Call for Papers. Studies in Graduate & Postdoctoral Education
Call for Papers. Studies in Graduate & Postdoctoral Education
Call for Papers— Special Issue: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Postgraduate Research
Guest Editor: Dr Jane Creaton, Reader in Higher Education, University of Portsmouth
The call for papers for a special issue of the Studies in Graduate & Postdoctoral Education journal is now live.
This special issue will be edited by Dr Jane Creaton, co-chair of the UKCGE’s International Conference on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Postgraduate Researchers, and aims to bring together a range of diverse disciplinary perspectives to explore issues relating to mental health and wellbeing in graduate and postdoctoral education.
Although this topic has become a matter of increasing concern for students, universities and policymakers, there are a number of significant gaps in the published academic literature.
These include national and institutional policy initiatives, international and comparative policy approaches, evaluation of interventions, transitions between undergraduate/postgraduate taught and postgraduate research, supervisor pedagogy, and peer support.
The specific aims of the special issue in relation to teaching, practice and research are:
- To present and discuss research findings relating to the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researchers
- To evaluate interventions aimed at increasing the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researchers
- To investigate the role of supervisors and other academic and professional staff in promoting and supporting mental health
- To identify strategies and tactics for improving institutional approaches for improving mental health and wellbeing
- To consider the wider relationship between postgraduate researcher mental health and wellbeing and academic practices and culture.
Special IssueThemes
Contributions are welcome which relate to at least one of these aims and possible themes include, but are not limited to:
LEADERSHIP— embedding PGR mental health and wellbeing as a strategic priority; staff and student engagement; resource allocation; effective monitoring of progress
DATA— evidence of prevalence, need and risk factors; effectiveness of current practice and interventions
STAFF— promoting mental health literacy; appropriate training and support; changing academic culture
PREVENTION— impact of social, physical and digital environments on mental health; promoting and embedding mentally healthy behaviours; tackling mentally unhealthy practices
EARLY INTERVENTION— addressing stigma; promoting mental health literacy; providing appropriate training; creating supportive communities; peer support and mentoring, encouraging disclosure
SUPPORT— effectiveness of services for PGR students, meeting specific needs of postgraduate researchers, appropriate signposting
TRANSITIONS— effective support at transition periods into university, particularly for students that are vulnerable
PARTNERSHIP— links with local and national services, government and charities; effectiveness of partnership working.
These themes align to those set out in the UK’s framework on mental health in higher education: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/stepchange
Submissions may include empirical research studies, evidence-based critiques of practice or theoretical or conceptual approaches. Papers adopting qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method approaches will be considered and papers from diverse global and/or regional contexts and different disciplinary perspectives are encouraged.
About the Journal
Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education focuses on scholarship and practice related to graduate education, including masters and doctoral level, and postdoctoral experiences. The journal publishes scholarly articles from a range of academic disciplines and research methods that represent issues of interest to the international community. These articles provide research findings and implications for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
Submission Guidelines
Initial expressions of interest in the form of a 1000 word extended abstract should be sent to jane.creaton@port.ac.uk by 31 January 2020.
The deadline for full submissions is 1 July 2020 and should be submitted via the journal’s online submission system available through the journal homepage: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/author_guidelines.htm?id=sgpe
All papers should follow the guidelines outlined by the journal for submission. The preferred length is between 5000 and 7000 words. This includes all text including references and appendices.
Call for Papers: November 2019
Submission of extended abstract: 31 January 2020
Notification of acceptance: 28 February 2020
Full submission: 31 July 2020
Publication: Spring 2021
Additional information can be obtained from, or expressions of interest can be sent to: jane.creaton@port.ac.uk
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