Challenging individualism: A critical examination of mental health related issues through a sociological and social justice lens.

Apply and key information  
Summary

There are socio-political determinants of mental health; the circumstances in which we are “born, grow, live, work, and age” impact our psychological well-being. These conditions are formed and sustained by the distribution of money, power, and resources. Accounting for power, in all its various manifestations, is integral to understanding and responding to mental health. Despite the structural dimensions of many psychological and emotional issues, an individualised view of these experiences is deeply embedded in conceptions of, and responses to, mental health. An overt emphasis on personal responsibility is often rooted in therapeutic interventions, health communication, and policy formation. Mental health difficulties are frequently conceived as “residing within the person”, with individuals encouraged to take personal agency for their actions and their consequences. This individualised focus, however well intentioned, can serve to reinforce inequality by placing responsibility for change exclusively with the person whilst leaving systems of oppression intact. Those impacted by systemic injustice are often failed by the helping professions which have typically tended to endorse, rather than challenge, existing power structures.

This project will consider mental health related issues through a sociological/social justice lens. It will be interdisciplinary, socially engaged, and politically conscious. It will incorporate methodologies that are transformative, collaborative, and empowering for those marginalised by society. The project will help inform the work of mental health professionals, policy makers, activists, and community organisers by challenging individualised conceptions of mental health.  It will endeavour to embed a more systemic view of mental health in practice, research, and policy.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Recommended reading

• Bhugra, D., Wijesuriya, R., Gnanapragasam, S., Persaud, A. (2020), ‘Black and minority mental health in the UK: Challenges and solutions’, Forensic Sci Int Mind Law, vol(1).
• Chantler, K. (2005), ‘From disconnection to connection: ‘Race’, gender and the politics of therapy’, British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, vol. 33(2), pp. 239-256.
• Foy, A. A. J., Morris, D., Fernandes, V., and Rimes, K. A. (2019), ‘LGBQ+ adults’ experiences of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and primary care counselling services: informing clinical practice and service delivery’, The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, vol. 12(42), pp. 1-23.
• Jordanova, V., Crawford, M., McManus, S., Bebbington, P., and Brugha, T. (2015), ‘Religious discrimination and common mental health disorders in England: A nationally representative population-based study’, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, vol. 50, pp. 1723-1729.
• King, M., Semlyen, J., See Tai, S., Killapsy, H., Osborn, D., Popelyuk, D., and Nazareth, I. (2008), ‘A systemic review of mental disorder, suicide, and deliberate self-harm in lesbian, gay and bisexual people’, BMC Psychiatry, vol. 8 (70), pp. 1-17.
• Memon. A., Taylor, K., Mohebati, L. M., Sundin, J., Cooper, M., Scanlon, T., and de Visser, R. (2016), ‘Perceived barriers to accessing mental health services among black and minority ethnic (BME) communities: a qualitative study in Southeast England’, BMJ Open, pp. 1-9.
• Mental Health Foundation (2016), Fundamental Facts About Mental Health. London: Mental Health Foundation.  
• Pavee Point (2013), Mental Health and Suicide in the Traveller Community. Dublin: Pavee Point Publications.
• Pilgrim, D. (1997), Psychotherapy and Society, London: Sage.
• Rogers, A. and Pilgrim, D. (2014), A Sociology of Mental Health and Illness. Buckingham: Oxford University Press.
• Sue, D. W. (2010), Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
• Travers, Á., Armour, C., Hansen, M., Cunningham, T., Lagdon, S., Hyland, P., Vallières, F., McCarthy, A., and Walshe, C. (2020), ‘Lesbian, gay or bisexual identity as a risk factor for trauma and mental health problems in Northern Irish students and the protective role of social support’, European Journal of Psychotraumatology, vol. 11, pp. 1-10.
• Winter, L. A. and Hanley, T. (2015), ‘Unless everyone’s covert guerrilla-like social justice practitioners…: A preliminary study exploring social justice in UK counselling psychology’, Counselling Psychology Review, vol. 30 (2), pp. 32-46.

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