Social support resilience as a protective mental health factor in postgraduate researchers’ experiences: a longitudinal analysis

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the following across a six-month period in post-graduate research (PGR) students: mental health and well-being; the effect of academic pressures on depression, anxiety and well-being; and the extent to which psychological resilience buffered against academic pressures. Design/methodology/approach This was a longitudinal questionnaire study with predictor variables of six types of academic pressure, outcome variables of depression, anxiety and well-being, and a moderator of resilience. Findings Well-being significantly worsened across the six-month timeframe, but levels of depression and anxiety remained relatively stable. Negative perceptions of academic challenges at baseline significantly predicted anxiety, but not depression or well-being, six months later. Negative appraisals of relationships with supervisors, other university staff and work peers were not predictors of anxiety. Social support resilience which was present at baseline buffered the relationship between perceived academic challenges and anxiety. Practical implications Higher education institutions have a duty of care towards PGR students, many of whom struggle with the escalating interactions between mental health problems and academic pressures. Actively nurturing psychological resilience related to social support is key at the level of individual students and the PGR community but more broadly at an institutional level. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of negative perceptions of multiple facets of academic life on depression, anxiety and well-being longitudinally. Additionally, it is the first study to investigate, and demonstrate, the extent to which psychological resilience can lessen the relationship between academic challenges and anxiety over time.

Understanding the Mental Health of Doctoral Students

“…Higher resilience was predictive of lower anxiety and depression, better sleep and wellbeing, and reduced suicidal behaviours. More recently, Gooding et al [31] conducted a longitudinal analysis which supported these findings. Their results indicated that baseline resilience buffered against academic challenges during doctoral research.…”

“…Further survey data document this association, as self-belief has been found to be a key determinant of coping well with the demands of doctoral research [35], and negative appraisals of academic challenges has been found to predict anxiety [31]. The survey conducted by Casey et al [36] used the scale developed by Juniper et al [37] to explore the factors underpinning wellbeing in doctoral research.…”

“…Most studies included samples from across the UK; others used samples from single institutions. Two studies collected data longitudinally [30,31]. Five studies adopted a fully qualitative approach, and three used mixed methods that combined qualitative and quantitative data.…”

Impact of perceived social support on psychological resilience: a comparison between medical and surgical postgraduate residents

“…The finding coincided with literature. [21][22][23] A recent study 23 concluded that social support and resilience had buffering effect on demanding medical training life and anxiety.…”

Qualitative Pilot Interventions for the Enhancement of Mental Health Support in Doctoral Students

“…Recent research has indicated a high prevalence of stress [5], psychological distress [6,7], and depression and anxiety [8] in doctoral students at UK universities. Poor resilience to stress has been identified in this population [9][10][11], which also contributes to poorer mental health outcomes. Further, research has explored how this contributes to absence and attrition in postgraduate research degrees in the UK [12].…”