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Earning a doctorate is frequently compared to a marathon as opposed to a sprint. It requires a substantial time and energy commitment, as well as serious concentration and sustained focus.
The journey can be very fulfilling, but it also presents a special set of challenges that may be detrimental to one’s well-being and mental health. It is vital to acknowledge and tackle these challenges in order to foster a positive learning environment and guarantee the success and contentment of doctoral candidates.
Let us explore the importance of mental health and well-being in doctoral candidates.
The state of mental health of doctoral candidates
Studies have consistently demonstrated that, in comparison to the general population, doctorate students are more likely to experience mental health problems. A 2018 study that was published in “Nature Biotechnology” found that the prevalence of anxiety and depression among doctoral students is around 40%, which is far higher than that of the general population.
Feelings of stress, loneliness, and burnout can result from the intense pressure to achieve success and the isolation required, which is the need and nature of a doctoral program (Evans et al., 2018). Sverdlik and Hall (2019) in a study examined the impact of various stages of doctoral programs on students’ well-being and motivation. The study revealed that doctoral students face considerable stress and mental health issues, including prevalent anxiety and depression, throughout their academic journey. The findings underscored the importance of providing targeted support and resources to help students effectively manage these challenges.
Typical stressors for doctoral candidates
The following are some of the factors that make doctoral candidates more stressed than average:
Academic pressure:
The quest for novel research, the need to publish and the ongoing assessment by advisors and peers can all lead to a stressful environment.
Work stress:
Managing research with full-time or part-time work is a common challenge faced by many research candidates, which makes them even more stressed.
Isolation:
Doctoral research frequently necessitates extended periods of solitary work, which can result in emotions of loneliness and isolation.
High personal standards:
Many doctoral candidates are high achievers who impose rigorous standards on themselves, potentially leading to stress from the pursuit of perfection.
Impostor syndrome:
Self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, known as impostor syndrome, are prevalent among doctoral candidates and can greatly increase their stress.
Family and personal relationships:
Managing the demands of doctoral studies while maintaining healthy personal and family relationships can be particularly challenging and stressful.
Physical health:
Extended periods of sedentary work and poor work-life balance can adversely affect physical health, adding to overall stress.
Mental health:
The accumulation of stress from various sources can result in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Financial Pressure:
Sometimes, the financial strain faced with conducting doctoral research can impact the doctoral candidates’ mental health.
Techniques for encouraging mental health and wellness
To address mental health and well-being in doctoral candidates, the following points could be kept in mind:Â
Work-Life Balance: It’s critical to maintain a positive work-life balance. It is important to encourage oneself to take regular breaks, move around, and engage in extracurricular activities. Flexible work schedules could also go a long way.
Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care is essential. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in leisure activities, and exercising on a regular basis.
Setting Achievable Objectives: Breaking down extensive tasks into smaller, manageable goals can help avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure consistent progress.
Seeking Assistance: It’s crucial for researchers to ask for help, when necessary, whether by consulting a counselor, speaking with a mentor, or joining a support group.
Establishing a Support Network: Building relationships with supportive friends, family and colleagues can offer emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Realistic Expectations: Setting realistic expectations regarding the pace and scope of research could help.
Recognition of Efforts: The research journey is not just about achieving the outcomes. The doctoral candidates should learn to recognize and appreciate their efforts and progress achieved by them at each stage of their research work.
To summarize, the Mental Health and Well-being of doctoral candidates is a vital concern that demands attention and action. By finding a supportive learning environment, referring to sufficient resources, and designing a healthy work-life balance, doctoral candidates can achieve academic success while maintaining their mental health and well-being throughout their journey. This approach contributes to the development of resilient, innovative, and well-rounded researchers capable of making significant contributions to their fields.
References
Evans, T. M., Bira, L., Gastelum, J. B., Weiss, L. T., & Vanderford, N. L. (2018). Evidence for a mental health crisis in graduate education. Nature Biotechnology, 36(3), 282–284.Â
Sverdlik, A., & Hall, N. C. (2019). Not just a phase: Exploring the role of doctoral program stage on well-being and motivation in a sample of Canadian psychology doctoral students. Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, 25(1), 97-124.Â
