Physical activity and the growing family: A mixed methods study

This PhD project will firstly provide a detailed understanding of the changes to the PA of household members after the arrival of a new baby. PA is complex, and its analysis necessitates precise objective measurement using advanced quantitative methods. While learning from this phase will be extensive, insight into the contexts and environment in which PA behaviours occur is vital to avoid the traps of seeing PA as an isolated 'behaviour' rather than an socially contextualised 'practice'. This insight is best obtained using rigorous qualitative methods where practice theories will provide a novel theoretical lens. The proposed mixed-methods project will generate insights that are genuinely innovative and highly interdisciplinary which, through partnerships with regional and national stakeholders, will help inform policy and interventions for practice.