The impact of Raynaud’s disease on quality of life, wellbeing and mental health

Background: Raynaud’s disease (RD) is an exaggerated vasospastic response to cold or emotion. During RD ‘attacks’ blood flow to extremities is reduced, causing skin discolouration, pain, numbness and paraesthesia (1). Currently, there is limited research on the impact of RD on people’s quality of life, wellbeing and mental health (2).

Aim: The aim of the proposed study is to investigate the relationship between RD, quality of life, wellbeing and mental health.

Method: The project comprises two studies:

1. Study 1 will use a survey to investigate the relationship between RD, quality of life, wellbeing and mental health.
2. Study 2 will conduct focus groups to find solutions to improve the everyday lives of people with RD.

Ultimately, the project will be able to provide recommendations to improve the lives of people with RD.

How to apply

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site; applicants will need to register an account and select ‘Full-time PhD in Psychology’ as the course, and then specify the project title when prompted.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

Positive Action Statement

At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.

Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where protected group members are under-represented. At Bradford, our data show that people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at the postgraduate researcher level. 

These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in the under-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students in PGR studies.