Understanding the therapeutic relationship between residential care staff and young people with substance use problems.

Project reference number: SHLS19008

Introduction
A number of studies highlight a significant relationship between ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ (A.C.E), and the development of problematic substance use. Looked after and accommodated young people (LAACYP) are more likely to have both. Therapeutic relationships as practiced residential care staff are key to addressing substance use problems but the extent to which these focus on ACE and in what form is uncertain. This project relates to on going research funded by NIHR and conducted by the supervisory team that focuses on the evaluation of the Parents Under Pressure parenting programme and work due to be published in BMJ Open by Nixon, Elliott and Henderson relating to the role of corporate parents.

Research Questions
• To what extend do residential staff engage with an ACE informed therapeutic relationship when addressing substance use among young people in care?
• What is the nature of that relationship from the perspective of care staff and the young people they care for?
• What are the key barriers to and facilitators of that relationship?

Specification
Applicants will have a social science degree with honours (2.1) or Masters Degree in a related subject. Some experience of conducting qualitative research (including that for a dissertation) is desirable as is work experience in a relevant health, social or charitable organisation.
Candidates are requested to submit a detailed research proposal (of a maximum of 2000 words) on the project area as part of their application.

Research Strategy and Research Profile
Glasgow Caledonian University’s research is framed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, We address the Goals via three societal challenge areas of Inclusive Societies, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Environments. For more. This project is part of the research activity of the Substance Use Research at GCU
(https://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/research/researchgroups/healthylivesandrelationships/substanceuseandmisuse/ ) and
Parenting and Family Support Research Group (https://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/research/researchgroups/healthylivesandrelationships/parentingandfamilysupport/ )

https://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/staff/elliotlawrie/


How to Apply
This project is available as a 3 years full-time PhD study programme with a start date of 1st October 2019
For information on How to apply and the online application form please go to
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchstudy/applicationprocess/
Applicants shortlisted for the PhD project will be contacted for an interview.