PhD Studentship: Understanding the mechanisms driving the reduction of repetitive negative thought, Psychology – PhD (Funded)

Primary supervisor: Professor Ed Watkins, University of Exeter

Secondary supervisor: to be determined depending on focus, University of Exeter/LMU Munich/UCLA

Project Description:

This PhD is located within a wider project examining the mechanisms driving the reduction of repetitive negative thought via cognitive-behaviour therapy. This large-scale flagship research project seeks to understand the active ingredients of cognitive-behavioural therapies that reduce worry and rumination, to optimise transdiagnostic interventions to prevent and treat common mental health disorders. The project will integrate experimental psychopathology approaches, close engagement with experts-by-experience/lived experience and a definitive international factorial treatment trial. The project involves collaboration between the University of Exeter, University of California Los Angeles, and LMU Munich. The project provides an excellent opportunity for a graduate seeking to develop a research career in clinical and applied research. The focus of the project will be on investigating the active mechanisms underpinning cognitive-behavioural therapy through an integration of experimental studies and lived experience engagement. Key mechanisms that could be examined in more detail include: reducing the habitual nature of repetitive negative thought; shifting from abstract to concrete, specific thinking; shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion; improving attentional focus to the present moment; developing insight and understanding of difficulties.

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