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Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK doctoral researchers

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:06
Version 1 2023-06-10, 00:57
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:06 authored by Cassie M Hazell, Jeremy NivenJeremy Niven, Laura ChapmanLaura Chapman, Paul Roberts, Samantha Cartwright-HattonSamantha Cartwright-Hatton, Sophie Valeix, Clio BerryClio Berry
Doctoral Researchers (DRs) are an important part of the academic community and, after graduating, make substantial social and economic contributions. Despite this importance, DR wellbeing has long been of concern. Recent studies have concluded that DRs may be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, yet direct comparisons of the prevalence of mental health problems between this population and control groups are lacking. Here, by comparing DRs with educated working controls, we show that DRs report significantly greater anxiety and depression, and that this difference is not explained by a higher rate of pre-existing mental health problems. Moreover, most DRs perceive poor mental health as a ‘normal’ part of the PhD process. Thus, our findings suggest a hazardous impact of PhD study on mental health, with DRs being particularly at risk of developing common mental health problems. This provides an evidence-based mandate for universities and funders to reflect upon practices related to DR training and mental health. Our attention should now be directed towards understanding what factors may explain heightened anxiety and depression among DRs so as to inform preventative measures and interventions.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

ISSN

2662-9992

Publisher

Springer Nature

Issue

1

Volume

8

Page range

1-9

Article number

a305

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-09-13

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-12-14

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-09-13

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