The function of social support in engaging and disengaging experiences among post PhD researchers in STEM disciplines

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4097100
AutoresJenna Vekkaila (0009-0009-4982-9470, University of Helsinki), Viivi Virtanen (0000-0001-5549-8342, University of Helsinki, autor correspondente), Juha Taina (University of Helsinki), Kirsi Pyhältö (0000-0002-8766-0559, University of Oulu)
Ano2018
Volume43
Fascículo8
Páginas1439-1453
Data de publicação2018-08-03
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoStudies in Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0307-5079 • E-ISSN: 1470-174X
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03075079.2016.1259307
OpenAlexW2559275049
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas17
Referências citadas43

The post-doctoral phase is characterized by a high level of competition and even a risk of unemployment due to the increasing number of PhDs. This study explores the function of social support or lack of it in post PhD researchers’ engaging and disengaging experiences from the beginning of their careers as researchers. The data were collected from 40 post PhD researchers from STEM disciplines through semi-structured interviews and qualitatively content analysed. Receiving socio-emotional and informational support was perceived as highly significant for experienced engagement and disengagement, while instrumental support was rarely reported. Also a fourth form of social support, that is,. co-constructional support was identified. The results indicate that various forms of social support provide a significant mechanism that mediates post PhD researchers’ engagement and disengagement in their early careers

Disengagement theory · Social support · Creativity in Education and Neuroscience · Doctoral Education Challenges and Solutions · Medicine · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology