Navigating setbacks and challenges: Insights from autobiographical memories

PhD

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Key facts

Start dates

September 2025 / October 2025

Application deadline

Friday 17 January 2025 - Midday.

Location

Headington

Course length

Full time: 3 years

More details

Eligibility: Home UK/EU applicants with settled or pre-settled status
Bursary p.a. equivalent to UKRI national minimum stipend plus fees (2024/25 bursary rate is £19,237)
University fees and bench fees will be met by the University for the 3 years of the funded Studentship.

This course is not available to students classed as International for fees purposes.

Overview

We all face challenges, setbacks, and failures at various points in life. How we navigate these challenges and create a coherent, healthy self-concept will be important for overall well-being. This research programme aims to explore how individuals develop their ideas of themselves as adaptive and resilient when facing negative or challenging life experiences.

By drawing on autobiographical memories (Wilson & Ross, 2003), the research will investigate the emotional and cognitive self-regulation processes and strategies (see Chang et al., 2018; Cox & McAdams, 2014; Levine et al., 2009) that influence adaptive and resilient self-concepts, which in turn guide future decisions and attitudes toward life challenges.

The project will utilise experimental designs and questionnaires, aiming to include a broad age range of adults including older adults. It could also systematically explore individual differences.

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Additional details

Finally, there may be opportunities to examine these research questions within specific populations such as military veterans who face unique challenges during and after their service, including combat-related trauma, injuries, separation from family, and adapting to civilian life.

The supervising team includes Dr. Clare Rathbone, Dr. Sunae Kim (second supervisor), and Vincent Connelly (second supervisor). The PhD student is welcomed to explore other related ideas and will work closely with the supervising team.

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.

Complete applications should include a proposed project proposal (max 1000 words) including background, aims and an outline methodology. Applicants can liaise with both Dr Kim and Dr Rathbone when developing their proposal.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or acceptable equivalent qualification.

English language requirements

EU Applicants must have a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 7.0 and no score below 6.0 issued in the last 2 years by an approved test centre.

Application process

Please download and follow the application application guideline instructions.

Contact hls-applications@brookes.ac.uk with any queries.

This project is advertised on a competitive basis alongside other current Nigel Groome PhD studentship advertisements for Biological and Medical Sciences projects. Part time MPhil/PhD study will be exceptionally considered (Home Fee status applicants only).

Tuition fees

2025 / 26
Research degree fees and project costs
University fees and bench fees will be met by the University for 3 years. Bursary is equivalent to UKRI national minimum stipend (current rate for 24/25 - £19,237)

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

Tuition fees

2025 / 26
Research degree fees and project costs
University fees and bench fees will be met by the University for 3 years. Bursary is equivalent to UKRI national minimum stipend (current rate for 24/25 - £19,237)

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk