University PhD Research Studentship
School of Health & Life Sciences/Institute for Applied
Health Research
Reference Number: SHLS-116S
Studentship Project Title: Social networks, social connectedness, and maternal mental health and
well-being: the personal and social lives of vulnerable pregnant women when they are
transitioning to motherhood and/or adapting to an additional child
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the School of Health & Life Sciences. The studentship is for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory
progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of £14,800
[please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between International
and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum]. The successful candidate will carry out
up to 6 hours of academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Theme
Public Health
Research Project Summary
This PhD will examine the experiences of women identified as ‘vulnerable’ (i.e. complex social and health
care needs) during pregnancy and beyond. The focus will be on women’s social networks, perceived
social connectedness (sense of belonging), and impact on mental health, well-being and identities as
mothers.
One of the ways that parenting interventions, such as Enhanced Triple P for Baby (ETPB) and Mellow
Bumps (MB) are theorised to work is through their group delivery, which involves social engagement
with other mothers-to-be in the group (who have a range of vulnerabilities and parenting experiences)
and the formation of relationships with facilitator(s). The PhD will: 1) look closely at the processes
through which relationships are formed during the delivery of intervention groups 2) examine the
potential benefits, and any unintended effects, of the social support derived from participation in MB or
ETPB and 3) explore how intervention support ‘fits’ within women’s broader social networks (e.g. does
social support derived from the intervention strengthen other bonds (e.g. with other children) or weaken
them (e.g. with a violent partner)? Recruitment of mothers-to-be, and randomisation to intervention
groups, is likely to continue for the next 18months – 2 years, offering ample opportunity to engage
directly with groups as part of qualitative fieldwork.
The successful candidate will join the Parenting and Family Support Programme at Glasgow Caledonian
University, which has strong expertise in the evaluation of parenting interventions (e.g. Triple P for Baby,
the Alba Project and MyLittleOne). The PhD project will contribute to the team by building on the realist
process evaluation for THRIVE (Trial of Health Relationships Initiative for the Very Early years), which is
being conducted at GCU in collaboration with colleagues at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health
Sciences, University of Glasgow. The PhD offers an excellent opportunity to become involved in an
exciting programme of research that may help to improve maternal mental health and wellbeing and
influence the life chances of some of the most vulnerable children in Scotland.
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Supervisory Team
Dr Rosaleen O’Brien, IAHR, SHLS, PSWAS, Glasgow Caledonian University
Drs Marion Henderson OR Katie Buston,
MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow
Dr Susan Kerr, IAHR, SHLS, NCH, Glasgow Caledonian University
Staff Contact
Dr Rosaleen O’Brien
Rosaleen.obrien@gcu.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April 2015
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