Reflections beyond the thesis - Exploring wellbeing, emotional work and research identity following a PhD

This paper reflects on the experience of my PhD in Interactive Textiles for wellbeing and intends to provide ways for other PhDs to reflect and understand their PhD beyond the data. I provide context for my research, methodology and approach; Research through Design and a Person Centred Approach. Reflecting using the Gibbs Cycle I explore the emotional work required to conduct my studies, particularly within Dementia Friendly Communities. Alongside this I explain how my background and previous experience contributed to my overall approach and identity as a researcher. My key learnings from my experience form an action plan, offering ways for future researchers to; Reflect on and manage wellbeing; Reflect as a researcher working on challenging and emotional topics; Reflect on how researcher identity can influence research approaches. In addition, this paper provides training and networking suggestions.