Browsing by Subject "väitöskirjatutkija"

The aim of this study was to examine the well-being of doctoral researchers in medicine and the experiences that build it. In addition, the purpose was to find out what forms of social support are associated with increased well-being. Previous studies have shown that social support in particular has an effect on the students' engagement to studies and well-being. Through the significant positive experiences of doctoral researchers in medicine, this study found out what factors build well-being in doctoral researchers and which forms of social support are emphasized in them. The research data was collected through online surveys in April 2015 as part of the development of research-based doctoral education at a Finnish university (Pyhältö et al. 2016). The data of this study consisted of the open-ended responses of doctoral researchers in medicine regarding positive experiences on their doctoral studies. The research group consisted of 85 doctoral researchers in medicine, of which 80 were Finnish-speaking and five English-speaking. The data was analyzed using qualitative theory-driven content analysis by forming categories. Quantification was utilized in the analysis of the data. The results showed that the key factors increasing the well-being of medical doctoral researchers were accomplishment, such as reaching intermediate stages of the dissertation process, positive emotions such as enthusiasm, significant and engagement, which appeared as absorption in the research work. Among the forms of social support, the factors that increased the well-being of doctoral researchers in medicine were especially emotional and instrumental support, and informational support was also received. The sources of support are the scientific community, the institution and the supervisor. Support and belonging to the scientific community, receiving constructive feedback, high-quality guidance, and advice related to research work and support were emphasized as factors that increase the well-being of social support. Considering the key factors that build well-being and social support is important when trying to develop learning environments that increase well-being in doctoral education.