Project title: Improving identification and access to support for low mood in boys

Primary supervisor: Dr Faith Orchard (University of East Anglia)

Second supervisor: Prof. Joni Holmes (University of East Anglia)

University: University of East Anglia, School of Psychology

SENSS Theme: Health, Wellbeing and Social Care

Collaborative partner: Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Collaborative partner supervisor: Bonnie Teague

Degree structure: The structure of the studentship offered will depend on your personal training needs. However, the minimum duration of a SENSS-funded studentship will be 3.5 years: this covers a PhD and a mandatory placement of approximately 3 months. The maximum duration of a studentship will be 4.5 years: this covers a Masters degree followed by a PhD, as well as the mandatory 3-month placement.

Project background

Rates of mental ill-health across genders are concerning and appear to be on the increase. But identification and help-seeking behaviours appear to be uniquely complex for young males. For some common mental health disorders there appears to be higher prevalence in females, e.g. depression, where a 2:1 gender ratio emerges during adolescence. But it is believed to be the case that many young males are going undetected, presenting with ‘hidden distress’. Two main challenges might explain why males are not presenting with difficulties, or accessing help: 1) mental health disorders present differently for males, and 2) the pathway to access is not adequate. This PhD studentship will draw on expertise from psychology, healthcare and education to address both challenges. A mixed-methods programme of research is proposed.

Project aims and objectives

This PhD project will deliver a range of studies to improve our understanding of how low mood and depression presents for young males, and how this influences help-seeking behaviours.

Training opportunities

A comprehensive package of training will be agreed in consultation with the supervisors. Elements of training will be provided by the supervisors, University of East Anglia, and by other providers.

There are four training objectives for this studentship: 1) To be trained in a range of new research skills, including quantitative and qualitative research methods 2) To develop skills in designing and implementing research in partnership with lived experience groups; 3) To develop a network of collaborators for progressing in a future research career; and 4) To disseminate research via publications, social media and conference presentations.

Depending on experience students may need project-specific training in: qualitative methodologies, network analysis, and co-production.

Essential and/or desirable attributes/skills

This PhD studentship would suit someone who is passionate about youth mental health and the improvement of access to evidence based, early interventions. Candidates should have a degree in Psychology or related subject, with additional research experience. It would be desirable for candidates to have experience of working with young people or parents, or individuals with mental health difficulties

Studentship details

This studentship is between +3.5 and +4.5-year (1+3.5, 2+2.5, +4.5) awards. The standard length of an ESRC-funded studentship is +3.5. This includes the standard +3 PhD, plus an +0.25 term for the integrated placement which the collaborative partner is expected to offer the DR, and a further additional +0.25 to enable the student to undertake training relevant to their research project (including career progression). All studentships are offered on either a full-time or part-time basis.

The studentship award covers your university fees and provides you with a stipend of £19,237 per year (for 2024-2025 academic year). You will also be able to apply for additional funding via the SENSS Research Training Support Grant to support your training needs.

Residential eligibility

All applicants, whether Home or International, are eligible for a full award, that is, they will receive a stipend (salary) and they will not have to pay any university tuition fees during their studentship award.

How to apply for this studentship

To be considered for this funding, you must first apply to SENSS for this collaborative studentship. Please read the SENSS Collaborative Studentship Application Guidance Notes before completing our online application form. The Guidance Notes are available here.

If your application is accepted by SENSS, you will need to make a separate application for a place to study at the University of East Anglia as your host University. You will be provided with a link with information on how to make your application to the University of East Anglia once the SENSS proposal has been accepted.

Deadline:

The deadline for submitting your application for SENSS funding on HEIApply is 12:00 GMT on Monday 24 February 2025. No extensions to this deadline will be permitted.

For further enquiries:

For enquiries about this research project, please email Dr Faith Orchard at (f.orchard@uea.ac.uk)

For enquiries related to your eligibility for this studentship, and/or the application process, please email: Vanessa Tarling, senss.dtp@uea.ac.uk

The likely interview date for this studentship will be Thursday 13 March 2025 (am).