Loneliness is increasingly recognised as a major public health concern with considerable impact on the health. This is a highly complex issue and there are a wide range of risk factors including experiencing mental problems or disabilities, bereavement, caring for a sick relative. There is a need for more research evidence to unpack these vulnerabilities, how loneliness might develop over time and how it might be addressed among different populations.
The Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing at Ulster University and the Institute of Public Health in Ireland are developing a research partnership to address loneliness. We seek a strong candidate with excellent quantitative and writing skills who is able to undertake research in this area. We particularly seek to investigate the issue of loneliness among older people and/or those with caregiving responsibilities. However, we are open to research on other groups, providing that a good case can be made by the applicant. The PhD will cover the following:
• To undertake a systematic review of the literature on a specific area of loneliness.
• To appraise the level of stigma that is associated with loneliness.
• To explore and provide analysis and commentary on data sets that are relevant to understanding loneliness across the lifecycle e.g. ELSA, NICOLA, TILDA, Growing up in Ireland.
• To explore the risk factors for loneliness especially the linkages between loneliness and depression, association and disassociation.
The successful candidate will also be expected to prepare material for publication in international academic journals and presentations at international conferences.
Applications for the studentships must be able to identify the sources of the data required and that these data are currently available or will be at the commencement of the studentship. Candidates should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class honours degree. Although candidates are likely to hold relevant Health or Social Science degree, we welcome students from any discipline as long as they can demonstrate how this fits with the proposed area of study. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis with regard to the candidate's qualifications, skills experience and interests. Successful candidates will enrol Summer/Autumn 2018, on a programme of research studies leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Further Information
If you wish to discuss your proposal or receive advice please contact: Professor G Leavey g.leavey@ulster.ac.uk
Procedure
For more information on applying go to https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/postgraduate-research/apply
Apply online https://srssb.ulster.ac.uk/PROD/bwskalog.P_DispChoices
Closing date and interviews
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 15th June 2018
Interviews will be held late July 2018
Continue with Facebook
