How can universities better support the mental wellbeing of higher degree research students? A study of students’ suggestions

Abstract

Prevalence studies indicate that higher degree research (Master's and Doctoral) students experience high rates of psychological distress. As a result, universities are seeking evidence-based interventions to better support the mental wellbeing of this student cohort. The present study contributes to that evidence base by asking higher degree research students (HDRs) from a large Australian research-intensive university what they think should be done to improve their wellbeing. After inductively analysing 595 open-ended survey responses, nine themes emerged. The four most prominent themes were culture and community, support services, supervisors and supervision practices, and peer engagement ..