PhD Study : ​A novel way of conceptualizing and investigating the form and structure of psychopathology

Summary

Mental health problems are routinely understood in terms of discrete disorders that are characterized by specific symptoms. These disorders are used as the basis to understand why mental health problems arise, what the course of illness will be, and how to treat those that are suffering. While this medical model, symptom-led approach has dominated psychiatric research and practice for over a century, a large body of scientific evidence has accumulated over recent decades showing that there is no clear demarcation between ‘normality’ and ‘mental illness’; that supposedly discrete disorders routinely co-occur; that no disorder-specific causal factors exist; and that diagnosis is a poor indicator of the course of illness or likelihood of recovery. Scientific bodies therefore are increasingly calling for new, evidence-based models of the nature of psychological distress and suffering in order to improve the efficacy and efficiency of mental health care.

In this project, the successful PhD candidate will test a novel approach to understanding and describing psychopathology that focuses primarily on the distress and impairment that is associated with psychological experiences that are routinely considered to be indicative of mental health problems (i.e. psychiatric symptoms).

Using publically available data from a nationally representative sample of United States residents (derived from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions II & III) and a range of latent variable modeling techniques, this project will address three major objectives:

(1) to explore the nature of mental health problems with a specific focus on people’s experiences of distress and impairments in day-to-day living;

(2) to understand if the nature of mental health problems vary depending upon the degree of distress and impairment an individual experiences; and

(3) to compare and contrast the nature of mental health indicators with and without the consideration of distress and impairment information.

By orienting research around a construct that reliably and meaningfully differentiates members of the population in terms of ‘need for care’ (i.e., distress/impairment) this research has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the form and the function of psychological distress, to better identify those who are in need of mental health care, and provide vital information on how best to help those who are in need of care.

Essential Shortlisting Criteria

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

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

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

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 £19,237 (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