Evaluating the role of Positive Psychology in Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Northern Irish Primary Schools

Summary

The mental wellbeing of children in Northern Ireland (NI) is declining (ARK, 2023). Given this, implementing strategies to increase child wellbeing and resilience have become increasingly desirable (The Children’s Society, 2024). School based, positive psychology approaches have been identified as a potential pathway to achieving wellbeing outcomes (Taylor et al., 2023). To date however, most of this research comes from adolescent populations with a lack of substantial research in the context of primary school age children, particularly in NI. Further, multiple shortcomings have been identified in this research, including the lack of longitudinal evidence on the long-term effectiveness of such programmes, limited understanding on the mechanisms of action in bringing about improvements in outcomes and exploring teacher training and support needs. This PhD study will address these limitations.

The overarching aim of this PhD is to explore the effectiveness of school based positive psychology programmes in protecting and promoting child mental health and wellbeing. This will be addressed using a variety of research methods. Firstly, through a systematic review of the literature and secondly through an evaluation of an existing primary school-based wellbeing program (BeeMe). The specific research objectives are:

1. To conduct a systematic review to explore the effectiveness of primary school-based programmes for improving resilience and protecting mental wellbeing.
2. To evaluate the efficacy of a school based positive psychology programme in protecting and promoting mental health and wellbeing in Northern Irish primary school children using a longitudinal, cluster randomised control trial.
3. To explore the potential mechanisms of change in achieving wellbeing outcomes.
4. To seek teacher training and support needs for the delivery of the programme.
5. To identify ‘what works’ and develop best practice recommendations with regards school based EHWB interventions for children.

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.