Development of a cognitive behavioural intervention for young adults with low self-esteem in the context of stigma or discrimination
For further details, please see: https://kcl-mrcdtp.com/studentships/
Supervisors:
Dr Katharine Rimes, Dept of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience.
Contact: Katharine.Rimes@kcl.ac.uk
Website: https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/katharine.rimes.html
Dr Patrick Smith, Dept of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Contact: patrick.smith@kcl.ac.uk
Website: https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/patrick.smith.html
Project description:
Individuals viewed by others as possessing an attribute associated with less value in their social context (e.g. in relation to sex, race, sexual orientation or mental illness) are more likely to experience negative attitudes, discrimination and lower status in power situations (Corrigan, 2000; Link and Phelan, 2001). These experiences can adversely impact on self-esteem (Mak et al., 2007); low self-esteem is a risk factor for mental health problems (Sowislo & Orth, 2013). Conversely, when one has low self-esteem, it can be more challenging to cope with prejudice and discrimination.
The research team are piloting a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for young adults (16-25 years) who have low self-esteem and feel that stigma, prejudice or discrimination contributes to this. The current format involves face-to-face sessions, which are resource-intensive and not widely accessible. This PhD would involve the development and preliminary evaluation of online video modules containing the same advice. These modules would be provided over a set period (e.g. 8 weeks). They would be accompanied by goal setting for new coping behaviours; a facilitator would monitor these and provide support via email.
Objectives:
Year 1: Developing video modules about effective methods for coping with prejudice or discrimination and improving self-confidence, co-produced with young adults with lived experience of such issues. Year 2: Case series of new intervention and refinement. Year 3: Randomised pilot study: intervention versus waiting-list control.
Skills training: Research involving people with lived experiences of psychological difficulties. Psychological intervention development skills. Quantitative and qualitative clinical research methodology.
Two representative publications from supervisors:
Rose, AV, McIntyre, R & Rimes, KA 2018, 'Compassion focused intervention for highly selfcritical individuals: Pilot study' Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. DOI: 10.1017/S135246581800036X
Smith, P, Scott, R, Eshkevari, E, Jatta, F, Leigh, E, Harris, V, Robinson, A, Abeles, P, Proudfoot, J, Verduyn, C & Yule, W 2015, 'Computerised CBT for depressed adolescents: Randomised controlled trial' Behaviour Research and Therapy, vol. 73, pp. 104-110. DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.07.009
Supervisors:
Dr Katharine Rimes, Dept of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience.
Contact: Katharine.Rimes@kcl.ac.uk
Website: https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/katharine.rimes.html
Dr Patrick Smith, Dept of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Contact: patrick.smith@kcl.ac.uk
Website: https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/patrick.smith.html
Project description:
Individuals viewed by others as possessing an attribute associated with less value in their social context (e.g. in relation to sex, race, sexual orientation or mental illness) are more likely to experience negative attitudes, discrimination and lower status in power situations (Corrigan, 2000; Link and Phelan, 2001). These experiences can adversely impact on self-esteem (Mak et al., 2007); low self-esteem is a risk factor for mental health problems (Sowislo & Orth, 2013). Conversely, when one has low self-esteem, it can be more challenging to cope with prejudice and discrimination.
The research team are piloting a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for young adults (16-25 years) who have low self-esteem and feel that stigma, prejudice or discrimination contributes to this. The current format involves face-to-face sessions, which are resource-intensive and not widely accessible. This PhD would involve the development and preliminary evaluation of online video modules containing the same advice. These modules would be provided over a set period (e.g. 8 weeks). They would be accompanied by goal setting for new coping behaviours; a facilitator would monitor these and provide support via email.
Objectives:
Year 1: Developing video modules about effective methods for coping with prejudice or discrimination and improving self-confidence, co-produced with young adults with lived experience of such issues. Year 2: Case series of new intervention and refinement. Year 3: Randomised pilot study: intervention versus waiting-list control.
Skills training: Research involving people with lived experiences of psychological difficulties. Psychological intervention development skills. Quantitative and qualitative clinical research methodology.
Two representative publications from supervisors:
Rose, AV, McIntyre, R & Rimes, KA 2018, 'Compassion focused intervention for highly selfcritical individuals: Pilot study' Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. DOI: 10.1017/S135246581800036X
Smith, P, Scott, R, Eshkevari, E, Jatta, F, Leigh, E, Harris, V, Robinson, A, Abeles, P, Proudfoot, J, Verduyn, C & Yule, W 2015, 'Computerised CBT for depressed adolescents: Randomised controlled trial' Behaviour Research and Therapy, vol. 73, pp. 104-110. DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.07.009