Interconnections between pain and mental health in Multiple Sclerosis

About the research project

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune and neurodegenerative condition. Pain and mental health are among the most burdensome symptoms for people living with MS, yet their interrelationship remains poorly understood. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, this project will provide insights into the underlying biology and mechanisms of pain and mental health as well as lived experience. The findings will inform future interventions to improve self-management, enhance quality of life, and reduce the impact of pain-related disability in MS. It will also inform advocacy efforts and contribute to the global conversations surrounding pain and mental health in MS.

The PhD will use already collected survey data from the Australian MS Longitudinal study, focusing on:

1. The inter-relationships between pain severity, pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophising, and levels of depression and anxiety, including whether some factors are moderators or mediators.
2. Understanding the importance of the predictability of pain in terms of people’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain self-efficacy, and pain catastrophising.

The PhD will allow the student to develop a survey, including both quantitative and qualitative questions, that will run on the ‘Mental Health and MS’ Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The questions included will:

1. Explore how individuals with chronic pain perceive the interplay between physical symptoms and mental health challenges in their daily lives.
2. Examine how people living with MS describe any cognitive-behavioural strategies (such as relaxation techniques, thought reframing, or activity pacing) that they use to manage their experience of pain, and how do these strategies affect overall well-being.
3. Explore how individuals with MS experience the relationship between pain, mental health and comorbid conditions, and how do these factors influence daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Alice Saul

Funding

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

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 for 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.

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:

• Degree that meets the University’s PhD minimal entry criteria in health, public health, epidemiology, and/or Psychology
• Statistical expertise at honours level or above

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• This project is classified under the Field of Research code 111706 (Epidemiology) and the Socio‑Economic Objective 920111 (Nervous System). Prior experience in these areas is considered advantageous

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Alice Saul to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. 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.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

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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