Psychological distress among doctoral scholars: its association with perseverance and passion

BACKGROUND: The study examined psychological distress and its association with perseverance and passion for long term goals among 400 Ph.D. scholars from Pondicherry University.METHODS: The sample collected through multi-stage convenience sampling technique was assessed using a Structured Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Grit Scale and Flourishing Scale.RESULTS: The results showed that 7.5% and 4.5% had severe and extremely severe depression, 12.5% and 20% had severe and extremely severe anxiety, and 5% and 1.5% had severe and extremely severe stress. The data was collected from one Indian University and analyzed based the information gathered through self-report inventory.CONCLUSIONS: Congenial family environment, good relationship with parents and friends were observed to be positive factors for psychological well-being. There is an urgent need to extend mental health support services to the PhD scholars especially for those who were suffering from severe and extremely severe psychological distress.