Body Image, Visible Difference and Physical Activity Participation

We are seeking applicants for a self-funded PhD exploring how individuals living with visible difference conditions experience physical activity (PA), with particular attention to the interaction between functional and psychosocial dimensions of participation.

Visible difference refers to a condition or injury affecting the appearance of the face or body and is often associated with heightened psychosocial distress and reduced quality of life (Rumsey et al., 2004). Conditions may be congenital or acquired and include scarring, limb difference, skin conditions, cleft lip, and strabismus, among others.

Visible difference may shape how individuals move, feel, and are perceived in physical activity environments. While existing research tends to focus either on physical functioning or psychological wellbeing, less is known about how these dimensions intersect to influence physical activity participation. Given that physical activity is widely promoted as a means of improving health, wellbeing, and quality of life (Marquez et al., 2020), developing evidence in this area is essential to inform inclusive and effective intervention design.

This PhD may adopt qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches, with strong encouragement for participatory or co-design methodologies and digital or visual methods.

The project aims to:

  • Explore the lived experiences of individuals living with visible difference conditions, including variations across conditions
  • Examine how functional factors (e.g., mobility, pain, fatigue) shape participation experiences and behaviours
  • Investigate psychosocial influences (e.g., body image, stigma, confidence, social evaluation) on engagement in physical activity
  • Contribute to the development of inclusive physical activity programmes and practice recommendations

Applicants should have:

  • A background in psychology, sport and exercise science, public health, disability studies, sociology, or a related discipline
  • Strong methodological skills (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)

 

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

  1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
  2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
  3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self-funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Charlotte Kerner - Dr Charlotte Kerner is a Senior Lecturer in Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences. Her research focuses on exploring relationships between body image, physical activity motivation and technology (e.g., social media, wearable technology etc.) in a range of populations, but with a focus on young people. Dr Kerner is specifically interested in how learning environments and technology can facilitate physical activity motivation and support the development of a positive body image. Her work focuses on adopting mixed-method approaches and applying social psychological theory to explore these issues.