Modelling The Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences and the Association with Mental Health for Adults in Northern Ireland.

Summary

Research suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) account for a substantial proportion of mental health problem in adulthood. To date, a large focus of research pertaining to ACEs has been on the investigation of risks and deficits associated with such experiences, a necessity for the prevention, identification, and treatment of high-risk individuals (Zimmerman, 2013). However, in recent years, significant emphasis has been placed on the need to identify factors which enhance resilience and shield people from the potentially harmful effects of ACEs.

Benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) are one such resilience enhancing factor that has gained considerable attention as of late (e.g., Narayan et al., 2018). BCEs describe positive experiences during early development which cultivate perceptions of safety, security, connectedness, and predictability (Narayan et al., 2018). The BCE scale (Narayan et al., 2018) is the first validated measure specifically designed to assess BCEs. The BCE scale includes BCEs occurring at the individual-level (i.e., assets), as well as those occurring at the family-level and he peer/community-level (i.e., resources).

There are no studies to date that have estimated the prevalence of ACEs and BCEs in the adult population, and determined the association with mental health. This project aims to fill this gap in the research by using data the “ACEs and Violence in Northern Ireland Study” (2024). This was a survey, funded by the Department of Justice NI, and recruited a nationally representative sample of adults in NI. A detailed assessment of ACEs, BCEs, and community violence exposure was included along with measures of mental health, including PTSD and Complex PTSD.

This project will involve collaboration with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Regional Trauma Network and the IMPACT Research Centre (www.impactresearchcentre.co.uk). It will also involve working with other trauma research centres such as the Danish Centre of Psychotraumatology (https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/videnscenter_for_psykotraumatologi)

Narayan, A. J., Rivera, L. M., Bernstein, R. E., Harris, W. W., & Lieberman, A. F. (2018). Positive childhood experiences predict less psychopathology and stress in pregnant women with childhood adversity: A pilot study of the benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) scale. Child Abuse & Neglect, 78, 19-30.

Zimmerman, M. A., Stoddard, S. A., Eisman, A. B., Caldwell, C. H., Aiyer, S. M., & Miller, A. (2013). Adolescent resilience: Promotive factors that inform prevention. Child Development Perspectives, 7(4), 215-220.

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

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
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

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.