The study "Both a Blessing and a Curse: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences and Challenges of Autonomy During the Doctoral Trajectory in Belgium" by Anaïs Glorieux, Bram Spruyt, and Theun Pieter van Tienoven, published in the International Journal of Doctoral Studies, explores how PhD candidates experience autonomy in their doctoral journey. Using qualitative data from focus groups and interviews, the study highlights the tension between autonomy and institutional expectations. While PhD candidates value autonomy for research independence, they often face challenges such as unclear expectations, limited supervisory support, and conflicting role perceptions. The findings suggest that institutions and supervisors should create environments where autonomy is experienced as positive freedom rather than overwhelming independence. The study also discusses the broader impact of the "publish or perish" culture on PhD candidates' strategic autonomy and well-being, calling for further research into effective supervisory support and autonomy management in doctoral education.
The full text of the article is available here.
Citation: Glorieux, A., Spruyt, B., & van Tienoven, T. P. (2025). Both a Blessing and a Curse: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences and Challenges of Autonomy During the Doctoral Trajectory in Belgium. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 20, 004.
