systematic review of interventions in adolescents [1], we explored attitudes of adolescents to PA to inform the design of the peer-led, school-based walking intervention which was feasibility/pilot tested in Northern Ireland [3].  Funding has recently been secured through Interreg as part of the CHITIN programme to conduct a fully powered trial of this intervention. This studentship will allow the inclusion of well-being outcomes within this trial and enable us to test the associations between these variables and sedentary screen-time. By including these novel and under-explored areas of wellbeing, these studies will generate novel impactful research outcomes.

Aim: This PhD will investigate the effects of a low-cost, peer-led, school-based intervention aimed at increasing PA on mental health, resilience and well-being in low-active adolescent girls.

Objectives:

· To undertake a systematic review of the effects of exercise on well-being in adolescent girls;

· To determine baseline levels of well-being in a sample of adolescent girls;

· To determine the effect of regular PA/ peer-led group based walking on well-being in adolescent girls and older peers.

Methods:

Using a clustered RCT, adolescent girls (12-14yrs) will be recruited from 16 schools located across Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland with 24 pupils per school being enrolled as participants. Post-baseline measures, schools will be randomised to control (n=8) or intervention (n=8). Intervention participants will have opportunities to participate in up to three 10-15min peer-led walks/day in school, led by older pupils (aged 16-18yrs) trained as walk-leaders. The intervention will be delivered across the school year with longer-term follow-up assessed.

Outcomes:

Effectiveness will be determined by change in emotional regulation and well-being using validated self-report measures (e.g. The Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire and KIDSCREEN).

In addition to the publications included in the CHITIN funded project this PhD project would include at least 2 peer-reviewed publications, namely:

• A systematic review of the effects of exercise on well-being in adolescent girls;
• The findings of the RCT on the effects of the intervention on well-being in adolescent girls.

References

Carlin A, Murphy MH, Gallagher AM. (2016) Do Interventions to Increase Walking Work? A Systematic Review of Interventions in Children and Adolescents. Sports Med. 46(4):515-30.

Carlin A, Murphy MH, Gallagher AM. (2015) Current influences and approaches to promote future physical activity in 11-13 year olds: a focus group study. BMC Public Health. 15:1270.

Carlin A, Murphy MH, Nevill A, Gallagher AM. (2018) Effects of a peer-led Walking In ScHools intervention (the WISH study) on physical activity levels of adolescent girls: a cluster randomised pilot study. Trials. 19(1):31.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living