Phd Studentship: Dissecting the culture of pain: Exploring how pain is portrayed in child and adolescent media

Pain is a universal early experience, from infant vaccinations to toddler bumps and scrapes. By adolescence, 1 in 4 individuals will experience chronic pain (pain lasting for three months or longer). This represents a major public health concern, as chronic pain is associated with the later development of serious mental health issues. Chronic pain is often misunderstood, stigmatized, and inadequately treated, especially among marginalized groups.

Media is a significant influence on children and adolescents, shaping their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours. Inaccurate portrayals of pain or stereotyping pain in particular societal groups can lead to skewed perceptions of pain and a lack of empathy in real-life situations. Building on our previous media research with North American children and adolescents, this PhD will focus on understanding how pain is represented in different media consumed by UK children and adolescents.  By understanding how pain is depicted in media and how these portrayals affect children and adolescents, we can work towards providing more accurate media representations of pain.

The candidate is expected to adopt a mixed methods approach for this media-focused PhD. They will likely collaborate with leading international experts in the field of pain and, subject to application, join the Pain in Child Health group, which offers valuable networking and development opportunities for students (trainees) in paediatric pain. This PhD will provide significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Further information about the work of the lead supervisor and their lab group can be found here. For enquiries, please contact Dr Abbie Jordan (a.l.jordan@bath.ac.uk).

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