"You Sound Like a PhD Student": Manifestations of Encouragement of Prospective Doctoral Students

• In Event: Doctoral Student Persistence and Academic Employment

Abstract

Drawing from a larger study on doctoral student motivation, this paper reports on the role of encouragement in an individual’s decision to earn a doctoral degree. This qualitative study with data generated from interviews draws on the Tripartite Encouragement Model. Analysis shows potential-focused encouragement as most received by participants. Additionally, meaningful features of encouragement included one’s perception of the encourager’s trustworthiness and credibility. Findings contribute to the literature on doctoral student experience offering a potential model for discussing and assessing student support. Doctoral program administrators and faculty are encouraged to take stock of the focus, features, and levels of encouragement afforded to students in order to improve student-faculty relationships and, perhaps, doctoral student retention.

Author

• Africa S. Hands, University at Buffalo - SUNY
  Presenting Author