“People Will Judge You…So Be Ready”

Abstract

Doctoral program attrition is a significant issue, with 50% of doctoral students leaving their program before completion. Personal life events, such as marriage and children, are risk factors for attrition, but little research has focused on factors that positively affect persistence and success through these life events. In a nationwide survey project, individuals who had been pregnant during their doctoral program in the United States (n=626) suggested strategies and approaches that pregnant students could implement to support continued success in doctoral education, highlighting the voices of those with lived experience with doctoral education and pregnancy. Thematic analysis identified four primary themes in the responses: the creation of systems that support success, the need for clear expectations, the importance of productivity, and the feasibility of success. Implications for doctoral programs and social work educators include the need to identify ways that programs can activity support students through pregnancy, remain informed about supports and accommodations for pregnant students, and consider options to allow for a slow-down in productivity without penalty to the student.