Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the School of Psychology and Computer Science.
Project Description:
Self-injury is one of the strongest predictors of suicide but can also occur for non-suicidal reasons, with injuries to the wrist, arm and legs being common. The location of the injury on the body is clinically important and potentially associated with a multitude of psychological processes (e.g., functions of the self-injury) and/or practical factors such as accessibility. Yet, little research has been conducted in this area. This mixed methods PhD aims to examine the clinical and psychological significance of injury location in nonclinical and clinical samples of individuals who self-injure, including those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder/emotionally unstable personality disorder.
The PhD will combine different methodologies, including semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Essential criteria for the studentship therefore include a good honours degree in Psychology or other relevant subject area, experience of undertaking qualitative and quantitative research studies, and excellent communication skills. Experience of working in clinical psychology/mental health (e.g., supporting individuals who self-injure) is a desirable criterion.
As this studentship is part of a collaboration between the School of Psychology and Computer Science and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the clinical studies must be designed to be clinically useful i.e., to NHS service users and therapists working with individuals with personality disorder. In addition, to facilitate international applicability of the research we have embedded an opportunity to collect data from an international sample and work with a leading international self-injury expert. This studentship therefore requires a strong commitment to working with a range of people to co-produce studies that will produce clinically important and generalisable results.
Further information
Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Kathryn Gardner, [Email Address Removed]
For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships
Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:
- Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
- Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
- Campus – Preston Campus
- Mode of Study – Full Time
Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-61 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.
Closing Date: 31st March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023
CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP
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