PhD Study : Is it ‘okay not to feel okay’? A Critical enquiry into mental health communication using a sociological lens.

Summary

As awareness of issues relating to mental health and trauma has increased in recent years, messages are frequently relayed through all forms of media such as, “It’s okay not to be okay”, “stamp out stigma”, “break the silence”, or inviting us to become the better “version of ourselves”. These messages are framed to positively reinforce people speaking out, reaching out for help or changing themselves into some ‘better’ and by implication, more ‘likeable’ person.

This messaging at one level appears to enhance awareness of mental health issues, and of access to resources and help, to support people who are struggling. However, in a subtle and insidious way, this form of communication reinforces existing individualised views of mental health, that locate problems within the person. Sociological approaches to understanding mental health, recognise that social structures, which create inequalities, cause, and compound problems in all forms of health. Such messaging serves to reinforce the damaging narrative that people, as individuals, are responsible for addressing social problems. They also intensify many of the feelings/emotions/experiences associated with mental health issues, such as shame, guilt, and hopelessness, among people whose efforts to address their own difficulties have not been appropriately responded to in services or wider society.

This project will explore the influence of mainstream media messaging in experiences of stigma associated with mental health and trauma. This project seeks to understand the impacts of mental health messages or slogans circulated through various forms of media upon people, to critically examine the rationale underpinning such messages, and using a collaborative approach to enquiry, create more meaningful messaging around activism addressing mental health and trauma related issues through a systemic lens.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• 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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

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