Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Psychology at the University of SheffieldFully Funded PhD Scholarship in Psychology at the University of Sheffield

This is one of many projects in competition for the current funding opportunities available within the Department of Psychology

Project title: Trying to be perfect in an imperfect world: The role of perfectionism in adjustment to skin conditions

Primary supervisor: Dr Fuschia Sirois

Co-supervisor: Dr Andrew Thompson

Project description: Perfectionism is a well-established vulnerability factor in mental health. However, the role played by this multidimensional personality construct in physical illness is less well understood. The stress and coping cyclical amplification model of perfectionism in illness (SCCAMPI) has recently been put forward as a framework for understanding the role of perfectionism in disease progression and adjustment. The model suggests that illnesses such as skin conditions, where stress is known to be implicated in disease intensity and progression, are likely to be particularly influenced by perfectionism via its indirect impact on coping and social support. This PhD will investigate the role of perfectionism in adjustment to skin conditions. The final part of the project will examine the use of an intervention aimed at reducing the effects of perfectionism in people with skin conditions.

Suggested readings:
Molnar, D. S., & Sirois, F. M. (2015).Trying to be perfect in an imperfect world: Examining perfectionism in the context of chronic illness. In F. M. Sirois & D. S. Molnar (Eds.), Perfectionism, Health and Well-being (pp. 69-100). Switzerland: Springer.
Sirois, F. M., & Molnar, D. S. (2014). Perfectionism and maladaptive coping styles in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia/arthritis and in healthy controls. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(6), 384-385.

Start date: 1 October 2016

Requirements:  Applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a minimum of a first class or high upper second-class honours degree in psychology or a related discipline. In general awards are usually made to applicants with first class undergraduate degrees and/or at least a merit at masters level.

For further details and the application process please visit: www.sheffield.ac.uk/psychology/prospectivepg/funding

Closing date for applications is 5pm Tuesday, 2 February 2016