J. Hendrix (Joël) MSc
PhD candidate - Communication Science
Joël Hendrix is PhD candidate in the Communication and Media department at the Behavioural Science Institute and a teacher in the Communication Science programme. Her main research interests are intergroup contact, entertainment media, narratives, diversity, equity and inclusion, and openness towards underrepresented groups.
Joël, along with Prof. Dr. Marieke Fransen and Dr. Gijs Bijlstra, is investigating how narratives in entertainment media—such as films, TV series, and short online videos—can influence our openness towards underrepresented groups. Openness refers to approaching others without prejudice, with acceptance, and with positive thoughts and feelings. The central research question of her PhD project is: How do narratives in entertainment media influence people’s openness towards underrepresented groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community? The emphasis is on the ‘how’: Which psychological processes play a role in this form of influence? By unravelling these cognitive and emotional mechanisms, the researchers aim to better understand how media can contribute to a more inclusive society.
In addition to her PhD project, Joël enjoys engaging in activities related to impact and science communication. She does this, for example, through talks for different types of audiences, in the media, and through her TikTok channel (@phdonthescreen).