PhD Studentship: Examining Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Provision for Rugby Players Experiencing Catastrophic Injury
4 weeks ago
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in rugby are rare, however the consequences are far-reaching: sustaining a catastrophic injury presents a rapid and life-altering shift in a rugby players' personal and social identity and their day-to-day reality. Negotiating these transitions and changes poses significant challenges to mental health and wellbeing.
A recent report commissioned by the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) identified that IPF clients are at a greater risk of experiencing poor mental health. However, effective, evidence-based interventions to support mental health and wellbeing of injured rugby players are lacking.
This PhD studentship has been match-funded by the IPF, who provide ongoing support to rugby players who experience catastrophic SCIs or TBIs while playing the game. The IPF have identified a need to better understand the mental health and wellbeing needs and support provision of their client-base, so that they can better tailor their mental wellbeing offers to their clients.
The aim of this unique PhD is to explore mental health and wellbeing service provision for IPF clients, with the objective of co-creating bespoke evidence informed recommendations about mental health service provision, by working collaboratively with the IPF.
The objectives of this PhD are:
- To understand the mental health experiences of IPF clients through secondary analysis of qualitative data.
- To examine existing mental health service provision for individuals experiencing life-altering injury and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- To develop co-produced recommendations for IPF which represent the mental health needs and service requirements of their client-base.
The successful candidate will be based within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and also be a part of the world-leading Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport.
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Janine Coates
Secondary supervisors: Dr Jamie Barker; Dr Carolyn Plateau; Prof Vicky Tolfrey
Entry requirements
Applicants should have or expect to achieve a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field for the PhD studentship (e.g. Psychology; Sport & Exercise Science; Sport and Exercise Psychology).
A relevant sport-related Master's degree and/or professional experience or insight relating to mental health service provision and/or disability sport is desirable. An interest in, or experience of rugby is also desirable.
Fees and funding
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
The opportunity is subject to external funding. In the event that the funder withdraws prior to recruitment the studentship would be withdrawn.
How to apply
Apply online via the above 'Apply' button. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/RFU in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
The three-year studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum, plus UK tuition fees.
-
PhD Studentship
4 weeks ago
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeThis studentship will seek to better understand the holistic development of elite junior tennis players, by establishing the technical, tactical and physical characteristics of match play and training.The findings will be used to enhance junior players' training programmes and ultimately support their transition to full-time professional tennis.This PhD...
-
PhD Studentship
2 weeks ago
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeThis studentship will seek to better understand the holistic development of elite junior tennis players, by establishing the technical, tactical and physical characteristics of match play and training.The findings will be used to enhance junior players' training programmes and ultimately support their transition to full-time professional tennis.This PhD...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timePhysical activity (PA) is beneficial for physical and mental health at all stages of life and becomes of critical importance from mid-life onwards, when regular engagement can help prevent or reduce age-related injuries.Many midlife women do not engage in regular physical activity and the menopause transition itself can present both physical and...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timePhysical activity (PA) is beneficial for physical and mental health at all stages of life and becomes of critical importance from mid-life onwards, when regular engagement can help prevent or reduce age-related injuries.Many midlife women do not engage in regular physical activity and the menopause transition itself can present both physical and...
-
PhD Studentship: Post-concussion Syndrome
3 weeks ago
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeMild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI, including sports-related concussions) account for 80% of TBIs, posing a significant global public health concern. While most recover within weeks, up to 30% develop Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), marked by long-lasting physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural issues. Objective assessment and interventions are...
