Ph.D. Candidates' Stresses and Strains Related to the Dissertation Process.

Abstract

Several concepts were borrowed from the Person-Environment Fit (P-E Fit) model to examine the relationship between Ph.D. candidates' stresses and strains related to the dissertation process. It was hypothesized that a cause-effect relationship existed between the stresses and strains. The data were collected from Ph.D. candidates at the University of Michigan. A survey questionnaire was used to measure the extent to which Ph.D. candidates perceived that certain factors associated with the dissertation process had caused them stress, and to what extent they perceived that those stresses had resulted in certain kinds of strains. The results of this study identified the following sources of stress among Ph.D. candidates who are involved in the dissertation process: (1) overload on personal resources; (2) person-process conflicts; (3) ambiguity concerning opportunity costs; (4) poor working relationship with chair; (5) lack of financial assistance; and , (6) need for methodological assistance. Two major categories of strain were used: (a) psychological strains (cognitive fatigue, psychological/social withdrawal, lack of commitment to finishing the dissertation, negative affective states); and , (b) physical complaints. The findings of this study do support most of the hypothesized relationships between the stresses and strains. Specifically: (1) there were positive relationships between most of the stresses and psychological strains; and , (2) there were positive relationships between several of the stresses and physical complaints. Although the findings of this study have implications for committees, departments, and the University, it has more direct implications for Ph.D. candidates. Specifically, in order to prevent needless distress about the dissertation process, Ph.D. candidates need to: improve resources management, for example, time, money, and so on; resolve conflicts, both personal and with the committee; plan for future career; improve the relationship with the chair; seek financial assistance; and , arrange for methodological assistance.