Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
In recent years, the focus on employee psychological health and well-being has increased as working is frequently blurring the line between work and life . This focus on nurturing employee well-being is critical to developing workplace resilience. Importantly, this becomes more crucial in situations where the workplace is inherently high risk, stressful and demanding.
This project aims to investigate how the psychological health, safety and well-being of employees in extreme and high-risk workplaces – (e.g., Antarctica stations and expeditions, mining, construction, etc) – can be improved. To do so, this project applies the concept of psychological capital (PsyCap) which refers to "an individual's positive psychological state of development characterized by: (I) having confidence (self-efficacy) to take on and put in the necessary effort to succeed at challenging tasks; (2) making a positive attribution (optimism) about succeeding now and in the future; (3) persevering towards goals and, when necessary, redirecting paths to goals (hope) in order to succeed; and (4) when beset by problems and adversity, sustaining and bouncing back and even beyond (resilience) to attain success" (Luthans et al., 2007, p. 3). Previous research has demonstrated that PsyCap is a valuable resource that can mitigate burnout and predict psychological well-being among employees (Loghman et al., 2023a; Loghman et al., 2023b). However, there is limited research available that has investigated the construct of PsyCap in extreme workplaces. This research will therefore provide unique insights into how both employees and employers who operate in such contexts can benefit from PsyCap and its development.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Megan WoodsFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Previous postgraduate study (Honours or Master by Research) in organisational psychology, positive psychology or related fields
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience conducting research that utilises psychological capital and the psychological capital questionnaire
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Megan Woods to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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