Table 3 Risk and protective factors associated with DR mental health in terms of the type and volume of evidence
| Â | Quantitative only | Qualitative only | Both | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single | Multiple | Single | Multiple | ||
Risk | Being single. Not having children Lower socio-economic status In final year Viewed studies as a burden Study-related self-efficacy | Uncertainty. Negative writing habits Difficulties in personal life | Competitiveness amongst peers. Lack of academic identity Pre-existing mental health problems Dissonance between personal and institutional values | No physical presence on campus Poor quality friendships Feeling like an outsider Imposter phenomenon Perfectionism Putting studies above all else Feeling like a product Powerlessness Non-white Unhealthy work culture | Being female Isolation |
Protective | Positive writing habits | Five factor personality traits. Self-concept | Support from postdoctoral researchers | Involvement in non-PhD activities Being part of multiple groups (inside and outside of academia) Being authentic Seeing the bigger picture Feeling their research matters Setting realistic goals | Social support Viewing PhD as a process Positive supervisor relationship Self-care |