Publication details
Role problémů a tabu při utváření doktorských zkušeností: mixed-methods design
| Title in English | The Role of Problems and Taboos in Shaping Doctoral Experiences: A Mixed-Methods Design |
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | This conference paper presents the results of a study examining how taboo topics shape the well-being and academic trajectories of doctoral students in the Czech Republic. Using a mixed-methods research design, we first identify key problems perceived as taboo, including insufficient funding, employment outside academia, access to academic opportunities, supervisory quality and allocation, authorship issues, research integrity, parenthood in academia, and intimate relationships with supervisors. We then test their prevalence and impact through a national survey and machine learning models. The findings show that Czech doctoral students experience a wide range of problems during their PhD studies and are often reluctant to discuss them, both with their supervisors and with fellow doctoral students. Further analyses reveal that the identified taboos significantly predict burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, and intentions to interrupt doctoral studies or leave academia altogether. These results provide new empirical evidence contributing to ongoing debates on doctoral education, student mental health, and academic culture. |
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