MENTAL HEALTH OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS IN CROATIA – SOCIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT

Abstract

The mental health of a very specific and relatively small social group – doctoral students – is increasingly the focus of scientific research, which points to an above-average prevalence of mental health difficulties among them. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how frequently mental health problems occur among doctoral students in Croatia. A total of 245 students took part in the study. Psychological and sociological instruments were used. The participants emphasised the intellectual challenges, collaboration, and the academic environment as positive aspects of doctoral studies, and the overload of obligations, uncertainty about the quality of research work and research results, and uncertainty about their own abilities as negative aspects. The results of the questionnaires on psychological well-being indicate an above-average level of symptoms of psychopathological difficulties compared to the general population. More than a third of participants believe that their doctoral studies have had a negative impact on their mental health. The expressed dissatisfaction of doctoral students and the psychological difficulties they experience indicate that doctoral studies should be reformed and that systematic psychological support should be offered.