Expressions of Interest for MSCA-PF-2021: COURTSHIP AND DATING RELATIONSHIPS DURING ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH. COMPETENCES, HABILITIES AND RISKS

RESEARCH GROUP:

The LAECOVI (Lab for studies on 'Convivencia' and Violence prevention) has addressed the analysis of psychoeducational processes that occur in both formal and non-formal contexts, focusing on the study of the mechanisms underlying the peer relationships’ network and, as part of it, the risk of interpersonal violence.

We investigate school and youth violence and how to improve the 'convivencia'. 'Convivencia' is a Spanish expression that describes particularly well social wellbeing in terms of a climate of peaceful and mutual understanding. Our work aims to find the most appropriate ways to stablish social and interpersonal bonds based on knowledge and respect for others. We seek the recognition of the other as a peer to whom we must learn to respect in their identity and in their differences; someone with whom it is possible to stablish networks of friendship and respect.

Specifically, our research focuses on the study of positive interpersonal relationships, and the importance of optimizing school, youth and family 'convivencia'. This requires the study of conflict, harassment and cyber-behaviors in many different contexts: peers, dating, couples, family, etc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Recent studies have indicated that the courtship process and the initiation of the first romantic relationships are relevant to young people’s social lives (Connolly et al., 2000; Furman and Shaffer, 2003; Viejo et al., 2013; Viejo et al., 2018). They signify a new axis from which new forms of interpersonal interaction will be developed; interactions which are of great interest for young people. Personal variables, from the peer context, as well as from developmental contexts -family and school- and even historical-cultural variables, influence the process of competence acquisition in relation to the initiation and development of romantic relationships (Connolly et al., 2003). Courtship can be considered a psycho-developmental task which includes aspects of social and moral competence and whose success can lead to the development of competence in romantic relationships (Dávila et al., 2009). This is an important psychosocial and educational challenge, which also involves the risk of aggressive (Pellegrini, 2003) or violent behavior (Viejo, 2014), which could be related to the psychogenesis of gender violence (Ortega-Ruiz et al., 2010).

From this conceptual framework, we aim to analyze the process of adolescent courtship in depth, considering it as a developmental task situated within the relational system that constitutes the peer group. We start from the hypothesis that the domain of romantic competence plays an important role as it is a necessary tool for well-adjusted social development during adolescence, but also noting one of the main risks that this relationship entails: violent patterns of behavior within the dating relationship as a continuation of phenomena such as bullying and cyberbullying.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please, forward your CV (max. 5 pages), 2 reference letters (or referees contacts, optional), and a short motivation letter (max. 5 pages) including your research area, project idea, and how you, and your research, could contribute to my research lines.

Expressions of interest must be forwarded before 18^th May 2021 to cviejo@uco.es stating in the subject “EoI_MSCA-PF-2021”. The selected candidate will be invited to work in the application together with Prof. Carmen Viejo and the International Projects Office from UCO from the month of May’2021. Please, ensure your agenda allows for full dedication to the proposal preparation during the summer months since the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship deadline is 15^th September 2021.

HOST INSTITUTION:

The Universidad de Córdoba (UCO) is a non-profit High Education and Research institution considered at the forefront of research in Andalusia and is ranking among the top research institutions at the national level. UCO has a commitment with society, promoting innovation, research and technological development as an instrument for the social and economic progress.

The research efforts are compound of 193 research units covering different disciplines range from the Humanities, Legal and Social Sciences to the Health Sciences and Science and Technology. Our institution is also involved in The Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3) as well as in several research centers as the IMIBIC (Institute Maimonides of Biomedical Research) and the “University Research Institute of Fine Chemicals and Nanochemistry” and in the creation of the Rabanales 21 Science and Technology Park.

UCO is also equipped with cutting-edge centralized research facilities and offers a wide range of services that facilitate the management, implementation and dissemination of transnational projects achieved by our university, as well as the transfer of knowledge, protection of obtained results.
The Universidad de Córdoba has a large experience in management and implementation of international projects, and has obtained the "Human Resources Excellence in Research logo" (HRS4R), which ensure the improvement of working conditions for researchers across Europe. Furthermore, as local contact point of Euraxess Network, supports researcher mobility and career development, enhancing scientific collaboration between UCO and international researchers.