Research Associate Mental Health

What will you be doing?

What will you be doing?

How we talk about mental health has changed significantly in recent years. But what do these changes mean for how we understand mental health, how we experience it and how we report problems? And what might the wider implications be for young people, education, workplaces, society and the economy?

We are looking for a Research Associate to help us investigate these important and thought-provoking questions.

You'll review research literature, identify and analyse changes in mental health language, and synthesiss your findings. We'll provide mentor support and also help you consider how best to communicate your findings. 

The World Health Organization describes mental health positively, as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with life's stresses, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their communities. Yet in everyday conversation, the phrase “mental health” is often used as shorthand for mental health difficulties.

This is just one example of how the meaning and use of language around mental health may have changed.

Could these changes influence how people understand, experience or report mental health difficulties? What might they mean for young people, schools and universities, employers and workplaces? Could they have wider implications for society, the economy or government policy?

As Research Associate, you will help us explore these questions, examine the available evidence and help develop a clearer understanding of this evolving area of mental health research.

What are we looking for?

What are we looking for?

• A relevant postgraduate qualification e.g. psychology, history, or sociology
• Proven research skills, research experience and an enquiring mind
• At least three years relevant professional experience in the UK
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Able and willing to respond constructively to feedback

What difference will you make?

What difference will you make?

Mental health is an increasingly important issue for individuals, families, education, employers and society. Understanding the factors that may influence how mental health is perceived and reported could help inform the way we approach the issue.

Your research will contribute to exploring an important and under-examined set of questions: how language shapes our understanding of mental health, what the consequences might be, and what further research is needed.

This is an opportunity to contribute to research with the potential to influence thinking and stimulate informed discussion about mental health, prevention and well-being.

If you are curious about the relationship between language, mental health and society, and are motivated to investigate questions that could have far-reaching implications, we would welcome your interest.

Anything else...

Ideally 3- 6 hours per week, during the project - whenever/wherever is convenient for you, to fit around your work, study and/or family commitments.