The public opinion about women’s traumatic birth experiences (Project ID SHSC0054)

Childbirth has a social implication as it is the means for survival of the species. Worldwide, between 9% to 50% of women experience childbirth as traumatic, known to have detrimental effects on women’s mental health and wellbeing. Women’s traumatic childbirth experiences have (financial) implications for healthcare (e.g., preventative and therapeutic measures) and for society when considering e.g., retention from work, disrupted families and relations and affected cognition/behaviour of children. Healthcare costs and the (immaterial) burden on society involve public expenses.

The influence of public opinion and social value judgements of value-laden issues are powerful for the decision-making of healthcare policymakers. The more salient the public opinion, the more likely resources will be made available. Women themselves are influenced by the society in which they live (family, social group, culture). Although women’s experiences are essentially personal and private, strong public opinions transform women’s traumatic birth experiences into ‘everybody’s business’, often exacerbated by (social) media. To build a support base within society for women with traumatic childbirth experiences, awareness about the content of the public opinion, is necessary – as we know very little about the public opinion. Therefore, investigating the public opinion will provide insight of the social worth and value of supporting a population that plays a vital part in society – that is mothers. Exploring public opinion can serve as a first step to arguing or pleading for adequate resources of support on an individual and systematic/institutional level. Additionally, studying which societal perceptions benefit women, can pragmatically inform society and healthcare professionals on how to form adequate responses to women with traumatic birth experiences.

This full or part-time PhD studentship offers the successful applicant an opportunity to address these gaps in research evidence, by designing and conducting a review to collate and synthesise which opinions about traumatic birth experiences are presented, followed by a Q-methodology (mixed-methods) study, organising the various societal perspectives recognised by women and proposing strategies for the wider public and healthcare practitioners.

The team has 1) advanced topic-related knowledge and experience (Prof. Dr. Kuipers, Dr. Patterson), 2) research expertise in mental health (including traumatic birth experiences), (Prof. Dr. Kuipers, Dr. Paterson), 3) research expertise in developing midwifery (Prof. Dr. Kuipers), 4) advanced methodology-related knowledge and expertise (Prof. Dr. Kuipers).

We look forward hearing from you. We welcome full-time and part-time applications. If you are applying for funding, please do so before contacting us.

 

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in a health or social care discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

 

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

 

Essential attributes:

·        A commitment to Doctoral study

·        Competent in working independently

·        Competent in literature searching, selecting and appraising

·        Knowledge of the midwifery domain (inter)nationally

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

·        Knowledge and/or experience of working and communicating with individuals, ideally in a healthcare setting

·        MSc in research methods or similar postgraduate qualification

·        Experience/ having engaged in reviews (systematic, scoping, integrative…)

·        Having been engaged in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods (for example: surveys, questionnaires, interviews or focus groups)

·        Experience of using quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo and/or SPSS

To apply, please click on the ‘Institution Website’ link on the right-hand side of this page

When applying, please quote the application reference SHSC0054 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of

·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

Interviews will take place, week commencing 12 August 2024