Functional Imagery Training as a personalized e-health intervention for weight loss
DoS Professor Jackie Andrade (tel. 01752 584807)
2nd Supervisor Dr Tracey Parkin
3rd Supervisor Professor Ray Jones
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on January 1st 2015.
Project Description
We have been developing a new brief motivational intervention called Functional Imagery Training (FIT; Kavanagh, Andrade, May & Connor, 2014), which is based on our Elaborated Intrusion theory of craving and desire (Kavanagh, Andrade & May, 2005). This project will test the potential of FIT as an intervention for obesity, a problem that costs the NHS an estimated £3.2 billion a year. The successful applicant will work closely with a sample of people who are overweight, to assess the feasibility of FIT as a motivational intervention in this population, and to develop supporting technological materials (including a website and app) that are person-centred and specific to the problem of motivating better weight management. The final phase of the project will be a pilot study to test the efficacy of FIT in an overweight sample, allowing estimation of effect size, recruitment, drop out and compliance prior to bidding for funding for a full trial of the intervention.
Eligibility
Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate psychological or healthcare-related subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,863 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,790 per annum).
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Jackie Andrade . However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.
For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate. Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V., and 2 references to Catherine Johnson, Graduate School, 305 Link Building, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail .
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 17th November 2014. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on Thursday 27th November. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 12th December should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Ref: DoS/funding/closing date