Quality of life (QoL) has been defined as “an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” (WHOQoL, 1994). Quality of life is multidimensional and encompasses many facets across several domains. QoL assessment tools (e.g., WHOQoL Combi, Skevington et al., 2021) have been used most widely used as an outcome measure. However, QoL assessment can form an intervention in its own right. For example, giving feedback on the discrepancy between an individual’s rating of numerous facets of QoL and the importance they place on each of these, has shown some promise in improving QoL (Llewellyn & Skevington, 2014; Llewellyn & Skevington, 2015; Skevington, Long, & Gartland, 2020).
The proposed research aims to use mixed methods to develop a behaviour change intervention to identify target behaviours related to each of the facets of the WHOQOL Combi and to identify behaviour change techniques to target these.
1) A questionnaire study that aims to identify which behaviours facilitate/detract from attaining high QoL in each facet
2) A longitudinal questionnaire study that aims to identify which of the modal behaviours (from 1) predict QoL in each facet.
3) A qualitative interview/focus group study with the aim to identify barriers and facilitators to the behaviours identified as predictive of QoL (from 2).
4) An intervention mapping exercise to map out the behaviours and barriers and facilitators using the Behaviour Change Wheel (Michie et al., 2011) Quality of life (QoL) has been defined as “an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” (WHOQoL, 1994). Quality of life is multidimensional and encompasses many facets across several domains. QoL assessment tools (e.g., WHOQoL Combi, Skevington et al., 2021) have been used most widely used as an outcome measure. However, QoL assessment can form an intervention in its own right. For example, giving feedback on the discrepancy between an individual’s rating of numerous facets of QoL and the importance they place on each of these, has shown some promise in improving QoL (Llewellyn & Skevington, 2014; Llewellyn & Skevington, 2015; Skevington, Long, & Gartland, 2020).
The proposed research aims to use mixed methods to develop a behaviour change intervention to identify target behaviours related to each of the facets of the WHOQOL Combi and to identify behaviour change techniques to target these.
1) A questionnaire study that aims to identify which behaviours facilitate/detract from attaining high QoL in each facet
2) A longitudinal questionnaire study that aims to identify which of the modal behaviours (from 1) predict QoL in each facet.
3) A qualitative interview/focus group study with the aim to identify barriers and facilitators to the behaviours identified as predictive of QoL (from 2).
4) An intervention mapping exercise to map out the behaviours and barriers and facilitators using the Behaviour Change Wheel (Michie et al., 2011)
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with previous laboratory experience are particularly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the appropriate subject title.
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/”
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