"So, we started to say hi to each other on campus." a qualitative study about well-being among PhD candidates in Norway.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Loneliness, social isolation, and lack of social belonging are factors that may negatively impact the mental health and well-being of PhD candidates. This study aims to advance understanding of the function of social activities in their role as interventions that foster social belonging and well-being among PhD candidates.

Methods: After collecting observational data from the well-being interventions, 10 PhD candidates were interviewed to explore how they perceived their participation in social activities on campus and how it affected their sense of social belonging.

Results: Our results show that participating in social activities was beneficial for PhD candidates on both a personal and professional level, potentially leading to an increased sense of community and well-being, along with increased social interaction, networking, and collaboration. PhD candidates' well-being was found to be linked to social capital in the forms of social belonging and social support.

Conclusion: Organizing social activities tailored to PhD candidates' needs may help increase their sense of well-being by generating social capital, which could benefit PhD candida nationally and worldwide.