Desafios acadêmicos, sofrimento psíquico e estratégias para promoção da saúde mental de pós-graduandos brasileiros

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have investigated the repercussions of postgraduate studies on the mental health of students, further impacted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These professionals who study and are researchers in training are faced with financial conflicts, competitiveness, billing for productivity and meeting deadlines. Objective: To understand the challenges faced by students in Brazilian stricto sensu postgraduate programs, their experiences of psychological suffering, and the strategies mentioned to promote their mental health. Method: This is a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study, with the participation of 40 postgraduate students, five and coordinators. Data were collected through seven focus groups held from February to June 2023, online, using the Google Meet® platform. Group recording using the OBS Studio® platform and transcription using the Transkriptor® platform. Content analysis was carried out according to the assumptions of Bardin (2016). It was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Ribeirdo Preto School of Nursing. Results: 40 postgraduate students and five coordinators or vice-coordinators of postgraduate courses participated. Among the postgraduate students, 17 were from the Southeast region, 13 from the Central-West region, five from the South region; four from the Northeast region and one from the North region. Of the postgraduate students, 27 were female and 13 were male. Furthermore, 17 were master's students, 18 were doctoral students, one was a master's student and four were doctors. Three themes emerged from data analysis, namely: Academic challenges experienced in postgraduate studies and their implications for training; Physical and psychological suffering of postgraduate students and proposed strategies to promote the mental health of postgraduate students. Final Considerations: The study helps programs to develop mental health promotion strategies that are more targeted to the student's needs, thus contributing to their well-being, fulfillment and greater productivity in order to achieve the objectives of the postgraduate courses in which these professionals are included, without causing physical, mental and social harm.