Linguistic indicators and communicative mechanisms of pain perception and recall

Applications are invited for a PhD research student on an experimental project to understand the impact of language choice on the experience of pain. This study builds on previous work within the Centre for Health and Relationships (Hearn, Finlay, & Fine, 2016) investigating the demographic differences in language use to describe neuropathic pain, which has indicated that pain behaviours are used to communicate distress, and that certain language is associated with pain intensity. The unique nature of pain experience as captured in spontaneous language may provide insights into its role in pain perception. You will work with the general public to investigate experimentally-induced acute pain, as well as local collaborators using novel methods to explore how language influences pain perception. Long-term aims of the project include identifying important aspects of the cognitive and communicative mechanisms of acute pain, provide recommendations and education to those working in clinical environments, and to explore ways of mitigating the transition of acute pain to chronic pain. Similarly, the project aims to identify cognitive and communicative mechanisms that can be targeted for modification during psychological treatment of patients with chronic pain.

Health Psychology explores how psychology, biology, behaviour and social factors are involved in health and illness. It focuses on health promotion and the prevention of disease, as well understanding how people react to, cope with and recover from illness. Chronic pain affects between one-third and one-half of the UK population (Fayaz, Croft, Langford, Donaldson, & Jones, 2016), and psychological and social factors are widely recognised as important in the experience of pain (Pincus & McCracken, 2013). It is, therefore, an extremely important area of research in Health Psychology.

The University of Buckingham is currently active on research projects covering a wide range of topics within Health Psychology. We collaborate on projects and activities with other universities and organisations, both in the UK and abroad. You would join the Centre for Health and Relationships (CHR) Research Hub (www.buckingham.ac.uk/research/chr), a thriving research hub focusing upon research in five core areas: Pain, Social Support, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Spinal Cord Injury, and Health in Vulnerable Populations.

Your supervisory team would consist of:

Dr Jasmine Hearn (https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/directory/dr-jasmine-hearn/) whose research focuses on chronic pain, mindfulness, and spinal cord injury, and Dr Katherine Finlay (https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/directory/finlay-dr-katherine/) whose research focuses on pain, social support, and homelessness.

In terms of entry requirements, PhD applicants must have achieved a 2:1 or above in a BPS-accredited Psychology degree, or international equivalent (including at least a 2:1 in the dissertation). Candidates are expected to also hold or be reaching the completion of an MSc degree (or equivalent) although this may be waived in the case of an exceptional applicant. The candidate should be enthusiastic about the research area and have excellent written and oral communication skills along with experience of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Continuation on the PhD will be subject to suitable progress, assessed after one year.