Doctoral students’ well-being: a literature review
Manuela Schmidt & Erika Hansson (2018)
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 13:1
Abstract
Purpose: Doctoral student well-being is an important matter that shapes the well-being of academics throughout their careers. Given that well-being has been found to be closely related to employee productivity and efficiency, strategies associated with maintaining well-being during PhD studies might be crucial for higher education, its outcomes and—just as importantly—for a balanced life of PhD students.
Method: Based on 17 studies, this literature review critically assesses the literature on doctoral student well-being.
Results: Theoretical models, concepts of well-being, and methods applied are discussed, as are the results of the articles. The reviewed studies are then discussed based on a SWOT analysis addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the reviewed research as well as the identified opportunities and threats, which can be used as a basis for future research. Based on the review findings and the SWOT analysis, a multidimensional view of the well-being of doctoral students is proposed.
Conclusions: The study proposes a more student-centred approach to meeting doctoral students’ needs, and the enhancement of doctoral student well-being in order, as a long-term goal, to improve academics’ well-being and productivity.
Cite this article
Manuela Schmidt & Erika Hansson (2018) Doctoral students’ well-being: a literature review, International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 13:1, DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1508171