Understanding the experiences of those involved in image-based sexual abuse

Project summary

The emerging field of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) is concerned with a constellation of behaviours that include the non-consensual creation (e.g., deepfake sexual abuse), capture (e.g., upskirting), sharing (e.g., previously called ‘revenge pornography’), and threatening to share (e.g. sextortion) of intimate media (Fido & Harper, 2020; McGlynn & Rackley, 2017). In the context of recent national – and international – legislation seeking to safeguard victim-survivors of IBSA, there has been insight from the social sciences that has begun to shape our understanding of how society understands and makes sense of IBSA, victim-survivors' lived experiences and those who perpetrate it. However, there remains a need for further methodologically rigorous and scientifically robust investigation into IBSA. This might come from one or more of the paradigms of psychology (e.g., biological psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology) or from a practitioner/intervention perspective.

This PhD aims to consolidate current knowledge and cultivate a methodologically rigorous understanding of IBSA from unique, applicant-driven perspectives. We welcome proposals addressing any form of IBSA, including (but not limited to) sextortion, non-consensual intimate image sharing, upskirting, deepfake sexual abuse, cyberflashing, and related behaviours. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that align with their interests. Research may focus on perpetrators, victim-survivors, practitioners, organisations, online platforms, legal responses, or prevention. Example research topics might include:

The project could involve:

• Conducting a systematic review or meta-analysis to investigate the psychological and behavioural predictors of IBSA perpetrator, victimisation and/or beliefs in existing literature
• Gaining insight into the risk and protective factors associated with IBSA perpetrator or victimisation among one or more demographic groups
• Exploring impactful intervention strategies to reduce risks of IBSA and/or its harms

These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive. We particularly encourage applicants to propose innovative projects that address important gaps in the existing IBSA literature.

Entry requirements

Applicants will need either a first-class or upper-second-class honours degree accredited by the British Psychological Society in Psychology or a related subject area.

International students may also need to meet our English language requirements. Find out more about our entry requirements for international students.

Project specific requirements must align with the University’s standard requirements.

How to apply

Please contact Dr Dean Fido (d.fido@derby.ac.uk) in the first instance for more information on how to apply. The University has four starting points each year for MPhil/PhD programmes (September, January, March, and June).

Applications should be made at least three months before you would want to start your programme. Please note that, if you require a visa, additional time will be required.

Funding

Self-funded by student. There is a range of options that may be available to you to help you fund your PhD.

Supervisors

Dr. Dean Fido, Dr Georgina Mclocklin