University PhD Research Studentship
School of Health and 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: examining the personal and social lives of vulnerable mothers-to-be as part of the
process evaluation for THRIVE
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.
Note: This studentship is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants need not re-apply.
Research Theme
Public Health
Research Project Summary
THRIVE (Trial of Healthy Relationships Initiative for the Very Early years) is evaluating two parenting
interventions offering targeted support to mothers-to-be identified as vulnerable during pregnancy
(http://thrive.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk/about-thrive). The realist process evaluation will contribute to the
interpretation and reporting of trial results by detailing whether, how, why, and for whom, these
interventions are of benefit to vulnerable mothers-to-be and explain how contextual factors might
mediate intended benefits. This PhD, connected to the process evaluation, will focus on women’s social
networks, perceived social connectedness (sense of belonging), and explore overall 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 includes opportunities to form
bonds with other mothers-to-be in the group and 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) look more broadly at how intervention support ‘fits’ within women’s
social networks and affects their perception of place and belonging within their communities.
Recruitment of mothers-to-be to trial, and randomisation to intervention groups, will be taking place
over the next 18months – 2 years, providing ample opportunity for the PhD candidate to engage directly
with groups in the initial phase of qualitative fieldwork. Knowledge of, or interests in, qualitative
research methods and the sociology of health and illness would be advantageous but not imperative as
training will be provided.
The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by staff from 1) the Parenting and Family Support
Team at Glasgow Caledonian University, which has strong expertise in evaluating parenting interventions
and 2) the CSO/ MRC Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, one of the UK’s leading
research units in the fields of Public Health/ Medical Sociology. The PhD offers an opportunity to become
involved in an exciting programme of research that we hope will help to improve maternal mental health
and the wellbeing of families and improve the life chances of some of the most vulnerable children in
Scotland.
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Supervisory Team
Director of studies: Dr Rosaleen O’Brien, IAHR, SHLS, PSWAS, Glasgow Caledonian University
Dr 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. Please also include a CV, covering letter, copies of
academic qualifications and references. Please also attach a proposal (approx. 2 pages) describing how
you envisage taking the project forward. Send the complete application to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
You may find the following journal references helpful for the application process:
Agnew, T. (2012) Shared experience. Nursing Standard 26(51); 22-24.
Hoffman, K.T. Marvin, R.S., Cooper, G. and Powell, B. (2006) Changing toddlers' and preschoolers'
attachment classifications: the Circle of Security intervention. Journal of Counselling and Clinical
Psychology. 74(6).
Polansky, M.W. et al (2006) A qualitative study of an attachment-based parenting group for mothers with
drug addictions: on being and having a mother. Journal of Social Work Practice, 20(2): 115-131.
Puckering, C. (1994) Process and evaluation of a group intervention for mothers with parenting
difficulties. Child Abuse Review, 3, 299-310.
The closing date for applications is Friday 19th June 2015
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 22nd July 2015
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