PhD Study : Qualitative longitudinal analysis of parental attachment over time for children in care and adopted

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Summary

The Care Pathways and Outcomes study is a longitudinal prospective study that has been following a population (n=374) of children who were under the age of five and in care in Northern Ireland on the 3st March 2000 (McSherry et al., 2013; 2016; 2018).  Three phases of the study have been completed, and the fourth is ongoing.  In phases two and three, quantitative and qualitative data was gathered from a sub-sample of adoptive and foster parents/carers regarding the nature of their relationships with their children, with a particular focus on the development of attachment, amongst other developmental issues.  Across these two phases, a number of interviews were conducted with the same parents/carers (n=40), enabling a developmental perspective on attachment relationship formation and change to be explored.  However, the focus to date of analysis has been on longitudinal quantitative analysis, and qualitative analysis at individual phase level.  The longitudinal qualitative analysis remains outstanding.

Objectives of the Research:

Novel longitudinal analysis of qualitative data collected from the same adoptive and foster parents/carers during phases two and three of the study, focusing on the development of attachment relationships with the children.

Methods to be used:

Longitudinal qualitative analysis.

Skills required of applicant:

The development of proficiency in longitudinal qualitative analysis; high-level write up of qualitative data and analysis; capacity to situate research findings within the contemporary literature.

References:

McSherry, D. & Fargas Malet, M. (2018). The extent of stability and relational permanence achieved for young children in care in Northern Ireland. Children Australia, 43(2), 124-134.

McSherry, D., Fargas Malet, M. & Weatherall, K. (2016). Comparing long-term placements for young children in care: Does placement type matter? Children & Youth Services Review, 69, 56-66.

McSherry, D., Fargas Malet, M. & Weatherall, K. (2013).  Comparing long-term placements for young children in care: The Care Pathways and Outcomes Study – Northern Ireland.  London: British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

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.

Funding and eligibility

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 5 June 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
week commencing 22 June 2020

Preferred student start date
mid September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Dominic McSherry