Eleanor Manhong Li

Eleanor holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of East Anglia (2017) and an MSc in the Psychology of Education from University College London (2020). Her academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of applied behavioural science and social psychology, with a particular focus on sexual violence. Eleanor is especially interested in examining how social and cultural factors shape public attitudes toward sexual violence, and how these attitudes influence the treatment of victim-survivors.

Her research aims to challenge pervasive rape myths and reduce victim-blaming beliefs, particularly within the Chinese socio-cultural context. She is committed to fostering greater empathy, awareness, and evidence-informed dialogue in order to shift negative and aggressive public opinions and contribute to more supportive, trauma-informed responses to survivors of sexual violence. In addition to her research, Eleanor has applied behavioural science principles in clinical settings, working in autism behavioural therapy.

She has experience using evidence-based interventions, including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This practical work has deepened her understanding of behavioural change, reinforcing her commitment to bridging academic research with real-world impact.

PGR Supervisors: Dr Dominic Willmott and Dr Neema Trivedi-Bateman

Eleanor's primary research focuses on rape myths and societal attitudes toward sexual violence, with particular emphasis on examining these issues within the socio-cultural context of China. She is especially interested in how deeply embedded cultural narratives shape public perceptions, influence discourse, and inform policy responses.

Her work seeks to identify and challenge harmful social beliefs through evidence-based interventions, with the aim of fostering more informed, compassionate, and supportive environments for victim-survivors.