Identifying the characteristics of successful caregiving for targeted intervention. (Advert ref: RDF18/PSY/WETHERELL)

Chronic stress leads to increased psychological and physical morbidity and detriments in cognitive functioning through dysregulation of key physiological systems. Work in our research group has demonstrated that parent carers of children with developmental and behavioural difficulties experience greater levels of psychological distress; demonstrate endocrine and immune dysregulation, and report greater incidences of ill-health and failures in everyday memory.

Other helping professionals and caregiver populations are also at considerable risk of psychological distress due to their demanding roles. For example, those who deal with frequent challenging behaviours and / or repeated exposure to suffering are more vulnerable to profound emotional and physical exhaustion, leading to compassion fatigue and burnout, and adverse consequences in terms of physical and mental wellbeing.

The quality of received care is contingent upon the wellbeing of the carer and in some cases stress-related deficits in the carer can impact upon the wellbeing of the care recipient. However, evidence suggests that carers often prioritise the needs of their care-recipient over their own. Moreover, the maintenance of high-level care is an additional source of stress, as caregivers strive to ensure that there are no detriments in real life provision. Identifying methods for promoting and maintaining the wellbeing of carers is therefore essential for carers and recipients alike.

This programme will use a range of mixed methods to examine the impact of carer stress and identify the characteristics associated with more adaptive and successful caregiver function. This will inform the development of appropriate stress-reduction interventions bespoke for this at-risk population, which will promote wellbeing and facilitate health and social care provision. .

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 28 January 2018
Start Date: 1 October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.

Informal Enquiries
Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to (academic preferred contact tel/email details): Dr Mark Wetherell
[Email Address Removed]