PhD Study : Assessing the social processes in sport and the influence on mental health outcomes

Summary

Reports of mental health issues in society are becoming inceasingly prevalent. In the university setting, health professionals have seen a major spike in recent years in the increase of students reporting anxiety, depression, and suicidal idiations (Association for University and College Counselling Centre Directors, 2016). In broader society, feelings of anxiety and depression are also on the rise in both men and women affecting about 18% of the population (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2018).

Sport and physical activity have often been outlets that individuals seek for its physical and psychological health benefits (e.g., Clow & Edmunds, 2014). Much research has focused on physical activity as a method to improve physical and mental health (Faulkner & Biddle, 2010). However, the social environment in which sport occurs is an important context to understand that humans are inherently social beings in that the need to affiliate is an innate fundamental human desire (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Sport participation can lead to adaptive social and mental health outcomes (e.g., increased self-esteem, increased belongingness, increased social support, and happiness; see Andersen et al., 2018 for a review). However, sport engagement is not always an adaptive experience for all involved, and negative sporting environments may facilitate maladaptive outcomes for particpants (e.g., tension, anxiety, conflict, rumination, worry, burnout; Paradis, Carron, & Martin, 2014; Radeke & Smith, 2001; Rip et al; 2006; Vallerand et al., 2003). Further, feelings of loneliness has been cited as the number one cause of poor mental health (e.g., Mushtaq et al., 2014). The desire for belonging and to participate in social settings is one of the more enduring human characteristics as people by nature are social beings who seek out security through social interactions.

Adaptive sporting environments is a context that can potentially satisfy the fundamental human need to belong, whereas maladaptive environments may hinder this process. Thus, the social environment in sport is a worthy context to consider as the these dynamic environments pose psychological implications for improving mental health and well-being (Martin, Bruner, Eys, & Spink, 2014; Eys, Bruner, & Martin, 2018).

The successful applicant will study within the new Institute of Mental Health Sciences within the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at Ulster University.

The PhD studentship project will focus on a particular area of interest surrounding the social environment in sport and mental health. The student should have a background in either sport and exercise psychology, social psychology, kinesiology, or a related field. The candidate should have some experience with different research methodologies (e.g., quantitative and qualitative).

The project aim is two-fold: first is to understand how the social environment influences mental health outcomes, and second is to uncover important mental health implications (both adaptive and/or maladaptive) of sport participation as possible areas to target for intervention and contribute to the multidisciplinary approach “from gene to gym” in understanding mental health implications from sport engagement.

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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

Institute of Mental Health