Assessing the Research Students’ Perceptions Regarding Their Supervisory Experiences and Well-being

Abstract

Research experiences may be an indicator of mental well-being among research students in postgraduate institutions. Due to its dire needs, it was felt to investigate the research experiences and well-being of research students. The study objectives were to explore the research experiences and to examine the mental well-being of varsity students. Cross-sectional survey study was used for this research. A total of 190 research students of two faculties from a public-sector university were the participants for this research study. The data were collected by using the Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). The results of this study showed that most male students had higher levels of well-being compared to female research students. As a result of the study, the correlation matrix revealed that supervisory experiences has moderate positive correlation with students’ well-being (r = .527, p < .01).  Good supervision had positive effects on the well-being of research students. The beta coefficient ? of .151 indicates that there is a positive relationship between supervisory experiences and wellbeing, meaning that as supervisory experiences increase, wellbeing is also likely to increase. The t-value of 2.09 specifies that the relationship between supervisory experiences and well-being is statistically significant. In-time feedback from the supervisor might enhance the well-being of research students. The study recommends making a proper system that assures the availability of a supervisor, managing meetings with supervisees, and a proper feedback from both supervisor and supervisee.