Examining Consumer and Stakeholder Preferences for Interventions Targeting Loneliness and Social Isolation

Loneliness and social isolation represent major public health challenges, with one in four Australians experiencing problematic levels of loneliness. Fortunately, loneliness and social isolation are modifiable risk factors and numerous interventions have been developed to reduce or prevent loneliness and/or social isolation. Recognising that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, there is a need to move towards a person-centred view to tackle loneliness, integrating and adjusting interventions to the right person. This PhD project will contribute to a larger program of research, which aims to provide actionable insight into decisions about where to invest, into what kind of interventions, and whom to target. The successful PhD candidate will identify effective interventions targeting loneliness and social isolation across the lifespan. A key component of the PhD program will be the examination of consumer preferences for different components of loneliness and social isolation interventions, using mixed methods approached (i.e., qualitative research and quantitative preference research). A second component of this PhD program will focus on stakeholders’ (e.g., decision makers and service providers) preferences and identify criteria for prioritising interventions. The PhD program will allow the successful candidate to gain experience in loneliness and health economics research, systematic literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with a view to scientific publication. The successful candidate will be supported to apply for a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, which will include a stipend of $35,013 annually or $1,336.37 fortnightly. A small top-up will be provided, contingent upon securing an RTP scholarship. Physical location: The successful PhD student will conduct the research at the Monash University Health Economics Group (MUHEG), based within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University (553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne). Application procedure Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and motivations for and goals in undertaking a PhD. Please send the email expressing interest to lidia.engel@monash.edu by 13 December 2024.