Stressors and facilitators in the adaptation of master's and doctoral students to postgraduate studies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand aspects perceived by master's and doctoral students as stressors and facilitators of adaptation during postgraduate studies. This is a cross-sectional qualitative study of an exploratory and descriptive nature, carried out with 14 students from a state university in the interior of São Paulo. A characterization questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, prepared by the authors, were used. The data was analyzed using Bardin's thematic content analysis technique. Stressors related to the academic and family contexts and the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. The facilitators were grouped in terms of the academic and family contexts, social support outside these contexts and personal aspects. The relevance of bonds and the challenges related to financial aspects and the organization of Brazilian postgraduate education stood out. The mental health of this population needs attention, and strategies aimed at welcoming and promoting support are suggested. Furthermore, public and institutional policies need to be updated as a matter of urgency in order to guarantee better working conditions, remuneration and social recognition for these students, who are responsible for a large part of Brazil's scientific production.