PhD Study : Sexual Consent and Unwanted Sexual Experiences: Perceptions, Understanding and Mental Health Impacts among University Students

Summary

The majority of UK university students will have a positive experience at university, both academically and in terms of the wider university experience 1. That said, unwanted sexual experiences (USE) including sexual harassment, attempted rape and rape are prevalent within wider society and much like many social issues, universities are affected by these same problems.

The pervasiveness of unwanted sexual experiences (USE) among university students has been well documented in the United States2; less is known or understood with regards to such experiences among students studying at UK universities 3.  Research which has addressed USE among universities students continue to demonstrate the links between such experiences and significant adverse outcomes including various forms of psychological distress (e.g. post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety) 4.

Whilst empirical evidence relating to the nature, rate and frequency of USE as well as insight into the impacts of such experiences is sparse within the UK context, university policies and programs to prevent and respond to unwanted sexual incidents within university settings are beginning to emerge 1.  Such policies and programs run the risk of being tokenistic without clear research evidence on the prevalence and risk correlates of victimization and perpetration, as well as insight into university student’s perceptions and understanding of the issue. Additionally, recent social and student activist movements across the globe have highlighted more so than ever issues associated with USE including the importance of understanding sexual consent 5.  Such an understanding is important for both males and females regardless or sexual orientation.

This PhD will address the current evidence gap by implementing a mixed methods study which will include

i) completion of a high quality systematic review of the literature

ii) design and implementation of a large scale online survey measuring rates of university students USE, known mental health correlates and knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about USE and sexual consent and

iii) design and implementation of focus groups with university students in order to capture a more contextual understanding of university students knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about USE and sexual consent.

It is envisaged that the current project will also include an advisory board comprised of key stakeholders, including university, statutory voluntary sector representatives from across Northern Ireland tasked with responding to incidents of USE in order to ensure that the research is relevant, useful, and impactful.

1.Universities, U. K. (2016). Changing the culture: Report of the Universities UK Taskforce examining violence against women, harassment and hate crime affecting university students. London: UUK.

2.Fisher, B.S., Daigle, L.E., & Cullen, F.T. (2010). Unsafe in the ivory tower: The sexual victimization of college women. Sage: Los Angeles.

3.National Union of Students (2010). Hidden marks: A study of women students’ experiences of harassment, stalking, violence and sexual assault. National Union of Students:  London, England. Retrieved August 7, 2018 from http://www.nus.org.uk/Global/NUS_hidden_marks_report_2nd_edition_web.pdf

4.Campbell, R., Dworkin, E., & Cabral, G. (2009). An ecological model of the impact of sexual assault on women’s mental health. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 10, 225-246. doi: 10.1177/1524838009334456

5.Heldman, C., Ackerman, A. R., & Breckenridge-Jackson, I. (2018). The New Campus Anti-Rape Movement: Internet Activism and Social Justice. Lexington Books.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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.

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

Institute of Mental Health