Loneliness and its effect on Theory of Mind in older adults

Dr Min Yong

Applications accepted all year round

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

Loneliness is known to contribute to poor physical and mental health conditions across the lifespan including older adults (Boehlen et al., 2022; Ong et al., 2015). Older adults are encouraged to participate in social activities to combat loneliness; however evidence showed that they have difficulties in attending and interpreting social cues (Henry et al., 2013; Roheger et al., 2022). Additionally, factors such as limited mobility, reduced social networks, and financial constraints can hinder their social lives. Difficulties in understanding others’ beliefs, thoughts and intentions – a concept referred to as Theory-of-Mind (ToM) – increases the risk of older adults being ostracised by others. This is because they are more likely to make faux pas and struggled to accurately interpret social cues from others. Coupled with poorer executive function (EF: the control processes of cognition), older adults are less likely to have a meaningful quality of life and healthy ageing in their golden years. Recent evidence suggests that we can use technology in improving older adults’ loneliness (Vafa et al., 2023; Yong et al., 2023) yet older adults’ technology acceptance is a concern and designing an appropriate intervention for this population requires careful thought and consideration.

This PhD project will expand on existing research focusing on the older adult population. Other aspects of communication, empathy, executive function, and tech/cybersickness and tech-friendly attitudes will be examined as well.

Due to the nature of this project, applicants should have at least a Psychology background either at an undergraduate or Masters level before applying. Applicants should be familiar with experimental and quantitative design.

How to apply

Formal applications can be made through the University of Bradford web site; applicants should register an account and select 'Full-time PhD in Psychology' as the course, and then provide the project title when prompted.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded PhD project; applicants will be expected to pay their own fees or have a suitable source of third-party funding. UK students may be able to apply for a Doctoral Loan from Student Finance for financial support.