Project title: Autism and Biophilia: The impact of natural scenes on anxiety
Primary supervisor: Dr Clare Melvin
Second supervisors: Dr George Malcolm, and Prof. Andrew Bayliss
University: University of East Anglia, School of Psychology
SeNSS Pathway: Psychology
Collaborative partners: Asperger’s East Anglia, and SyncVR
Collaborative partner supervisors: Thecla Fellas, CEO of Asperger’s East Anglia, and Jack Cato, Business Developer at SyncVR Medical
Degree structure: Either a three-year PhD programme (+3), or a one-year Masters degree followed by a three-year PhD programme (1+3). If you are applying for the 1+3, you will take an MSc in Developmental Science
Project background
Biophilia is the hypothesis that a love of plants and nature is not a learned trait, but rather a genetically-based affinity that evolved over the course of human evolution (Kellert & Wilson, 1993). We seek out nature – hikes, pets, house plants, etc. – because of an inborn attraction to external life. Empirical studies suggests that spending time in nature, or even within sight of nature, can be placative, reducing the physiological indicators of stress and facilitating physical and emotional wellbeing (Ulrich et al., 1991; Hartig et al., 2003; Yin, J. et al, 2020). There is currently very little research exploring biophilia in relation to autism - a developmental disability impacting how an individual processes the information around them and how they interact with the world (World Health Organisation, 2020). Autistic individuals are at increased risk of mental health disorders, particularly anxiety (Hollocks et al., 2018). Little is currently known about how or why biophilia may benefit the autistic population who can struggle with urban environments; with sensory sensitivities and challenges being characteristic of an autistic profile. While there is a small amount of literature investigating autism in relation to building design, sensory rooms and/or spaces, the wider literature of autism in relation to nature and its potential to impact anxiety has not been extensively explored.
Project aims and objectives
Aims: To explore how biophilia can be used to help reduce anxiety for people with autism. This will be done through two experimental studies and a final applied study. The two experiments will look at whether a particular type of natural environment (biome) is preferred (e.g., fields, fields & trees, trees & water, etc.) and how ‘immersive’ the environment needs to be for the physiological reductions in stress to occur. The experiments will compare an autistic sample to a non-autistic sample and use virtual reality to explore alternatives modalities to a fully immersive natural experience (i.e. being outside in a field or forest, etc.). A final applied study will use the identified biomes and preferred modalities from the two experiments to trial run a small behavioural intervention study exploring the potential of biophilia to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing in autistic individuals.
Objectives:
To identify preferred natural environments (biomes) of autistic and non-autistic individuals and any positive effect of biophilic exposure on anxiety;
To investigate the optimal modality for biome exposure for reducing anxiety, including immersivity of experience, in autistic and non-autistic individuals; and;
To explore the feasibility of a using an individualised biophilic therapy intervention to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing in autistic individuals.
Training opportunities
This PhD is a collaborative project between the University of East Anglia, Asperger’s East Anglia (an autism charity based in the East of England) and SyncVR (a Dutch company working internationally to provide technological support and solutions to healthcare services). Elements of training will be provided by Asperger’s East Anglia in understanding autism, and work-based training in supporting and working with those with autism. Training will also be provided by SyncVR in the use of virtual reality technology and its application in healthcare delivery, specifically for anxiety. The University of East Anglia will provide a comprehensive package of training, and depending on the needs and interests of the applicant, can include training in systematic review methods, adaption/use of measures and measure development for autistic populations, relevant statistical analysis skills, qualitative research methods and analysis, programming and use of R for statistical analysis, experimental psychology, behavioural methods (lab-based testing), and training in psychophysiological assessment of anxiety such as measuring heart rate variability and galvanic skin response.
Essential and/or desirable attributes/skills
Applicants will have an interest(s) in experimental psychology, social and healthcare applications of research, use of technologies in healthcare, and a commitment to collaborative and/or inclusive research.
Applicants are welcome to contact the project supervisors for a discussion prior to applying. SeNSS and the University of East Anglia value diversity and equality at all levels and we encourage applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Studentship details
This studentship will be taken as either a 1+3 year award (a one-year Masters degree followed by a three-year PhD), or a +3 award (a three-year PhD).
Residential eligibility
Home or international students are eligible for a fully-funded award (fees will be paid, and they receive a stipend/salary).
How to apply for this studentship
This competition is now closed.