PhD Study : Developing Conceptual and Experimental Analyses of Key Concepts in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Based on Relational Frame Theory

Summary

Research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, et al., 2003), and mindfulness-based therapies generally, has grown exponentially in recent years (Arch, et al., 2023; Hayes, et al., 2022). Similarly, research on Relational Frame Theory (RFT; Hayes, et al., 2001), a behavioral account of human language and cognition, has also grown considerably, but certainly not at the same pace as research on ACT (Barnes-Holmes & Harte, 2022). One consequence of these differential growth patterns is that new concepts and theoretical terms have emerged in the ACT literature (e.g., defusion) that lack technical precision from an RFT perspective, and are thus of limited value in conducting basic (functional) experimental analyses of human psychological suffering and distress (Harte, et al., 2022). Indeed, some authors have questioned the increasing separation between ACT and RFT (Barnes-Holmes, et al., 2016).

Part of the motivation for raising this question was the historical narrative that RFT was typically seen as providing the basic science underpinning ACT (Hayes et al., 1999). If this relationship is no longer in place, or has at least weakened to a considerable degree, then it seems important to meet that fact head-on and either seek to re-establish the relationship or abandon it. Indeed, addressing this issue seems particularly important given recent calls to focus on process-oriented idiographic research in the field (Hofmann & Hayes, 2019). In responding to a new-found emphasis on clinical processes at the level of the individual, RFT as a behaviour-analytic account of human language and cognition would appear to be well positioned to respond to this call (Barnes-Holmes, et al., 2020).

The proposed doctoral research project is part of a broader research agenda that is re-examining the relationship between RFT and ACT in terms of basic processes, conceptualized and analyzed empirically at the level of the individual.

Essential Criteria - Degree in Psychology

Please note: Applications from those holding or expecting to hold a 2:1 Honours Degree in Psychology are strongly encouraged to apply.  Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Psychology, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this 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
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

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
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Recognition of the importance of research integrity and Open Science practices

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