Enhancing early intervention strategy for young people affected by sexual harm: A multi-method approach
ESRC Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) collaborative doctoral studentship.
The Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
SUPERVISORS
Dr Alex Lau-Zhu, University of Oxford
Dr Carmen Chan, CAMHS Horizon, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Professor Lucy Bowes, University of Oxford
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Sexual harm affects 1 in 6 young people in the UK, leading to serious challenges in health, education, and relationships. Flashbacks and intrusive memories often disrupt developmental tasks such as learning and trust-building. While early interventions are critical for recovery, the current evidence base remains limited. This project aims to advance early intervention strategies by exploring how to support youth impacted by sexual harm. It is a collaboration between academic psychology (University of Oxford) and Horizon, a specialist Oxfordshire team supporting young people after sexual harm.
The research will involve three interlinked studies. Study 1 will analyse secondary data from Horizon’s routine care to better understand the impact of late disclosures and identify predictors of vulnerability, using advanced statistical techniques. This will inform targeted support strategies for those most at risk. Study 2 will explore a novel cognitive intervention (e.g. disrupting imagery with Tetris) aimed at reducing intrusive memories. This will assess whether the intervention preserves key aspects of memory for later recall, which is crucial for legal proceedings after alleged sexual harm. Study 3 will employ a qualitative approach to explore the perspectives of young people and their support networks on preferred approaches for early intervention (potentially leading to intervention design and initial testing), using insights from the first two studies. A diverse youth advisory group will guide the project to ensure its relevance and accessibility.
We welcome applicants with a background in psychology, social science, or related fields. Strong quantitative or qualitative research skills are desirable, and experience working with young people, diverse populations, and/or trauma-related issues would be an asset. This studentship offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on youth mental health and well-being through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. It would particularly suit a candidate eager to learn diverse research methods and statistical approaches, gain clinically-relevant experiences in the NHS, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to inform psychological treatment innovation.
PARTNERHIP
The Horizon team at Oxford Health is a specialist service supporting young people under 18 and their families affected by sexual harm. As an evidence-based hub for trauma-informed care, Horizon collaborates with healthcare, social care, education, and third-sector organizations across Oxfordshire. Dr. Carmen Chan has led Horizon since its inception in 2016 and will offer clinical expertise and access to service data. The team will facilitate participant recruitment, provide relevant training, and offer exposure to practical experiences, such as shadowing, running groups, and service development. Horizon will also provide office space, meeting rooms, and electronic system access, ensuring seamless integration of research activities. Dr. Chan’s extensive network and the team’s established infrastructure will support the candidate in conducting impactful, real-world research, together with Dr Lau-Zhu’s cognitive-experimental expertise and Prof Bowes’ epidemiological expertise.
STUDENTSHIP DETAILS
The PhD studentship will be funded by the Grand Union DTP for an expected 3.5 years from October 2025. The award length offered may differ depending on the candidate’s prior training and how they meet ESRC training requirements.
Information about Grand Union DTP ESRC studentships and eligibility can be found on the Grand Union DTP website.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
12:00 midday UK time on 3rd January 2025.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the studentship, you must submit an application to study for a DPhil in Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford. Details about applying can be found via: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/courses-open-for-studentships. Your application should include a research proposal that indicates how your proposed research would engage with the core elements of this project if you were offered the studentship. Your proposal may draw on the description of the research detailed above.
In addition you must complete a Grand Union DTP Application Form and upload it, together with your graduate application form. Please ensure you also select 'ESRC Grand Union DTP Studentships in Social Sciences' in the University of Oxford scholarships section of the University's graduate application form.
The admissions process is in two parts: applications will be assessed by the institution and the selected candidate will then be assessed as part of the applicant pool for ESRC Grand Union DTP funding.
QUERIES
Queries about the studentship should be addressed to: Dr Alex Lau-Zhu (alex.lauzhu@psy.ox.ac.uk).
