Exploring the Impact of ADHD on Women’s Self-Esteem and Identity: A Qualitative Study (VC2639)

About the Project

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women remains under-recognised, largely due to diagnostic frameworks historically based on male presentations. This has contributed to delayed diagnosis, greater internalisation of symptoms, and cumulative mental health difficulties for many women. These experiences often affect self-esteem and identity, and are shaped by broader social and cultural expectations around gender, emotional regulation and productivity. While awareness of ADHD in women is increasing, research that centres women’s lived experiences and examines identity and self-esteem as key psychological outcomes is still limited.

This PhD project addresses this gap by reframing ADHD through the lenses of identity and self-esteem, rather than focusing solely on symptoms or deficits. It adopts a qualitative, multi-method design that combines semi-structured interviews with creative and participatory approaches, including photovoice, reflective diaries, and sensory and emotion mapping. These methods are intended to capture the embodied, emotional and contextual aspects of living with ADHD that are often overlooked in conventional research, enabling participants to articulate experiences in ways that extend beyond verbal accounts alone.

The project is situated within wider efforts to address inequalities in mental health research and practice. It contributes to ongoing work on improving psychological well-being, challenging gender bias in diagnosis and care, and reducing disparities in access to support. By foregrounding the perspectives of women with ADHD, the research aims to generate evidence that can inform more gender-sensitive approaches to assessment, intervention and service provision.

Findings are expected to provide detailed qualitative insights into how women experience and interpret identity and self-esteem in relation to ADHD, including the influence of social, cultural and occupational contexts, as well as the strategies used to navigate associated challenges.

The candidate/eligibility criteria

The successful candidate will have a 2:1 / Upper Class undergraduate degree in Psychology, and ideally a Masters degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Psychology, Neurodiversity, Psychological Research Methods, Health Psychology). This project is ideal for candidates interested in qualitative, participatory research and social impact, this PhD offers the chance to generate evidence that could meaningfully shape future research, policy and clinical practice in ADHD and women’s mental health.

The successful candidate will be required to work with women who have ADHD (either formally diagnosed or self-identifying), and will be expected to lead co-creation workshops, as such, being comfortable with qualitative data collection and analysis would be helpful. Previous experience working with neurodivergent groups would be an asset. Confidence, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently in new environments is essential.

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain

For more information, or to discuss the project informally, please contact Dr Carrie Ballantyne, carrie.ballantyne@uws.ac.uk

Application Deadline: 15/06/2026

Start Date: 01/10/2026

Applications must be made via the UWS Online System.

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD Studentship and includes payment of tuition fees for 36 months at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (£21,805pa from 01/10/2026).

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain