Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based interventions for depression: An evaluation of AWARE’s ‘Mood Matters’ and ‘Live Life to the Full’ programmes.

Summary

The extent to which the citizens of Northern Ireland experience challenges with mental ill-health has been well documented. Recent evidence from Northern Ireland’s first ever prevalence study of mental health and wellbeing in children, young people and parents – the 2020 Youth Wellbeing Study – revealed that one-in-ten children and young people experience anxiety or depression, which is approximately 25% higher when compared to other UK nations [1]. Approximately one-in-five (22%) parents interviewed in the same study were experiencing a current mental health problem, which is broadly consistent with estimates reported from previous studies involving adults conducted here [2].

The socio-economic burden of mental ill-health - estimated at £3.4 billion annually [3] – is substantial. A key strategic pillar of Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 [4] is the delivery of early interventions to prevent the escalation of mental health problems to reduce the societal burden and to improve overall quality of life.

AWARE is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland. AWARE delivers evidence-based, group-orientated Mental Health Awareness and Life Skills programmes grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles for approximately ~7,500 adults and young people experiencing mild-moderate depression across Northern Ireland annually since 2023. Under the Public Health Agency Mental Health and Emotional Health and Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Framework [5], the Mood Matter programmes meets the standard of Tier 1 (information sharing) whilst the Life Skills Programmes meets Tier 2 (Awareness and Understanding).

This PhD project is a collaboration between Ulster University and AWARE. It will evaluate AWARE’s Mental Health Awareness and Life Skills programmes in order to: (i) gain a deeper understanding of the impact these programmes have in improving health outcomes for adults and young people; and (ii) develop AWARE’s evaluation processes to better capture these outcomes and inform the development of the programmes going forward.

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

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
• 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.