#PhDlife: The effect of stress and sources of support on perceptions of balance among public administration doctoral students. (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schwoerer, Kayla; Antony, Meril; Willis, Kareem
• Is Part Of: Journal of public affairs education. Volume 27:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 326
• Page End: 347
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Work-life balance -- support -- stress -- doctoral students -- institutionalization of well-being; Public administration -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Study and teaching; Public administration -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 351
• DOI: 10.1080/15236803.2021.1876474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1523-6803

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Emerging studies indicate a dangerous trend regarding high levels of stress, depression, and burnout among graduate students across all disciplines. This study focuses on public administration doctoral students specifically and probes this issue further by asking how stress and sources of social and institutional support affect students' perceptions of stress and balance in their lives. To address this, we surveyed students about their experiences navigating and managing stress in their respective doctoral programs and found that four sources of support were critical in decreasing students' stress and perceptions of conflict between their academic and non-academic lives. Our results help to understand the complex experiences of public administration doctoral students and offer insight into how sources of support can help mitigate stress and improve the lives of students. We conclude with recommendations for how doctoral programs can encourage and provide these critical supports and begin to institutionalize student well-being.