| The current research topic was the friendships and mental health of doctoral students. Adlerian theory was applied to generating a greater understanding of the interplay between friendship and mental health within the context of the doctoral learning experience, as the previous literature germane to this subject portrays a social environment fraught with pervasive psychosocial risk factors (e.g., isolation, stress, competition, perfectionism) that have contributed to disproportionately prevalent and increasingly severe mental health problems (e.g., addiction and substance use, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, burnout, suicidal ideation) in the absence of more robust protective measures. In the exploration of this problem, the current study sought to answer the question, what is the influence of the experience of friendship upon the mental health of doctoral students? To answer this question, a generic qualitative method was applied utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted with a nationwide sample of 10 doctoral students. Thematic analysis of the collected data revealed four primary themes: Intimacy of Friendship, Influential Social Interest, Mental Health Complacency, and Role Strain in Doctoral Education. Collectively, the findings of this investigation indicated that the influence of the experience of friendship upon the mental health of doctoral students is defined by the characteristics of Adlerian social interest, and therefore, presents as a mental health protective factor for this population. Additionally, reflection upon these conclusions directed the formulation of several recommendations for further study to better meet the needs of this underserved population. |
