PhD Study : Lost in translation? Understanding the use of physical activity messaging to improve physical activity in children and adolescents.

Summary

At least 60 mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is recommended for children and adolescents(1). These guidelines are underpinned by scientific evidence and achieving the recommended level of physical activity is associated with a multitude of benefits, including better physical health and mental wellbeing. Despite the recognised benefits, only 13% of children and adolescents in Northern Ireland are currently meeting the physical activity guidelines(2).

Research ranging from policy changes to multi-component interventions have sought to increase physical activity levels in this population. Although not always explicitly highlighted, much research to date has involved or starts with some form of physical activity messaging to stimulate a change in behaviour. Physical activity messaging has been described as a sub-type of communication, with the primary aim of sharing information about physical activity which is intended to result in an increase in physical activity levels(3).

This messaging can range from the dissemination of scientific research to physical activity campaigns e.g. print or social media, targeted at specific sub-groups of the population. Although physical activity messaging has been encompassed within previous research and public health campaigns, it is difficult to isolate the role of physical activity messaging alone when it is used alongside other approaches, for example, goal setting. Moreover, there has been little research on how physical activity messages are best presented to children and adolescents.

Recent research has highlighted that the positive framing of messages, and the use of engaging delivery modes e.g. videos, may be effective approaches for physical activity messaging in younger people(3). Given the lack of experimental research on both the content and mode of physical activity messaging,(3) there is a need for interventions, both acute and more long-term, to evaluate the role of physical activity messaging and test different methods of framing and delivering physical activity messages to this age group.

Furthermore, given the many correlates of physical activity within children and adolescents,(4) there is need to understand how the effectiveness of physical activity messaging approaches may be influenced by factors such as age, gender, existing physical activity preferences, parental support etc. This project aims to explore the role of physical activity messaging in promoting physical activity in children and adolescents.

Specific objectives include;

• Reviewing the literature on physical activity messaging
• Using a mixed-methods study design to understand current knowledge of physical activity guidelines and awareness of physical activity messaging in young people and/or other stakeholders
• The development of experimental studies (targeted by gender and age) to examine the most effective approaches for physical activity messaging in children and adolescents.

These studies will consider the impact of how messages are conveyed, the format of messaging (e.g. text vs image) and the delivery of messaging (e.g. source, setting and frequency of messaging). The outcomes of this research would inform public health policy and practice in terms of future interventions to address the crisis of chronically low levels of physical activity in childhood and adolescents. Furthermore, the findings behind messaging could be applied across other health-related behaviours in this age group.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates..

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

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