Wellness of Recent PhD Graduates during the Dissertation Research Process

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe the experience of wellness during the dissertation process of twelve recent PhD graduates. Significance: There is a limited focus in the literature on wellness and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students. Emotions and feelings expressed by doctoral candidates imply the dissertation affects their health and wellness. Current research data show PhD completion and attrition rates of 57% and 30%, respectively, over a 10-year span. Understanding the lived experiences of graduates could be helpful to PhD students and candidates, and existing PhD programs. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used in this study. Twelve recent PhD graduates (mean age = 39.5 years) were interviewed. The initial individual interviews were digitally audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. Colaizzi's (1978) method of qualitative data analyses was utilized to craft individual depictions, a composition depiction, exemplary portraits, and an aesthetic rendition of the study participants' experience of wellness. A follow –up email was sent to the participants to verify the accuracy of their depictions and to allow for new data to emerge. Results: Nine core themes emerged in association with the experience of wellness during the dissertation process: balance and priorities, becoming a scholar, identity of perceived stressors, keeping the dissertation in perspective, making sacrifices, motivation to finish, physical activity and health, social support facilitating dissertation completion, and spiritual practices. Discussion/Conclusion: The participants offered the following eight concrete suggestions for PhD candidates to make the experience of wellness and the dissertation experience fulfilling: establish and nurture a social support network; create a balance among work, family/home, civic, personal health, and research obligations; manage time wisely and set boundaries; keep the dissertation in perspective; expected the unexpected; understand themselves and how they operate; and seek professional help and support when necessary. The results from this study could also provide guidance and direction for PhD programs wanting to help maintain and enhance their students' wellness, and facilitate degree completion, including: create and support social integration, explore alternative formats for the dissertation project, evaluate and assess the major advisor's role and advisement during the dissertation, clarify the role of the dissertation committee, and offer seminar or orientation for PhD students and their families. Learner Objectives: (a) Describe the nine core themes associated with the experience of wellness during the dissertation process,(b) Describe how PhD candidates can develop and maintain their wellness during the dissertation process.