Exploring Adult Well-Bring After Childhood Traumatic Loss Through a Comprehensive Retrospective Study

PhD Opportunity in Exploring Adult Well-Being After Childhood Traumatic Loss 

University/Faculty: University of Greenwich, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, School of Human Sciences 

Research Centre: Institute for Lifecourse Development (Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families) 

Lead Supervisor: Dr Oindrila Dutta ([email protected])  

Project title: Exploring adult well-being after childhood traumatic loss through a comprehensive retrospective study 

Project overview: We invite exceptional candidates to apply for a groundbreaking PhD research opportunity within the School of Human Sciences. This project, led by Dr. Oindrila Dutta, will delve into the long-term effects of childhood traumatic loss on adult well-being and aims to co-design an innovative intervention that enhances the quality of life for adults who faced such grief as children. 

About the research: Traumatic loss in childhood – whether due to the death of a loved one or another devastating event – can disrupt a young person’s development. Such experiences often lead to emotional and psychological challenges that persist well into adulthood. These may include difficulties with concentration, lingering guilt, sleep disturbances, and other behavioral and academic challenges, in addition to physical health implications. 

While traditional therapeutic approaches like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) have provided some relief, they often fall short in addressing the complex and varied ways individuals cope with grief. Creative arts interventions show promise as complementary therapies, yet their integration with established methods remains underexplored. 

Given the ethical challenges of studying childhood trauma directly in minors, this research will adopt a retrospective approach, focusing on adults who experienced traumatic loss during childhood. By examining these individuals’ lifelong experiences, this study aims to uncover effective coping mechanisms and translate these findings into a practical, evidence-based therapeutic intervention. 

Research objectives: To understand how traumatic loss in childhood affects individuals across their lifespan and to co-design an intervention to enhance well-being in adults who experienced such grief as children.   

Why choose this PhD project: This project offers a unique opportunity to engage in socially impactful research that can transform therapeutic practices and enhance the lives of individuals who have faced significant childhood adversities. You will work alongside leading experts in the field, contribute to the development of cutting-edge interventions, and be part of a research community dedicated to improving mental health outcomes. 

Duration: This is a full-time, three-year PhD program. 

Financial support: Funding: 

The project is funded by the Institute of Lifecourse Development at the University of Greenwich. The successful candidate will receive a competitive bursary, which includes: 

Year 1: £21,237, including £2,000 London Weighting; Year 2 & 3: In line with UKRI rates. Additionally, a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university’s home-student rate (currently £4,786) will be provided. International applicants will need to cover the remaining tuition fees. Please note that fees are subject to an annual increase. 

Who should apply: We are looking for a motivated individual who possesses a strong academic background, excellent communication skills, and an interest in understanding and improving mental health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Essential criteria:

·        A first-class or upper second-class honours degree or a master’s degree (with a minimum average of 60%) in a relevant discipline.

·        For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 in all elements, or an equivalent qualification.

Desirable criteria:

·        Experience working with individuals or families who have experienced loss or trauma.

·        Experience in conducting research, particularly on sensitive topics.

·        Experience in environments requiring discussion of sensitive or complex issues, such as counselling or interviewing. 

·        Knowledge of mixed-methods research. 

·        Understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research on personal and sensitive subjects.

Personal attributes:

·        Self-motivated and capable of completing independent research.

·        Strong organizational skills.

·        Empathetic with a commitment to working with individuals who have experienced trauma. 

·        An approachable demeanour, with the ability to empathetically engage with participants.

Additional requirements:

·        This scholarship may require Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance for non-EU/EEA candidates.

·        The successful candidate must commence their studies before February 2025.

How to apply: 

Please review the following link, containing the person specification and other relevant information, before making an application: https://www.gre.ac.uk/docs/rep/communications-and-recruitment/exploring-adult-well-bring-after-childhood-traumatic-loss-through-a-comprehensive-retrospective-study. Information about the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process. Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered. Please ensure that you select ‘MPhil/PhD Human Sciences’ from the list to ensure prompt processing of applications.    

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered:  

• ILD Scholarship Reference Number (ILD-FEHHS-02-24)– included in the personal statement section  
• Personal Statement* – outlining your motivation for applying for this PhD, and your previous research experience (e.g., as a research assistant or completing a dissertation).   
• Academic qualification certificates/transcripts*  
• IELTS/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *   
• Your complete CV*  
• Two reference letters (one ideally from a dissertation supervisor) *  
• Research Proposal* Please provide a brief research proposal (maximum 1500 words) outlining how you would develop this research. Please refer to the Research Proposal structure: https://docs.gre.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/270049/research-proposal-template.pdf.    
• Please ensure that you submit to the MPhil/PhD Human Sciences programme.    

*Upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be in PDF format. You will need to submit this as 1 single PDF, to be uploaded as attachment.   

Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.