-
PhD Studentship: Post-concussion Syndrome
2 weeks ago
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeMild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI, including sports-related concussions) account for 80% of TBIs, posing a significant global public health concern. While most recover within weeks, up to 30% develop Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), marked by long-lasting physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural issues. Objective assessment and interventions are...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timePsychological stress exposure is a risk factor for a range of long-term health conditions. A prominent, real-world and ongoing stressor is climate change, which can impact our physical and mental health and yet remains largely unexplored. As society progresses decarbonization efforts towards net zero, such efforts may also act as an inadvertent stressor for...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timePsychological stress exposure is a risk factor for a range of long-term health conditions. A prominent, real-world and ongoing stressor is climate change, which can impact our physical and mental health and yet remains largely unexplored. As society progresses decarbonization efforts towards net zero, such efforts may also act as an inadvertent stressor for...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeOver the last 10 years, researchers at Loughborough University have led a programme of research seeking to characterise the health and well-being of HGV drivers; and to develop bespoke health promotion interventions.This work led to the creation of the SHIFT programme – a Structured Health Intervention For Truckers – which focuses on enhancing physical...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeOver the last 10 years, researchers at Loughborough University have led a programme of research seeking to characterise the health and well-being of HGV drivers; and to develop bespoke health promotion interventions.This work led to the creation of the SHIFT programme – a Structured Health Intervention For Truckers – which focuses on enhancing physical...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeSubject area: Arts and Humanities, Science, Social and Health ServicesClosing date of advert: 16th June 2024Start date: October 2024Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead: Emma PullenName(s) of secondary supervisor(s): Aimee Mears, Emily Rousham, Ines Varela-SilvaPrimary supervisor email address: Primary supervisor telephone number: Link to supervisor's online...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeSubject area: Arts and Humanities, Science, Social and Health ServicesClosing date of advert: 16th June 2024Start date: October 2024Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead: Emma PullenName(s) of secondary supervisor(s): Aimee Mears, Emily Rousham, Ines Varela-SilvaPrimary supervisor email address: Primary supervisor telephone number: Link to supervisor's online...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeSarcopenia is characterised by a loss of muscle strength, muscle mass, as well as low physical performance, and is now classified as a disease in its own right. Although often associated with ageing, it is also recognised as a complication of numerous other long term health conditions (e.g. chronic kidney disease) and is associated with worse clinical...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeSarcopenia is characterised by a loss of muscle strength, muscle mass, as well as low physical performance, and is now classified as a disease in its own right. Although often associated with ageing, it is also recognised as a complication of numerous other long term health conditions (e.g. chronic kidney disease) and is associated with worse clinical...
-
PhD Studentship: Power
2 weeks ago
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeDC Microgrids (MG) can connect various renewable generators and energy storage and play a vital role in the goal of reaching Net Zero.The overall management of a DC MG relies on reliable communication and information flow between power electronic interfaces. Dual modulation of power and data is an emerging technology for DG MGs, where data is transmitted on...
-
PhD Studentship: Power
4 weeks ago
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeDC Microgrids (MG) can connect various renewable generators and energy storage and play a vital role in the goal of reaching Net Zero.The overall management of a DC MG relies on reliable communication and information flow between power electronic interfaces. Dual modulation of power and data is an emerging technology for DG MGs, where data is transmitted on...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeWomen's engagement in sport and exercise is heavily influenced by the stage of their menstrual cycle and appropriate support wear. Breast size, shape and sensitivity varies throughout a menstrual cycle, requiring better measurement and knowledge to define these changes and how to support women to engage in exercise. This PhD focuses on a novel measurement...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeWomen's engagement in sport and exercise is heavily influenced by the stage of their menstrual cycle and appropriate support wear. Breast size, shape and sensitivity varies throughout a menstrual cycle, requiring better measurement and knowledge to define these changes and how to support women to engage in exercise. This PhD focuses on a novel measurement...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeAn exciting PhD opportunity jointly funded by the UK Research and Innovation Council and Sellafield Ltd is available in the Advanced Materials Modelling Group at Loughborough University. This will involve modelling of special nuclear materials to understand better the role of gases during storage. Safe and secure long-term storage of nuclear waste is...
-
Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Loughborough University Full timeAn exciting PhD opportunity jointly funded by the UK Research and Innovation Council and Sellafield Ltd is available in the Advanced Materials Modelling Group at Loughborough University. This will involve modelling of special nuclear materials to understand better the role of gases during storage. Safe and secure long-term storage of nuclear waste is...
