Department of Psychology hosted Intercalated BSc in International Health Student from University of Leeds, UK for Research Project

The Department of Psychology at the School of Science and Technology, Sunway University was chosen as a host to an international student to run his research project in Malaysia. Daniel Barnett is a student of the Intercalated BSc in International Health at the University of Leeds. Part of his studentship requires him to conduct an international research project and he chose Sunway University as his international base for a month from 15 May to 14 June 2019. Associate Professor Dr Alvin Ng Lai Oon was appointed as his external supervisor. Daniel’s study on “Adult male understanding and attitudes towards menstruation in Malaysia” was approved by the ethics committees of University of Leeds as well as Sunway University.

Assoc Prof Alvin Ng, Head of Department of Psychology, with Daniel Barnett from University of Leeds.

Daniel is also a medical student who has put his medical studies on hold to do the Intercalated BSc in International Health programme. He decided to take this programme as a value-added degree on top of his medical degree. When asked why he had chosen to pursue this particular topic of research, Daniel explained that:

“I was doing some reading in September last year, and came across research regarding male, particularly paternal, understanding of menstruation. I was deeply intrigued by the topic and began to wonder that, perhaps, the taboo that women faced regarding periods and menstruation - even though menstruation is a normal and healthy biological occurrence, could be due to the influence of men. Mainly, there seemed to be a lack of male understanding and empathy towards menstruation, and it is perhaps from this lack of understanding that misconceptions and taboo, stem from. I also felt that by conducting research on this topic, it would be a means to encourage more men to support women - to have more male advocates speak up against the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation, and to make the whole subject of menstruation more approachable and less intimidating to men. A huge goal of mine in doing this research is to, hopefully, have more men engage in discussions with each other and with women, to increase their awareness and knowledge of menstruation such that women feel more empowered and supported rather than ashamed or restricted. My determination and conviction to conduct this study was further strengthened during my data collection phase. Upon approaching a potential participant, I showed him the title of the survey and he looked confused, asking  ‘Shouldn’t this be for girls?’. I then proceeded to explain to him what my research was about and the relevance of it, but yes, just from that particular response, I realised that more research and awareness really is needed regarding men and their perception as well as understanding of menstruation.”

Daniel also mentioned that carrying out his research in Malaysia was a wonderful experience for him, as many are very open to helping him with his data collection and are extremely supportive of his research.

“It has been an amazing experience! People have been very open and supportive towards my research and incredibly welcoming. I would have to say that one of the highlights of my data collection would be the times where my participants engage in discussions about menstruation after I’ve collected the completed surveys and left. It was enlightening to see male friends get a little nervous around their female friends when they’re filling in the survey, but it’s really satisfying and I do feel immensely proud when these men end up having engaging conversations with their female friends about menstruation. All in all, many have generously offered their time and support to help me complete this research project. I am truly appreciative and grateful for each and every one of them, particularly Dr Alvin Ng and those in his department.”

In terms of his future goals and aspirations, Daniel intends to work abroad for a bit (most likely with the international humanitarian organisation based in France known as Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors Without Borders) before continuing to carry out research in the public and international health sector. He is also thinking of extending his current research such that a comparison study may be conducted among men in Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

Daniel’s external supervisor at Sunway University, Dr Alvin Ng commented that this cooperation between the two institutions is a very beneficial partnership in developing international health research collaborations. He is looking forward to co-authoring a research paper together with Daniel and his supervisor at University of Leeds. We at the Department of Psychology would like to wish Daniel the very best in his future endeavours and we look forward to celebrating his accomplishments!