91传媒

Summary

The project is funded by Tenovus Scotland and builds on an existing programme of interdisciplinary work being carried out by Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay (Associate Professor in Psychology, School of Law and Social Sciences) and Dr Mo Tabib (Lecturer in Midwifery, School of Health) to explore maternal mental health.

The project will commence in September 2026. Maternal mental health issues (MMHI), which affect approximately 10% of women during pregnancy, are associated with significant personal, developmental and societal costs. Evidence suggests that women in remote and rural areas experience heightened vulnerability due to reduced access to specialist services, isolation, fear of stigma and limited support networks. This MRes study will explore the lived experiences of pregnant women in remote and rural areas who are experiencing common anxiety, depression or fear of childbirth. Importantly, this study takes a strength-based approach (Antonovsky, 1996). Instead of focusing solely on problems or risks, it also seeks to understand the salutogenic factors that help women cope with their MMHIs. These protective factors are rarely studied, yet they are essential for shaping effective and compassionate services. Using a qualitative interpretive design, in-depth, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with approximately 20 pregnant women recruited via community midwives. Interviews will be conducted online, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to explore the challenges of living in a remote or rural area, support needs and the barriers to help-seeking. We seek a highly motivated candidate who will engage in all aspects of the research process, work collaboratively with supervisors to develop and deliver the project, and communicate research effectively to both expert and non-specialist audiences.

Candidates are expected to be active members of Robert Gordon University鈥檚 PGR community. Candidates must hold (or be expected to obtain) an Upper Second-Class honours degree in Psychology, Nursing or Midwifery (or a related discipline) as a minimum requirement. Experience of conducting qualitative research and analysing qualitative data would be advantageous.听

For more information, please get in touch with one of the research team. To apply, please email CV, cover letter and Academic Transcript to Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay:

k.e.forbes-mckay@rgu.ac.uk

Deadline for applications: Friday 24 July, 17:00

Interviews will be held week commencing 3 August.

Supervisors

Research Theme

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