Not Just a Phase: Understanding the Role of Doctoral Program Stage on Motivation and Well-Being

• In Event: Doctoral Student Supervision, Student Development, and the Professoriate

Abstract

Research on doctoral students is increasingly focusing on the motivation (Gardner, 2009; O’Meara et al., 2013) and well-being (Hyun et al., 2006; Morris, 2013) of students across the disciplines. However, no quantitative research to date has explored the effects of phase in the doctoral program on these factors. In the present study, a web-based survey was conducted to explore doctoral students’ motivation and well-being (N = 3,155). One-way ANCOVAs revealed significant effects of phase in the program on doctoral students’ self-efficacy, stress, and satisfaction with their program. The findings highlight the need for a differential approach to supporting doctoral students throughout their programs, both in terms of training and guidance, and in terms of access to health and wellness resources.

Authors

• Anna Sverdlik, McGill University

• Nathan C. Hall, McGill University

• Hui Wang, McGill University