The Impact of Research Pressure on Depression Tendency among Chinese Doctoral Students: The Mediating Effect of Familial Financial Support.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the impact of research pressure on depression tendency among Chinese doctoral students and analyze the mediating effect of familial financial support in this relationship.

METHODS

Based on the ecological systems theory, this study employs a mediating effect model and OLS regression model for empirical analysis. Through an online questionnaire, 2815 valid data from Chinese doctoral students were successfully collected.

CONCLUSION

The study finds that research pressure has a significant positive impact on depression tendency among doctoral students (t = 18.347, < 0.01). Married doctoral students show relatively lower depression tendency, indicating a negative impact of marital status on depression tendency (t = 12.579, < 0.01). In terms of gender, female doctoral students are more prone to depression compared to their male counterparts (t = -2.921, < 0.01). Additionally, as the doctoral year progresses, depression tendency also tends to increase (t = 3.690, < 0.01). Importantly, familial financial support is proven to be a significant mediator between research pressure and depression tendency, explaining 32.116% of the relationship.

SUGGESTION

This study not only provides a multi-dimensional perspective for understanding the mental health issues of doctoral students but also offers a scientific basis for universities and related educational departments to formulate more precise mental health intervention strategies.