Learning more from complex psychological and social interventions in
mental health

This 3-year fully-funded PhD project aims to use statistical
approaches to investigate the factors important in predicting
individuals susceptible to mental health problems, and whether or not
a specific psychological intervention can reduce these problems.

The study is due to commence October 2010 and will attract full fee
support and an annual stipend of £15, 590 (rising by approximately 2%
per annum). Funding is limited to UK/EU* nationals only due to ESRC
eligibility requirements. The study provides an ideal opportunity to
experience research spanning the health and social sciences.

The project will explore patterns of causal links between intermediate
and final outcomes in randomised trials of complex interventions,
using the EDIE 2 trial as an exemplar (Early Detection and
Intervention Evaluation 2). EDIE 2 is an MRC-funded trial of cognitive
behavioural therapy involving 288 participants which aims to prevent
or delay the onset of full-blown psychosis in adolescents known to be
suffering distressing prodromal symptoms. Some of the most pressing
research questions include:

- Do appraisals of psychotic experiences and beliefs about self and
others mediate the response to treatment in the prevention of psychosis?
- Does drug use mediate the response to treatment?
- What is the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and social
factors over time?

In addition, the study will involve the development, evaluation and
dissemination of the methodological techniques required to allow safe
and robust answers to these treatment-effect questions.

This project would ideally suit a candidate with a strong interest in
applying complex quantitative methods to psycho-social problems. The
research would be conducted jointly between the Health Sciences
Research Group and School of Psychological Sciences. The successful
candidate would receive extensive training in biostatistical methods
such as causal inference, explanatory trial design and equation
modelling.

Upon completion, progression into post-doctoral research posts in
health services research, biostatistics, health informatics or
epidemiology would be anticipated.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a minimum upper-second
honours degree (or equivalent) in a health-sciences related subject
involving a substantial quantitative component. They must also hold a
Masters degree in a similar area.

Please direct applications in the following format to the project
lead, Professor Graham Dunn ([log in to unmask]):

. A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
. Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
. A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability
for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research
experience to date.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be
directed to Professor Dunn at the address above. Applications are
invited up to and including Friday 2 July 2010.

http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/research/groups/healthsciences/
http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/edie2/

OurRef: DunnESRCMRC

Funding Notes
* Applicants must be UK/EU nationals as well as permanent residents of
the UK since 1 September 2007.

Further PhD project opportunities within the Faculty of Medical and
Human Sciences can be found on our 'PhD Opportunities iFrame':

http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/studentships/

http://www.findaphd.com/search/showproject.asp?projectid=28792

--
MHS-Medstats

You may leave the list at any time by sending the command

SIGNOFF allstat

to [log in to unmask], leaving the subject line blank.