Please see below for details of a fully funded PhD studentship in ‘The social psychology of obesity, stigma and body perceptions’ currently being offered at the University of Liverpool, UK. Note, the organisers of the Weight Stigma Conference are not involved in this opportunity and we are passing on this advertisement for information only.
PhD Studentship in Psychology Available
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool
The social psychology of obesity, stigma and body perceptions
£14,057 pa Stipend
The Appetite and Obesity research theme is offering a fully funded three year PhD studentship. The award, funded by the American Beverage Association, will commence in 2015. The studentship will provide academic fees at the UK/EU rate and a maintenance grant.
Project summary: Obesity is a common health condition and has increased over the last thirty years. Although obesity is now more prevalent, negative and ‘stigmatising’ views about overweight people are worryingly common and may make life as ‘an overweight person’ very difficult. Likewise, depression is more common among individuals who are obese. We know very little about the psychosocial experience of being ‘overweight’ and how this can affect behaviour. For example, how does the stigma of being overweight contribute to depression, behaviour or weight loss efforts? This PhD studentship will explore these questions through a series of psychological studies and attachment to a large weight loss trial. Candidates should come from either a psychology or obesity background. For example, experience in social psychology, health psychology or eating behaviour methods would be beneficial. Candidates (UK/EU residents only) should only apply if they have a 1st class honours degree or a 2.1 degree with a Masters – candidates with lower qualifications will not be considered.
Initial applications, in the form of a CV and expression of interest (covering letter/email), should be directed to Dr Eric Robinson (eric.robinson@liverpool.ac.uk). Following an initial review, selected applicants will be notified of their invitation to make a full application. A brief written piece based on the subject area may be requested before interview.
How to apply: Applicants should contact Dr Robinson in the first instance for further discussion in regard to the studentships. Selected applicants will be required to complete an application form. The closing date will be 8th October 2015. Interviews for applicants will take place during October.