ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: RE-MIND STUDY: Regulated Engagement with Smartphones and Mental health In adolesceNts: An EMA Explanatory StuDy

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

University of Birmingham as part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to commence in October 2026.

PhD Studentship Overview

Adolescents spend most screentime on smartphones for social media, gaming and communication. Recent global policies banning or restricting phone use aim to reduce harms related to poor wellbeing, mental health and academic performance. But the evidence is mixed and inconclusive, bans don’t consistently improve mental health or learning, nor reliably reduce overall use. This highlights the need for new and innovative evidence-based strategies.

Emerging research suggests self-regulation—the ability to control thoughts, feelings, and behaviours—as a promising focus for interventions. Poor self-regulation is linked to excessive smartphone use, disrupted sleep, reduced physical activity, and poorer emotional regulation. School-based interventions targeting self-regulation have shown benefits for mental health and academic achievement, but evidence on self-regulated smartphone use remains limited.

This PhD will explore associations between self-regulation, smartphone use, and mental health in adolescents. Key research questions include:

• What patterns of smartphone use relate to perceptions of self-regulation?
• How does self-regulated smartphone use relate to mental health?
• What contexts support adolescents to self-regulate their smartphone use?

Using a mixed-methods design, the project will combine Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) for real-time behavioural data, qualitative interviews, and social media data donation. Findings will inform interventions and policy, supporting mental health services and schools.

This PhD offers impactful research addressing adolescent wellbeing, shaping NHS and school strategies. Gain expertise in EMA, qualitative methods, and digital health analytics. Publish in leading journals, collaborate with NHS-Birmingham, and develop real-world solutions. Build advanced research skills and influence policy to improve youth mental health

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online via the 'Apply' button above. Applicants will be required to upload an anonymised CV, anonymised cover letter, and transcripts as part of the online application process.

Application deadline: 20^th February 2026

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research or University of Birmingham prior to application can be directed to the lead supervisor, Professor Victoria Goodyear, v.a.goodyear@bham.ac.uk.

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