Funding
Funded
A mixed-methods investigation of the mechanisms linking domestic violence and abuse (DVA) to obesity
School of Psychology | PHD
Reference Number
CA3-Oct2026
Application Deadline
13 February 2026
Start Date
21 September 2026
Overview
Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a global concern that is related to poor nutritional outcomes for survivors including binge eating disorder and relatedly, obesity. This may be driven by poor mental health and maladaptive emotions such as shame. This project will use an array of methods to investigate these relationships.
Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a global concern that has deleterious consequences for the physical and psychological health of women and children, often linked to mental ill health outcomes such as Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety (Lagdon, Stringer & Armour, 2014). Likewise, evidence has demonstrated a relationship between DVA and poor nutritional outcomes for survivors including binge eating disorder and relatedly, obesity (Mason et al, 2013). Notably, the relationship between DVA and poor nutritional outcomes can be seen when the DVA occurs in childhood, adolescence, and/or adulthood.
Noll et al. (2007) reported that girls who experienced childhood sexual abuse are more likely to be obese in young adulthood than those who were not. In a similar vein, a longitudinal cohort study conducted in the US, demonstrated an increased BMI in maltreated children compared to non-maltreated children in middle to late adolescence (Schneiderman et al. 2012). When adolescent girls are exposed to dating violence, studies have shown that an increased BMI is likely, compared to non-exposed peers (Clark et al., 2014). Marques et al. (2022) further supported the relationship between DVA and elevated BMI in a Brazilian study which focused on the outcomes of rape in adolescents over the age of 13. In a recent systematic review, Schroeder et al (2022) concluded that when assessing a range of adverse childhood experiences, sexual abuse had a greater risk of childhood obesity than any of the other adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and again that this was particularly the case for girls.
One mechanism that can explain the link between DVA and obesity is PTSD. Talbott et al (2013) demonstrated that PTSD was associated with emotional eating and that as PTSD severity increased so did the level of emotional eating. The Emotional Eating Theory (ETT: Macht et al., 2011) proposes that emotional eating is a maladaptive response to stressors. Indeed, EET proposes that there is a central role for negative affect in generating and increasing (‘comfort’) eating behaviors and that this results in individuals being reinforced for binging. A meta-analysis of thirty-six studies utilizing ecological momentary assessment (EMA) techniques clearly demonstrated elevations in negative affect just prior to binge eating and then also post-binge eating (Haedt-Matt, 2011). Further research which captures the real-time dynamics between trauma symptoms, affect, and binge eating resulting in obesity, in the daily lives of female DVA survivors is required to pinpoint target areas for interventions to attempt to break the ongoing cycle.
Our recent study (Fino et al., 2025), identified a link between adverse childhood experiences and disordered eating, and highlighted shame as a central node in the network of disordered eating behaviours (see also Keane et al., 2025). Among individuals with a history of childhood sexual abuse, shame clustered alongside negative affect, PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. This supports the view that specific pathways link DVA, and sexual abuse during childhood, to maladaptive eating behaviour and pathology, with shame operating as a core mechanism.
This PhD project aims to address this critical gap by first undertaking a systematic literature review to comprehensively understand the mechanistic pathways linking different forms of DVA to obesity. An in-depth qualitative study will follow to understand the way in which survivors of DVA conceptualise the relationship between their DVA experiences, eating behaviours, and body image/weight. Both the systematic review and qualitative study findings will be utilised to develop a cross-sectional study focused on the relationship between DVA experiences and obesity and a range of potential moderating / mediating factors such as mental ill health conditions (e.g., PTSD), shame, maladaptive cognitions, and identity. The final study will focus on EMA, and the collection of intensive longitudinal data, to understand the temporal relationships between fluctuations in mental distress and disordered eating behaviours (binging) in DVA survivors.
Funding Information
Funding Eligibility:
To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £20,780 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the DfE residency requirements and the following criteria:
• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.
Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.
Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.
Please note that other terms and conditions also apply. For further information about the residency and nationality requirements please see:
https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/student-finance-postgraduate-studentships-terms-and-conditions.
Please note that any available PhD studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.
Project Summary
Supervisor
Professor Cherie Armour
Mode of Study
Full-time: 3 years
Funding Body
potentially DfE/School funded
Psychology overview
The School of Psychology has a thriving, well-resourced and engaged PhD community that is central to its research environment. Students are strategically appointed to research projects with the express purpose of enhancing research capacity and development in prioritised areas for which the School aims to enhance world-leading research.
MODE OF STUDY / DURATION
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).
Course content
Research Information
Associated Research
The School of Psychology has a postgraduate research community of around 50 PhD students who are very well resourced and supported in their research.
The School has made extensive material investments in infrastructure, including two computer labs and access to several suites of dedicated research labs, to support their research.
Students are a central part of the research environment of the School and participate in School-level seminars and research meetings.
Students are expected and encouraged to publish during their PhD research and are supported in doing so through their research training.
Subject-specific postgraduate modules in research design and methods are delivered as part of the PhD training portfolio to complement the generic University training and further topic-specific research training is also available.
Other opportunities exist to attract funding from non-governmental sources. Current and previous PhD sponsors include professional services firms, international Governments, charities, and technology companies. We also welcome self-funding students on a full-time or part-time basis.
The School of Psychology at Queen's ranked in the top 10 psychology departments in the UK for research intensity in REF 2014 and provides an excellent environment in which to carry out PhD research.
One distinctive aspect of the PhD experience in the School of Psychology is the high level of spontaneous peer-support, initiative, and engagement among this community of Doctoral researchers. This is valued and fostered by the School through its support of the postgraduate conference and postgraduate week activities as well as wide-ranging involvement of research students across many aspects of School life.
Our PhD community also organizes numerous social events each year that are very popular amongst both staff and students. There is a range of sources of funding available for PhD students. Every year the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (DEL) funds a number of PhD students to undertake research on pre-specified topics within the School of Psychology. These topics and the names of the associated supervisors are typically advertised online in December with a closing date in February. Last year's topics spanned research topics across Development, Social, Cognitive and Biological Psychology. Selected applicants are invited to interview and the successful candidate is offered a fully funded place with fees paid and an annual maintenance stipend for the three years of the PhD. Eligibility criteria can be found at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/delterms
Students who wish to self-fund or explore external funding sources are advised to peruse our staff webpages (http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Staff/) and to contact potential supervisors to discuss potential topics. Most students continue within academia to take up postdoctoral research positions, fellowships or lectureships in psychology. Some continue into clinical or educational psychology training while others take up research positions in the private and public sectors.
Career Prospects
Introduction
For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk.
Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.
People teaching you
Professor Donncha Hanna
Director of Postgraduate Research
School of Psychology
Course structure
-Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Psychology from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC |
| EU Other 3 | £28,000 |
| International | £28,000 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Psychology costs
Depending on the area of research chosen there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.