PhD in Psychology Project title: The Health Impact of Having a Parent With Endometriosis: A Mixed-methods Study of the Implications for Child Development and Mental Health Using the ALSPAC Cohort Dataset

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Endometriosis affects 10% of women, and causes significant chronic pelvic pain, infertility/difficulty getting pregnant, heavy and/or painful periods, depression, fatigue, and difficulty in engaging in work and social activities. In England, the average time taken to reach a diagnosis since symptom onset is 8 years, 10 months in 2024. Evidence demonstrates that endometriosis can have a significant physical and psychological toll, causing high rates of depressive symptoms in up to 98.5% of patients, and anxiety in up to 87.5% of patients. Prior research suggests that that the presence of a long-term health condition and subsequent mental health impacts on a patient may influence parenting behaviours and consequently, children's mental health. However, this has not been previously examined in the context of endometriosis.

This study aims to investigate the associations between maternal genetic risk for endometriosis on mental health outcomes in mothers with endometriosis and their children, using longitudinal cohort data from the ongoing Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and qualitative interview methods, knowledge which will contribute directly to optimising care for women with endometriosis and their children/wider family system. 

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to:

• Quantify the longitudinal health impact of having a parent with endometriosis, using longitudinal outcome data collected via the ALSPAC study
• Examine the associations between maternal genetic risk for endometriosis on mental health outcomes in mothers with endometriosis and their children
• Examine the lived experience of having a parent with endometriosis via dyadic interviews with mothers and their children
• Identify key challenges for parents and children affected by endometriosis, opportunities/mechanisms to support this group, and priorities for future research 

Entry Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a degree in a field related to Epidemiology and/or Psychology. Experience of Genetic Epidemiology is desirable. A master’s degree will be looked favourably on but is not essential.

Experience working with large, complex datasets is essential, and experience of longitudinal data analysis, as well as experience collecting and analysing qualitative data is desirable.

Experience working in fields related to women’s health, chronic pain, or child development will be advantageous. 

Funding

The studentship provides an annual stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£19,237 per year for 2024-2025).

Please note, this project is only available to Home students only due to the nature of the funding source. 

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Jasmine Hearn (j.hearn@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Psychology (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal and Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. 

Expected start date: October 2025.

Please quote the reference: H&E_Psych_JH_2025_ASPAC

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