PhD Studentship: Beyond the Written Word: How people with severe mental illness interpret and respond to written communication

Beyond the Written Word: How people with severe mental illness interpret and respond to written communication

Director of Studies: Dr Hannah Wheat hannah.wheat-1@plymouth.ac.uk

Co-supervisor: Professor Richard Byng

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship, starting 1 January 2027

Project Description

Written information is an important part of mental healthcare, yet how people respond to it and how it influences their subsequent actions remain insufficiently understood. For people living with severe mental illness, written accounts may be particularly consequential when mental health needs fluctuate or care involves multiple services, especially when descriptions of diagnoses, risks or treatment differ from their own understanding.

This PhD will investigate when, how and why adults living with severe mental illness respond to written information about their mental health and care, and how these responses influence subsequent action or inaction over time. Written information may include clinical letters, electronic health records and digital communications.

Guided by a realist approach, the research will explore why particular outcomes arise in some circumstances but not others. It is expected to use longitudinal qualitative methods, potentially including repeat interviews and observations, alongside opportunities to develop or adapt approaches to better capture people's responses as they encounter written communication.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to shape the study's focus, research questions and methods, working with people with lived experience, NHS practitioners, academics and the supervisory team. Findings could inform recommendations or resources to improve written communication in mental healthcare.

Further details about the project and proposed research approach are available via the Apply button above.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Hannah Wheat

Please click on the Apply button above for further information on:

• Training and research environment
• Eligibility and funding
• How to apply

Eligibility: This studentship is only open to candidates who meet the residency requirements for Home fee status.

Closing date: 12 November. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview shortly after the application deadline.

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