ERIC Number: EJ1184644
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0307-5079
EISSN: N/A
The Function of Social Support in Engaging and Disengaging Experiences among Post PhD Researchers in STEM Disciplines
Vekkaila, Jenna; Virtanen, Viivi; Taina, Juha; Pyhältö, Kirsi
Studies in Higher Education, v43 n8 p1439-1453 2018
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.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Doctoral Degrees, Doctoral Programs, Graduate Students, Qualitative Research, Natural Sciences, Self Efficacy, Foreign Countries, Learner Engagement, Social Support Groups, Semi Structured Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Finland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A