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PhD studies hurt mental health, but less than previously feared

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  • Keloharju, Matti
  • Knüpfer, Samuli
  • Müller, Dagmar
  • Tåg, Joacim

Abstract

We study the mental health of PhD students in Sweden using comprehensive administrative data on prescriptions, specialist care visits, hospitalizations, and causes of death. We find that about 7 % (5 %) of PhD students receive medication or diagnosis for depression (anxiety) in a given year. These prevalence rates are less than one-third of the earlier reported survey-based estimates, and even after adjusting for difference in methodology, 43 % (72 %) of the rates in the literature. Nevertheless, PhD students still fare worse than their peers not pursuing graduate studies. Our difference-in-differences research design attributes all of this health disadvantage to the time in the PhD program. This deterioration suggests doctoral studies causally affect mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Keloharju, Matti & Knüpfer, Samuli & Müller, Dagmar & Tåg, Joacim, 2024. "PhD studies hurt mental health, but less than previously feared," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(8).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:53:y:2024:i:8:s0048733324001276
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2024.105078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    PhD studies; Mental health; Depression; Anxiety; Suicide;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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