How can intimacy be supported within couples in which one person is living with dementia?

Centre for Health and Development (CHAD)

A mixed methods exploratory-sequential study, using a participatory approach, to explore how intimacy can be supported within couples in which one person is living with dementia.

Previous research funded by the Policy Impact Acceleration Fund, and supported by Approach, identified key priorities for carers of people living with dementia. One of which was strategies to support physical and emotional intimacy (Herron & Runacres, 2023). There is limited research in this area, and much focuses on investigating the impact of dementia on intimacy, rather than seeking to inform supportive strategies directly.

An exploratory-sequential design will be adopted. Initially, a systematic review of the literature will be conducted to inform the subsequent research.

Next, qualitative longitudinal research will be undertaken in which couples (aged 65+), where one person has been diagnosed with dementia, will be interviewed twice six months apart. The experience of living with dementia and caring are highly complex, therefore two interviews will support a better understanding of experiences, increase participant’s familiarity with the research process, and build rapport with the interviewer. Interviews will explore how intimacy is co-constructed within couples and strategies to support intimacy. Data will be analysed using narrative thematic analysis. Methods for undertaking research with individuals living with dementia designed by Runacres and Herron (2023) will facilitate the interview process.

Finally, a quantitative questionnaire will be undertaken with individuals in a relationship with someone living with dementia to explore their experiences of intimacy using closed questioning and validated scales (e.g., PAIR or CRS), and to determine acceptability of supports for intimacy. This will be guided by findings from the interviews and therefore shaped by people living with dementia. Demographics and information relating to caring duties will also be collected so correlations can be explored.

A participatory approach will be undertaken as the PhD will be overseen by a steering committee who will govern the project, aid recruitment, and ensure the knowledge produced is relevant and invested in practice. They have also provided feedback on the current application.

Funding

This PhD is offered on a self-funded basis

Details of all postgraduate fees and funding can be found here
(Fees and finance - Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)

Supervisory team

Dr Jessica Runacres

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer in Research Practice in the school of Health, Science, and Wellbeing. Mixed methods researcher, PGR Lead, and PhD Course Lead.

Jessica's profile

Dr Daniel Herron

Senior Lecturer

I am an applied psychologist with interests in dementia and the therapeutic role of nature. I am passionate about facilitating the development of students so they can apply psychological knowledge and skills in their everyday lives and future careers

Daniel's profile

Dr Edward Tolhurst

Associate Professor

I am a Senior Lecturer and qualitative researcher in the field of dementia, ageing and care. I am based in the Postgraduate team and course leader for the MSc in Medical Education. I am also a member of the University Research Ethics Committee.

Edward's profile

Course requirements

A minimum of 2:1 in undergraduate degree and masters-level qualification or equivalent professional experience, to be evaluated based on the application form and interview. 

How to apply

To apply for a self-funded PhD, please complete the Enquiry Form and clearly indicate which PhD project you are applying for

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Contact Us

Jessica Runacres

Senior Lecturer

Start dates
Friday 30 June 2023
Saturday 30 September 2023
Contact
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