The Lived Experiences of Individuals Whose Partners Have Completed a Family Therapy Focused Doctoral Program

Abstract

Successful completion of a doctoral program requires dedication and commitment from the student and their family system. However, previous research pertaining to graduate student relationship satisfaction has sought out the perspective of the student. In this phenomenological research study researchers inquired about the lived experiences of eight partners of graduate students completing a doctoral program with a family therapy focus. Researchers inquired about the lived experiences of the partners of the graduate student, and through thematic analysis identified five essential themes: (1) PhD as a priority; (2) learning to have congruent communication; (3) tension; (4) maintaining appreciation; and (5) differentiation and re-integration. The researchers join the voices of the participants in calling for changes to the on-boarding process for new doctoral students, and their partners. Educational institutions can provide realistic expectations of the demands on the doctoral student and their partners, thereby providing informed consent in the process. There is also opportunity for leadership to actively reduce stigma around highly successful individuals in academia accessing mental health services.