Innovation in PhD completion: the hardy shall succeed (and be happy!)

Abstract

What is it that makes a PhD such a difficult process, and prevents candidates from completing on time? In this paper, we propose that self‐sabotaging behaviours, including overcommitting, procrastination and perfectionism, have a role to play. At Flinders University, we have developed a program in which we work with PhD students to help to reduce these behaviours and give them the strategies and attitudes they need to successfully (and happily!) complete their thesis. The program utilises cognitive–behavioural coaching, an evidence‐based strategy that we claim leads to significant and long‐term behavioural change. An evaluation of the program indicates that it is very successful, improving students’ ability to manage their time, set specific times for writing, and show work to their supervisor regularly, and that these behaviours were associated with lower levels of stress and improved ability to complete.

Keywords:

• cognitive–behavioural coaching
• PhD completion
• PhD students
• self‐sabotage
• stress

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Fran Banytis for her work with the PhD program and its students.