Doctoral Students' Progress and Satisfaction: The Influence of Supervision Characteristics, Project Characteristics, and Psychosocial Factors

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 58
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating Graduate Education

Abstract

Drop-out, delay, and dissatisfaction are common issues in the journey to obtain a doctoral degree (PhD). This study investigates what factors are related to progress in the doctoral program and satisfaction with the PhD trajectory. Our sample consisted of 600 doctoral students in a research-extensive university in the Netherlands. Factors of interest concerned supervision characteristics, PhD project characteristics, and psychosocial factors. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that perceived workload was negatively related to progress. The amount of freedom in the project, the extent to which the project was linked to the supervisor’s research, and a sense of belonging were positively related to satisfaction and workload negatively. To improve doctoral success and satisfaction, these factors should receive more attention.

Authors

• Els Cornelia Maria van Rooij, University of Groningen

• Marjon Fokkens-Bruinsma, University of Groningen

• Ellen Jansen, University of Groningen