PhD Study : The Efficacy of Exercise Referral Schemes for Improving Mental Health

Summary

During a given year, one in four individuals globally report experiencing poor mental health, 300 million of which experience depression. Exercise positively contributes to mental health outcomes, with meta-analytic evidence indicating that both aerobic and resistance exercise can reduce symptoms of depression. In the United Kingdom Public Health Policy, Exercise Referral Schemes (ERSs) are intended to support clinicians with the management and treatment of mental ill-health within society. Yet, the evidence underpinning their effectiveness for mental health issues has been sparse, and predominantly limited to physical health conditions.

The relationship between physical activity and mental health is complex and encompasses a range of underlying neurobiological, psychological and social mechanisms that have yet been tested in great detail. One psychosocial mechanism derived from Self-Determination Theory, that can support in the design, delivery and assessment of interventions such as ERSs is the degree to which individuals’ psychological needs for autonomy, competence and social relatedness are supported and satisfied during their physical activity participation. Intervention deliverers (e.g. instructors, personal trainers) can be trained to offer participants physical activity choices (i.e. autonomy support), positive instructional feedback during tasks (i.e. competence support), and a helpful supportive relationship (i.e. relatedness support). Collectively, such provision may increase programme engagement, and allow for the testing indirect mediating mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

The proposed inter-disciplinary PhD study will advance on-going mental health intervention programmes among those with poor mental health referred to local exercise facilities by their GP. The study will examine if needs-supportive techniques (from instructors) can exert an influence on a causal pathway (i.e. needs-support > needs satisfaction > motivational regulation) between physical activity and mental health outcomes (e.g. self-reported health, biomarkers of stress).

Methods:

The successful candidate will initially conduct a systematic review on the use of ERS’s to address mental health. Thereafter, the study will adopt a mixed methods approach, in which the candidate will develop an intervention based of self-determination theory, based on the needs of individuals undergoing referral, culminating in the development and an evaluation of a theoretically-driven intervention to compare against current practice. The study will deploy validated and clinically-sound mental health questionnaires, alongside bio-markers (e.g. salivary cortisol) and wearable technologies for assessing physical activity.

Objectives of the research:

1.To consider the efficacy of current practice on the use of ERS’s for enhancing mental health.

2.In consultation with individuals and leisure support services develop a theoretically- informed intervention programme.

3.To extend current knowledge around the motivational mechanisms underpinning the relationship between physical activity and mental health using SDT.

Skills Required of Applicant:

The successful applicant should have a health, psychology  or relevant sport science background. Knowledge and experience of using psychometric measures is desirable, as is conducting interviews. The ability to communicate findings clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also a desirable quality for those interested in this opportunity.

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

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
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

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