Individuals living with psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, psychosis, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) are significantly less physically active than the general population. Low activity levels are linked to increased metabolic risk for those with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) individuals due to comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes and respiratory diseases (Graham et al., 2017; Stubbs et al., 2018), which in turn elevates risk of cardiovascular disease by 78% compared to the general population (Correll et al., 2017).
Worryingly, insufficient physical activity has been shown as a one of the main causes for reduced life expectancy of those with mental illness by up to 25 years. It has also been reported that individuals with psychiatric illness are more likely to participate in unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking and excessive sedentary behaviour compared to the general population.
Across clinical and non-clinical samples, physical activity is effective for the prevention and treatment of somatic diseases (Pérez et al., 2019). Researchers have recommended physical activity as a monotherapy for mild mental illnesses (Glowacki et al., 2019) and as an adjunctive therapy for SMI, with improvements observed in cognitive functioning and positive changes in psychiatric symptoms and quality of life (Stubbs et al., 2018).
Although previous research and public health guidance stresses the importance of physical activity for mental health, many additional barriers remain to engaging in regular physical activity for the SMI population compared to the general population. For those with SMI, a side effect of the illness and medication can be lack of motivation, leading to low levels of physical activity programme compliance (Bergman et al., 2020) and high participant dropout rates (i.e., 26.7%) (Vancampfort et al., 2016), weight gain and a general lack of confidence when it comes to trying new activities (Stubbs et al., 2017).
Although research to date is limited with SMI, there are a few large scale studies, in particular randomised control trials (RCTs) reporting the benefits of physical activity for individuals which have promising results. Notably, reductions in body weight and waist circumference have been reported, in addition to reductions in negative affective symptoms. However, varied attendance rates and dropout has been noted, and no existing studies have been developed through a co-production method to meet the needs of those with SMI. By co-producing a physical activity programme that takes into account the views of individuals with SMI, the community assets available to them and the surrounding constraints and enablers in the system, it is more likely that the intervention will be successful in increasing physical activity.
The aim of this PhD programme of research will be to:
1. Conduct a review of the literature on physical activity, SMI and systems in place for interventions.
2. Co-produce a physical activity/exercise intervention for those with SMI (this may be in a clinical setting, forensic secure unit or in the community), and;
3. Pilot the co-produced programme to assess the benefits on symptoms of mental illness, health and wellbeing of those with SMI.
Essential Shortlisting Criteria
Applicants should have (or expect to hold) an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or First Class Honours Degree in Psychology.
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.
- Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
- A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
- Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
- A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
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
- Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
- Work experience relevant to the proposed project
- Experience of presentation of research findings
Funding and eligibility
Ulster University’s Annual PhD Scholarship Competition offers the chance for those interested in undertaking PhD research to have their full-time study paid for.
Department for the Economy and Vice-Chancellor's Research scholarships are available to home and overseas applicants, with three years of fees paid, an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx. £15,600, a Research Training and Support grant of £900 per year and access to paid teaching opportunities.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Recommended reading
Bergman, H., Nilsson, T., Andiné, P., Degl’Innocenti, A., Thomeé, R., & Gutke, A. (2020). Physical performance and physical activity of patients under compulsory forensic psychiatric inpatient care. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 36(4), 507–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1488320
Correll, C. U., Solmi, M., Veronese, N., Bortolato, B., Rosson, S.,Santonastaso, P., … Stubbs, B. (2017). Prevalence, incidence and mortality from cardiovascular disease in patients with pooled and specific severe mental illness: a large-scale meta-analysis of 3,211,768 patients and 113,383,368 controls. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 163–180. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20420
Please follow link to apply online at bottom of advert for more recommended reading.
Contact supervisor
Dr Gavin Breslin
Telephone: +44 28 9036 8478
Email: [Email Address Removed]
Key dates
Submission deadline: Monday 7 February 2022
Interview Date: 14 to 16 March 2022
Preferred student start date: 12 September 2022
Apply Online
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