Billy began his PhD in 2010 within the School of Social Work and Psychology. He is currently the recipient of a UEA Studentship. He gained a 2:1 from UEA in BSc Psychosocial Sciences in 2009. He received a Merit in MSc Child and Family Psychology from UEA in 2010.

PhD Research

Billy’s research interest is in understanding how sibling relationships contribute towards the development of criminality. He is using a mixed methodology to gain both depth and breadth of understanding. The qualitative study focuses on interviews with ex-offenders. The aim is to examine how warmth and hostility, found in other research into sibling relationships, are presented by ex-offenders. His quantitative studies will be informed by this qualitative insight.

The first of these studies will focus on social learning constructs including imitation and perceived reward as well as sibling relationship quality and its association with antisocial behaviour in adolescence.

The second quantitative study will examine the similarities (and differences) between peers and siblings in adolescence. This study will also investigate how these similarities may contribute to antisocial behaviour.

Supervisors

Dr Laura Biggart

Dr Gavin Nobes

Dr Victoria Scaife