Evaluation of Intergenerational activities to address loneliness: a case study approach linking children with older people living in residential care

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Summary

Loneliness is increasingly recognised as an important public health issue. It is not just an unpleasant personal experience, it also has negative effects on people’s physical and mental health. Older people living in care homes are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and its consequences which can be physical and psychological as well as social isolation.

Intergenerational activities in which older people engage in social interaction with younger people and children have been found to decrease loneliness and have positive effects on the health and wellbeing of both older and younger participants.

This PhD study will start with a review of existing evidence from the literature and then test the idea that intergenerational activities in residential care homes for older people can help to alleviate loneliness and lead to other positive health outcomes. Exploratory methods, led by measurements of loneliness taken before during and after participation in these activities will be used.

The voices of relevant stakeholders will be an important part of this study through engagement with six-to-eight members of the “middle generation” of parents of young children whose own parent or parents are looked after in a residential care setting.

This study has the potential to address loneliness in care home settings, through impacts upon policy, practice and further knowledge transfer. It also aims to further the UN sustainable development goals of Good Health and Wellbeing and Sustainable Cities and Communities; and the Public Health Agency‘s (2022) campaign to promote mental health and emotional well-being through developing stronger and wider social connections.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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.

Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

Masters at 65%
Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

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.