About the Project

Applications are open for a 3-Year funded PhD Studentship in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences (SBBS) at Queen Mary University of London.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with impulsivity and difficulties in regulating attention and emotions. The dual pathway model of ADHD proposes two psychological processes underpinning these challenges. One concerns the executive functioning, and the second, delay aversion and differences in reward processing (Sonuga-Barke, 2003). While substantial research has examined the educational and occupational impacts of ADHD, less is known about how ADHD-related characteristics impact financial behaviour and economic vulnerability, especially in early adulthood.

Contemporary digital financial systems are increasingly characterised by immediacy and reduced behavioural friction, including online shopping, buy-now-pay-later services, app-based banking, and almost instant access to credit. Both theoretically informed pathways may confer vulnerability within these digital financial environments. Executive function difficulties may impact financial planning and spending control in digital financial environments, while delay aversion and altered reward processing may increase sensitivity to digital systems that reward immediate rather than deferred action. ADHD-related characteristics may therefore shape how young adults engage with digital financial products and environments and increase vulnerability to financial stress and debt.

Importantly, financial stress and debt are consistently associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and reduced psychological well-being. However, little longitudinal research has examined how ADHD traits, digital financial environments, and mental health interact over time.

This PhD project will address this gap using a mixed-methods longitudinal design. It will combine quantitative measures of ADHD traits and mental health, objective financial behaviour data obtained through Open Banking, with in-depth qualitative interviews exploring lived experiences of financial decision-making and financial stress in digital environments. Data will be collected in a young adult sample (~18-25 years).

Supervisors

• Dr Katarzyna Kostyrka-Allchorne (QMUL)
• Dr Blandine French (The University of Nottingham/UKAAN)
• Dr Naomi Muggleton (Warwick Business School)

Studentship Funding

Name: SBBS Studentship
Funder: SBBS, QMUL
Application Deadline: Friday, 24th July
PhD Route: PhD Psychology
Expected Start Date: Sept 2026