Nature Biotechnology highlighted Katey, Dr. Carly Busch, Dr. Logan Gin, and Dr. Nicholas Wiesenthal's research addressing the mental health challenges faced by graduate students. The study involved in-depth interviews and a large survey of over 2,000 graduate students across the United States.
The article sheds light on the mental health crisis among graduate students, as graduate students with severe anxiety or depression were three to five times more likely to consider leaving their programs than those with milder symptoms. They emphasized that anxiety and depression are significantly worsened by pressures in research and teaching. Harsh criticism, unreasonable research expectations, and inadequate teaching training were identified as key factors exacerbating mental health challenges. They further revealed that negative reinforcement and lack of progress in research had the most detrimental effects, while supportive mentorship, emotional encouragement, and progress in projects helped alleviate symptoms.
The findings underscore the urgent need for academic institutions to prioritize mental health by improving mentorship practices, offering teacher training, and providing better financial and mental health support. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, the study advocates for retaining diverse and talented minds in academia.
Read about Katey's work here
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