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Hanging in the balance: conceptualising doctoral researcher mental health as a dynamic balance across key tensions characterising the PhD experience

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posted on 2023-06-07, 07:13 authored by Clio BerryClio Berry, Sophie Valeix, Jeremy NivenJeremy Niven, Laura ChapmanLaura Chapman, Paul Roberts, Cassie Hazell
Doctoral researchers (DRs) appear at elevated risk of mental health problems and poor wellbeing during the PhD process, yet there is limited high quality research in this area. We aimed to derive a conceptual model of DR mental health risk and protective factors using thematic analysis of focus group data. The model positions mental health as reflecting dynamic balance across key tensions characterising the doctoral experience (chaos-cosmos, product-person, agency-acceptance, social-individual, safety-authenticity) within core experiential domains; the doctoral researcher, the supervisory relationship, and the system. Individual factors, including historical and personal characteristics, impact on mental health and the expression and balance of key tensions. Key practice recommendations include supporting DR mental health with a whole university approach rather than intervention silos.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

International Journal of Educational Research

ISSN

0883-0355

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

102

Page range

1-16

Article number

a101575

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-06-09

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-12-04

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-06-08

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