Junk Food/Drink Marketing to Kids, does education actually work?

About this opportunity

This opportunity is funded by the University of Waikato Seeker Scholarship.

There is a widely popular and commonly held belief in Aotearoa that educating parents and children to make “healthier choices” will mitigate any and all exposure to junk food/drink marketing, but questions remain as to whether this has any influence on children’s dietary patterns. This PhD research seeks answers to the following questions:

1. To what extent can education counteract the effects of unhealthy food and drink marketing?
2. Does the guidance or education and role-modelling that parents provide in the home and teachers provide in schools influence consumption of unhealthy food/drink by their children?
3. To what extent is the effect of healthy eating education on unhealthy food and drink consumption of children modified by children’s exposure to junk food marketing in various settings?
4. To what extent is the effect of healthy eating guidance and education on unhealthy food and drink consumption of children and teenagers modified by children’s peers and social pressures.

This research sits in the interdisciplinary space of public health, health promotion, and education and intersects with health policy, politics, business and marketing.

The successful candidate will undertake a mixed-methods assessment of the efficacy of education as a tool to counteract children’s exposure to junk food/drink marketing. They will work alongside a team of researchers from the University of Waikato, School of Health, and the Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University Wellington. It is expected the candidate will complete a PhD with at least 4 publications.

Location

The work may be undertaken from anywhere in Aotearoa but at a minimum it is expected that the candidate will travel to Hamilton 4-5 times a year. The successful candidate will also be able to be based in the School of Health at the University of Waikato, Hamilton Campus and provided with a workstation etc.

Scholarship Value

Up to $30,000 per year for up to 36 months + domestic tuition fees and Student Services Levy

The general Higher Degrees admission criteria apply.

This vacancy has additional eligibility criteria:

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi
• Evidence of excellent written communication and academic writing skills
• Evidence of the ability to think critically and critically appraise health promotion interventions and health policies
• Proficiency in at least one reference management software i.e. EndNote, Mendeley etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team