PhD Study : Co-production of a physical activity programme to improve symptoms of psychiatric Illness in a secure forensic setting

Summary

Individuals living with psychiatric illness  (e.g., schizophrenia, psychosis, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) are significantly less physically active than the general population. Low activity levels are linked to increased metabolic risk for those with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) individuals due to comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes and respiratory diseases (Graham et al., 2017; Stubbs et al., 2018), which in turn elevates risk of cardiovascular disease by 78% compared to the general population (Correll et al., 2017).

Worryingly, insufficient physical activity has been shown as a one of the main causes for reduced life expectancy of those with mental illness by up to 25 years. It has also been reported that individuals with psychiatric illness are more likely to participate in unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking and excessive sedentary behaviour compared to the general population.

Across clinical and non-clinical samples, physical activity is effective for the prevention and treatment of somatic diseases (Pérez et al., 2019). Researchers have recommended physical activity as a monotherapy for mild mental illnesses (Glowacki et al., 2019) and as an adjunctive therapy for SMI, with improvements observed in cognitive functioning and positive changes in psychiatric symptoms and quality of life (Stubbs et al., 2018).

Although previous research and public health guidance stresses the importance of physical activity for mental health, many additional barriers remain to engaging in regular physical activity for the SMI population compared to the general population. For those with SMI, a side effect of the illness and medication can be lack of motivation, leading to low levels of physical activity programme compliance (Bergman et al., 2020) and high participant dropout rates (i.e., 26.7%) (Vancampfort et al., 2016), weight gain and a general lack of confidence when it comes to trying new activities (Stubbs et al., 2017).

Although research to date is limited with SMI, there are a few large scale studies, in particular randomised control trials (RCTs) reporting the benefits of physical activity for individuals which have promising results. Notably, reductions in body weight and waist circumference have been reported, in addition to reductions in negative affective symptoms. However, varied attendance rates and dropout has been noted, and no existing studies have been developed through a co-production method to meet the needs of those with SMI. By co-producing a physical activity programme that takes into account the views of individuals with SMI, the community assets available to them and the surrounding constraints and enablers in the system, it is more likely that the intervention will be successful in increasing physical activity.

The aim of this PhD programme of research will be to:

1. Conduct a review of the literature on physical activity, SMI and systems in place for interventions.

2. Co-produce a physical activity/exercise intervention for those with SMI (this may be in a clinical setting, forensic secure unit or in the community), and;

3. Pilot the co-produced programme to assess the benefits on symptoms of mental illness, health and wellbeing of those with SMI.

Essential Shortlisting Criteria

Applicants should have (or expect to hold) an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or First Class Honours Degree in Psychology.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living