Table of Contents for Volume 20, 2025, of the International Journal of Doctoral Studies

Aim/Purpose: This study addresses the need to understand the wellbeing of doctoral students and the factors influencing their academic trajectory. Background: Doctoral students’ wellbeing is crucial for their academic success and overall quality of life. This study explores the antecedent variables influencing doctoral students’ wellbeing, complementing the Integrative Model on well-being in doct ...

Aim/Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the Motivation for PhD Studies Scale (MPhD). Background: The motivation of doctoral students has been identified as a factor influencing their enrolment in doctoral studies and its completion. Based on the Self-Determination Theory, the MPhD is a 15-item self-report measure tha ...

Aim/Purpose: This study examines the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) as a moderating variable and burnout as a mediator in the relationship between toxic supervision on academic performance in doctoral programs. Background: Academic supervision is important in supporting students’ success in completing the doctoral program. However, there is a dark side that needs to be more widely reveal ...

Aim/Purpose: This study investigates how PhD candidates experience autonomy (i.e., self-governance and the capacity to make meaningful, self-directed choices) in their doctoral trajectory. It examines their expectations regarding autonomy, the various forms of autonomy they encounter during their doctoral trajectory, and the dynamics that make autonomy challenging. Background: PhD candidates, aki ...