(a) The scientific basis of the project, including any (optional) translational aspects
The English & Romanian Adoptees study (ERA) is the largest developmental study of people who experienced prolonged, early and severe institutional deprivation. Key findings from ERA include; (a) a devastating initial global impact on nearly all adoptees; (b) remarkable rapid catch-up for most; (c) residual marked and strongly persistent neuro-developmental problems for the majority who experienced extended deprivation; (d) a profound secondary impact of these on daily functioning, social relationships and mental health in early adulthood; and (e) a mediating role for socio-cognitive and brain processes. Importantly these effects seemed to be independent of pre-existing risk or adoption selection effects. As the adoptees enter mid-life (now in their mid-30’s), ERA offers a unique opportunity to undertake the first, large scale, study of the effects impact of institutional deprivation on mental health, wellbeing and functioning in middle adulthood. Preliminary feasibility work shows that participant retainment is sufficient for these analyses.
(b) The techniques and skills the student will develop
Data collection and analysis (quantitative and qualitative) e.g., advanced multivariate longitudinal modelling & reflexive thematic analysis
Instrument a selection and adaptation – questionnaires, interviews, focus groups
Neuroimaging data skills
Translational skills
(c) A clear definition of the overarching aims of the project
We aim:
1. To investigate transitions from early adulthood (YAF: Young Adulthood Follow-up) to mid adulthood (MAF: Mid Adulthood Follow-up) in terms of what predicts successful transitions (incl neuroimaging data)
2. To characterise the risks, opportunities, and key changes during this transition
3. To follow-up on early signs of deterioration of mental health identified at YAF
4. To follow-up on incomplete transitions and high support needs identified at YAF
5. To investigate transitions to parenthood
(d) Specific, measurable objectives for each year of the PhD (Years 1–4), with additional detail for Year 1
Year 1 – literature review and ethics. The literature review will focus on (un)successful transitions to mid-adulthood in general and in adopted samples (ie mental health, employment, social relationships, parenthood etc)
Year 2 – data collection and analysis
Year 3 – finalising analysis and starting write up
Year 4 – finalising write up, dissemination and delivering CPD to partner organisations (e.g., CoramBAAF, Barnardos, AoCPP, BASW)
(e) A summary of a potential 3-month rotation project (for students on the MRes + PhD pathway)
One area of challenge and support provision among adoptees is identity formation and maintaining a positive identity. However, very little is known about the persistence into adulthood/ what predicts whether problems persist or remit. In this project, a student would focus on exploring data around participants’ adoption-related identity, what factors predict positive/negative experiences and what role these experiences play in predicting outcomes (e.g., mental health and functional). This could be carried out either at the Denmark Hill campus or remotely.