U-DOC Tension-balance Accepted clean.pdf (458.07 kB)
Hanging in the balance: conceptualising doctoral researcher mental health as a dynamic balance across key tensions characterising the PhD experience
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 07:13 authored by Clio BerryClio Berry, Sophie Valeix, Jeremy NivenJeremy Niven, Laura ChapmanLaura Chapman, Paul Roberts, Cassie HazellDoctoral 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 ResearchISSN
0883-0355Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
102Page range
1-16Article number
a101575Department affiliated with
- Primary Care and Public Health Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-06-09First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-12-04First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-06-08Usage metrics
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