[Fully funded studentship for home students: bursary covers home fees plus annual allowance of £20,780. Overseas applicants must pay the difference between home and overseas tuition fees (currently £16,844 for 2025/6).] This fully funded PhD studentship at Aston University offers an opportunity to investigate the psychological effects of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Supervised by Professor Adrian Gardner in the College of Health and Life Sciences, the project aims to explore the experiences and psychological support needs of adolescents living with AIS, a condition characterized by back and torso asymmetry that can lead to poor self-image and psychological distress. The research will address key questions about how adolescents experience AIS, the impact on their mental health, and the perspectives of their parents. The project will involve a systematic review of the literature on the psychological aspects of AIS, qualitative research with adolescents and their families, and the co-design of new resources or Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to support those affected by AIS. Outputs will be shared with organizations such as Scoliosis Support and Research, the British Scoliosis Society, and NHS trusts. The studentship provides a bursary covering home tuition fees and an annual allowance of £20,780. Overseas applicants are welcome but must pay the difference between home and overseas tuition fees (currently £16,844 for 2025/6). Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or a Merit or above in a relevant postgraduate Masters degree plus an undergraduate degree, both from UK institutions. Preferred skills include experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, knowledge of long-term health conditions, and experience working with children or young people. Applications should be submitted via the Aston University application portal by 5th January 2026. Please ensure all required documents are included and, if you are an overseas applicant, confirm your ability to cover the additional fee in the funding section of the application form.