Preventing gambling-related harms among secondary school aged children:evaluation and development of school-based training materials

Project details

Gambling has recently been identified as a public health issue. Although the legal age for gambling in the UK is 18 years, a growing body of evidence indicates that adolescents are not immune to the risks of gambling. These digitally enabled gambling experiences have increased exposure, availability and accessibility of gambling activities, rendering adolescents more vulnerable to problem gambling behaviours. This is particularly concerning as early exposure to gambling content is linked to high susceptibility to later problem gambling behaviours, and adverse developmental outcomes in adulthood. 

Given the harms caused by gambling addiction and the lack of services available for treating gambling-related harm, prevention initiatives are urgently needed. EPIC Risk Management, a gambling risk management consultancy, have recently started delivering lived experience facilitation (talks about the dangers of gambling-related harm, delivered by former problem gamblers) to secondary school pupils aged 14-18 years in schools nationwide. However, although this lived experience facilitation has been perceived positively by both teachers and pupils, it has not been assessed systematically.  

Therefore, this project aims to 

• Evaluate the lived experience facilitation in terms of its long-term effectiveness in enhancing awareness about gambling-related harms among secondary school pupils, 
• Design a training package that is deliverable by teachers in secondary school PSHE lessons, and 
• Test the teacher training package in a pilot randomized controlled trial. 

View the full project description (pdf 173 KB) 

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2023.

Supervisors

Dr Constantina Panourgia

Dr Constantina Panourgia graduated from the University of Crete (Greece) with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 2001. For two years she worked as a psychologist and then she obtained a MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (2004) from King’s College (University of London). She went on to work as a mental health worker in primary schools and research assistant before studying for a PhD in Psychology (completed in 2013) at the Institute of Education (University of London).

Since 2009, She have been teaching in Higher Education Institutions (Institute of Education, University of Chichester). Before moving to Bournemouth University (January 2014), She also worked for one and a half years as a postdoctoral research fellow (University of Portsmouth) on an EEF (Education Endowment Fund) project examining the effect of Implicit Theories of Intelligence in children’s academic achievement.

Funding

A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.

Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship. 

Academic support

The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae). An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.

Full entry requirements

Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
• An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.

In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.

Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.

Please note:

• current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
• current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
• PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.

Additional eligibility criteria: 

• A background in Psychology, Education or related field, or relevant experience working on gambling-related harms. 
• An excellent standard of verbal and written English  
• Good understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods 
• Professional experience in schools 
• Professional experience with educators/professionals working with children and young people 
• Confidence in engaging with children and teachers 
• An interest in the impact of gambling on young people 
• Evidence towards a research career trajectory or interest in a research career pathway 

International entry requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally: 

IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.

You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.

How to apply

Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.

The closing date for applications 31st October 2023. 

Careers

A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis. 

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