PhD Study : Promoting adolescent mental health through community sport

Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

    • DfE Matched

Summary

There is mounting concern in the United Kingdom and elsewhere about the increasing rates of mental illness among children and adolescents. Early identification of mental health needs and the introduction of services have been shown to be effective in supporting young people from developing further illness. However, initial engagement with services as a result of social stigma can be a barrier to adolescent help seeking.

Therefore, creative ways are required to engage young people in managing their mental health. The capacity of community-based sport to engage adolescents in mental health awareness, self-management and help-seeking maybe an option, but attempts have been the subject of increased research scrutiny over recent years. Some researchers and advocates show sport participation can foster meaningful social connections, be a source of health-enhancing physical activity, and allow for the delivery of awareness messages conducive to mental well-being.

However, there is increasing recognition that behaviour change theory and evidence-based interventions are lacking within the context of sport (Breslin and Leavey 2019). The proposed PhD programme of research will be embedded within on-going mental health promotion intervention programmes, and will contribute to the design and examination of the efficacy of certain forms of delivery to offer robust and measurable improvements in adolescent mental health in Northern Ireland.

The study will be trans disciplinary and will examine issues of isolation and stigma, resilience, help-seeking, stress management, potential mental health concerns and support networks. Methods to be used: Initially the successful candidate will systematically review international best practice around the use of sport to address issues of isolation, resilience, mental health and help seeking. The intention thereafter is to undertake a feasibility, and follow-up study with a mental health charity partner for the evaluation of an intervention on the mental health awareness and self management needs of young people.  The studies will adopt a mixed methods approach.

Aims of the research:

1. To consider the efficacy of current practice around the use of sport to address mental health needs of adolescents.

2. To extend and refine current knowledge around psychological theory to address marginalisation and potential mental ill-health amongst adolescents.

3. To design and test the effectiveness of a community-based sports  intervention that addresses the specific needs of adolescents at risk of mental ill health.

It is essential that the applicant will hold, or expect to achieve by 15 August, an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or First Class Honours Degree in Psychology from a UK institution (or overseas award deemed to be equivalent via UK NARIC).

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the 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.

  • A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

  • DfE Matched

The University offers the following levels of support:

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 5 February 2021
12:00AM

Interview Date
18 - 23 March 2021

Preferred student start date
Mid-September 2021

Applying

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