Project Title: Potential comorbidity and diagnostic overlap between Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Considering trauma and damaging behaviours
PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the School of Psychology and Humanities
Reference Number: RS/24/04 NWSSDTP CASE Studentship Psychology
Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship funded via an ESRC award to the University of Central Lancashire School of Psychology and Humanities from the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. The studentship will provide tuition fees (at the UK rate) and an annual stipend of £19,237 at the 2024/25 UKRI rate. Both UK and EU/International applicants may apply but EU/International applicants will be required to pay the difference between the UK and EU/International tuition fee rates.
It is expected the successful applicant will commence October 2024.
Project Description:
The project captures the cross-over between Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Recent research highlights shared diagnostic components, shared behaviours and experiences, including the experience of trauma and the expression of damaging behaviours (e.g., self-injury, aggression). Recognising the overlap between these conditions is crucial. Surprisingly, despite these connections these diagnoses are not typically considered together in treatment pathways. Failing to acknowledge similarities ultimately limits treatment provision because clients can be placed into treatment pathways unique to each diagnosis without sufficient justification.
In spite of this, no research has examined the extent to which diagnostic features collectively manifest across samples. To address this, the research will draw upon general population and clinical samples (patients, clinicians), including elements ranging from systematic review, expert consensus, quantitative analysis of a large general population dataset and more focused study in a psychiatric sample.
The successful candidate will be based at Ashworth Hospital (a high-secure NHS forensic mental health inpatient unit near Liverpool) as well as being part of a stimulating university environment at UCLan. The setting will provide unsurpassed clinical and academic support and expertise, a robust research environment and thriving research student community, which together will cultivate research talent and maximise opportunities for professional development.
In partnership with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the student will operate under the standard NHS honorary contract affording access to Ashworth Hospital and also benefit from a broad range of professional training in forensic mental health (e.g., risk assessment, clinical interviewing) that may be relevant to the project or their future professional aspirations.
Candidates should have a UK BSc Honours degree at 2:1 level or above in Psychology and have completed/near completed a Masters level qualification in a relevant area (e.g., forensic psychology, mental health and/or research). EU and International applicants require an English Language level of UKVI IELTS 6.5 with no sub-score less than 6.0.
Further information
Informal project-related enquiries to Professor Jane L Ireland
View the full details.
View the description and specification form.
Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:
- Type of Study - Research Degree (Postgraduate)
- Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
- Campus - Preston Campus
- Mode of Study - Full Time
Please quote the Studentship reference number RS/24/04 on the application form.
Closing Date: 3 July 2024
Proposed Interview Date: 17 July 2024
Expected Start Date: October 2024
Current UCLan research students will not be eligible to apply for this research studentship