Meet the PhD: Sarah Guthrie
In this new series, we hope to shine light on the great work our PhD students are doing.
First up, we spoke with Sarah Guthrie about her PhD project and how she has found her experience
at Edinburgh Napier University.
Within the Centre for Mental Health Practice, Policy and Law, I am researching how traumatic and benevolent childhood experiences may impact the later development of PTSD and complex-PTSD in adulthood, and if benevolent childhood
experiences are protective against the negative impacts of childhood adversity.
To do this, I am building and testing a model which considers the following relationships through
cognitive mechanisms which may act as mediators. I currently have about a year left of my
PhD and am in the write up stages, having completed my literature review and quantitative
data collection.
What inspired you to undertake a PhD at Edinburgh Napier?
I was inspired to do a PhD at ENU when I first saw my project advertised. Beforehand, I didn’t
really have a PhD on my radar at all!
My project was hugely aligned with my research interests and work experience, so captured my attention as soon as I saw the advert. Further benefits were the fact that it was funded.
What drew you to study your project?
The research topic was hugely aligned with my own interests. I am very interested in the
effects of traumatic events across the lifespan, and have experience working with trauma
exposed veteran communities. I have also worked with children, and I am passionate about
safeguarding children from harm. The idea of uncovering protective mechanisms and the
implications for future policy and treatment is really exciting. The topic was the perfect mix
of my interests and passions.
What have you most enjoyed so far?
I have enjoyed so much of my PhD, but a huge benefit has been the flexibility it offers (which I
will really miss, and which really helped as I had a baby halfway through!).
I have also received fantastic opportunities to network, present at conferences, collaborate on projects,
and teach, all of which has been great for my confidence.
Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
In five years time, I hope to be working on impactful research which interests and excites me,
and maybe have a few published papers!
To find out more about Sarah’s work: Sarah Guthrie | LinkedIn