PhD Studentship - Global Patterns and Pathways of Loneliness, and its links to Lifestyle and Mental Health among Young People

University of Bradford - Institute of Health & Social Care

Project Supervisors:

• Dr. Rob Brooks
• Dr. Ellen Da Silva
• Dr. Eleanor Bryant

Interview dates: 25th or 26th March 2026

Project description:

Loneliness, described as a global public health concern, has been shown to increase the risk of depression, anxiety, reduced physical activity and poorer sleep (Alon et al., 2024; Orben et al., 2020). Despite growing concern, there is a need of a clear understanding of how loneliness interacts with lifestyle behaviours (such as sleep, physical activity, diet, and digital engagement) and how these patterns shape mental health across different contexts.

This PhD project will address this gap using large-scale international and UK cohort datasets. Through this project, the student will work to:

• Identify clusters of loneliness, lifestyle behaviours, and associations with mental health
• Examine how socioeconomic factors and wider societal contexts shape these clusters
• Analyse how young people transition between profiles over time

The research sits at the intersection of adolescent mental health, social inequalities, epidemiology, and data science. The student will be embedded within a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Bradford, working closely with and being co-supervised by experts in young people’s mental health at The Bradford Mental Health Research Centre and School of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work.

In addition, the PhD includes a compulsory placement with Born in Bradford and the Bradford Centre for Health Data Science, at Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR). BIHR provides a dynamic and highly collaborative research environment, with strong links to the NHS, local authorities, and community partners. During the placement, the student will engage with rich cohort data, and learn about the design, implementation, and evaluation of trials and interventions through the Adolescent Interventions for Mental Health in Bradford (AIM Bradford) programme.

This project is ideal for candidates with a background in allied health, psychology, public health, epidemiology, or a related field. Quantitative research skills and an interest in young people’s mental health, wellbeing and health inequalities are desirable. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders and diverse backgrounds.

Training and Programme Structure

The award duration will depend on the candidate’s prior academic training in social science research methods:

• 4.5 years (MA Social Research + PhD)
• 3.75 years (Integrated PGCert/PhD)
• 3.5 years (PhD only)

Programme length is determined according to ESRC eligibility criteria and prior research training. All students undertake a Development Needs Analysis (DNA) at the point of nomination and throughout the PhD to ensure appropriate research and professional development training.

Applicant Task (Required as Part of Application)

Applicants must submit a 500-word personal statement answering:

How can studying loneliness and behaviours together improve understanding of adolescent mental health?

Funding notes:

This project has full funding for UK students, which will cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for living costs, and a Research Support Grant.

Funding for:

UK Students

Enquiries email name and address:

For informal enquiries, please contact research@bradford.ac.uk

How to apply:

Potential candidates should apply directly online through the online application portal.