University of Sussex 2022 Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship

Kindness (prosociality) is universally acknowledged as a positive trait and behaviour, and yet people often forego opportunities to help, say hello to a stranger, or pass along a compliment, and kindness is, in many ways, devalued. This project will explore the personal and situational factors that prevent/discourage people from performing an act of kindness when the opportunity arises. These factors are likely to be related to, but may also differ from the factors that enable/encourage people to be kind, which we will also explore. Both kinds of information will inform the ultimate goal: understanding how to promote more kindness. There is plenty of scope for you to shape this project to match your personal interests. This PhD will be supervised by Dr Gillian Sandstrom, who is helping to establish a formal research centre for the study of kindness. The student is expected to be actively involved with the activities of the growing research centre. Doctoral Tutor role:  Doctoral Tutors will begin teaching in the second term of their studies. You will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate of the Higher Education Academy), including enrolling on a ‘starting to teach’ module in the first term before you begin teaching. Candidates who demonstrate suitability for, and express interest in, the additional Doctoral Tutor role will be preferred.