PhD Study : Examining the perspectives of older adult adoptees on the relationship between adoption and trauma  

Apply and key information  

Summary

The relationship between adoption and trauma is a contested issue. At one end of the  spectrum, adoption is understood to be responsive, i.e. adoption is an ethical and measured societal response to experiences of early childhood adversity and trauma, often leading to substantive developmental recovery from the impact of previous traumatic experiences.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, the relationship is understood as causative; i.e. adoption itself can be inherently traumatic for the child.  Furthermore, the relationship is often viewed as dependent upon the nature of adoption under consideration. For example, domestic adoptions from the foster care system are undertaken to ensure permanency, stability, nurturance, and safety in the lives of children who frequently experience early inadequate care and/or trauma.  Whereas children adopted from other countries experience similar early adversity, but also cultural and linguistic disruption at the time of placement.

Furthermore, there is considerable variability within each of these types of adoption, associated with differences in children’s age at placement, whether the child and adoptive parents are of the same or different race or ethnicity, and differences in national policies and practices regulating adoption. In addition, how adoption is experienced by the person may vary as a function of their developmental level, with younger children considered to have more naïve and incomplete views of adoption than older children, adolescents, and adults.

In relation to the experiences of children who are adopted from the care system, the research base is strong across the UK and Ireland (McSherry et al., 2008; 2010; 2013; 2016; 2018; Sinclair et al., 2008; Biehal et al., 2010) and indicates a generally positive perspective on adoption, with any considerations of trauma by young people almost exclusively focused on early pre-placement experiences, rather than the adoption itself.  However, to date, this work has only been able to capture the perspectives of teenagers and very young adults.  Consequently, there is a dearth of research that captures the perspective of older adult adoptees (adopted from care) that would allow for a consideration of the relationship between adoption and trauma across the lifecourse.

The current study will employ a qualitative design, with 20 semi-structured interviews conducted with adults across the UK over the age of 30, examining in depth their perspectives on the relationship between their adoption and any experiences of trauma throughout their lives.  The threshold age of 30 has been chosen as adoption from care only became available as a placement option to local authorities and the Health and Social Care Trusts across the UK in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In addition to contributing to our understanding of the impact of early traumatic experience across the lifecourse, and the types of factors that can influence the experience of traumatic symptomatology, the study will provide importance evidence of the extent to which older adoptees require support to manage the longer-term physical and/or emotional manifestation of experiencing early adversity and trauma.

Applications from candidates who hold, or expect to achieve by 15 August, an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology from a UK institution (or overseas award deemed to be equivalent via UK NARIC) will be prioritised.

Postgraduate research experience in qualitative methodology is desirable.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

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

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

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

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Dominic McSherry

Other supervisors