This Collaborative Doctoral Programme is focused on youth mental health, disorders of which contribute almost half of all causes of disability in those aged 10 to 25 years, with significant health, social and economic effects. Mental health promotion and intervention programmes targeting young people constitute National and European health priorities, underpinned by evidence that investment in child and youth mental health and resilience provides a greater rate of return than for later investment.
The overall aim of this Programme is to increase internationally competitive youth mental health research activity in Ireland that will provide a strong evidence base to inform treatment provision decisions and maximise the return on service investment. The establishment of a comprehensive training program will enable PhD candidates to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the key theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the field. Reflecting a coherent research program of patient orientated research, the projects outlined provide opportunities for candidates to use state of the art methodologies to (1) better understand psycho-social risk factors for youth mental health disorders (Epidemiological studies), (2) identify and overcome barriers to treatment (Mixed methods and participatory research studies), and (3) Increase the availability of effective treatments (Psycho-social Interventional studies).
This application is being submitted by a new consortium representing key leaders and stakeholders in the area of youth mental health, including academic and clinical researchers, and service providers (HSE, Jigsaw), to respond to the need for an evidence base that can inform the future development and delivery of services in Ireland and Internationally. Core partners in the consortium, including two current European Research Council Awardees and a current HRB Clinician Scientist Awardee, bring together internationally recognised strengths in research theory and methodology specific to youth mental health, and are further supported by a range of national and international partners.
