S1 assessment

What is one of the main stressors faced by doctoral students?

• Lack of social life

• Absence of a structured study plan

• Excessive funding

• Too much free time

Answer explanation

One of the main stressors for doctoral students is the absence of a structured study plan. Without clear guidance, students may struggle to manage their time and workload effectively, leading to increased stress.

What is burnout characterized by?

• Emotional exhaustion

• Increased motivation

• Improved focus

• Enhanced productivity

Answer explanation

Burnout is primarily characterized by emotional exhaustion, which leads to feelings of fatigue and a lack of motivation. The other options, such as increased motivation and improved focus, are not associated with burnout.

What does the term 'impostor phenomenon' refer to?

• A type of academic achievement

• Perceived doubt about one's abilities

• Feeling overly confident

• A medical condition

Answer explanation

The 'impostor phenomenon' refers to the perceived doubt about one's abilities, where individuals feel they are not as competent as others perceive them to be, often leading to feelings of fraudulence.

Which of the following is a coping strategy mentioned in the course?

• Avoiding all responsibilities

• Problem-focused coping

• Overcommitting to tasks

• Ignoring stressors

Answer explanation

Problem-focused coping is a strategy that involves addressing the source of stress directly, making it a constructive approach. The other options, like avoiding responsibilities or ignoring stressors, are not effective coping strategies.

What is a common emotional symptom of work-related stress?

• Improved relationships

• Increased energy

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Heightened enthusiasm

Answer explanation

A common emotional symptom of work-related stress is 'feeling overwhelmed.' This reflects the pressure and demands of work, leading to anxiety and a sense of being unable to cope, unlike the positive feelings suggested by the other options.

What is one way to enhance a sense of control during a PhD?

• Setting unrealistic goals

• Avoiding all social interactions

• Developing a strong ability to focus

• Ignoring deadlines

Answer explanation

Developing a strong ability to focus helps manage tasks effectively, leading to a greater sense of control during a PhD. In contrast, unrealistic goals, social avoidance, and ignoring deadlines can increase stress and reduce control.

What is a key symptom of burnout?

• Heightened motivation

• Improved academic performance

• Increased creativity

• Emotional detachment

Answer explanation

A key symptom of burnout is emotional detachment, which manifests as a lack of interest or connection to work and personal relationships, contrasting with heightened motivation or improved performance.

What is the first step in managing stress according to the course?

• Avoiding all stressors

• Seeking immediate help

• Ignoring feelings

• Identifying limitations

Answer explanation

The first step in managing stress is identifying limitations. This allows individuals to recognize what they can handle and what may be overwhelming, enabling them to address stressors more effectively.

What can contribute to the impostor phenomenon?

• Consistent feedback

• Strong support systems

• Comparing oneself to peers

• High self-esteem

Answer explanation

Comparing oneself to peers can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which are central to the impostor phenomenon. This comparison often makes individuals feel less competent, despite their actual achievements.

What is the Impostor Cycle?

• A cycle of over-preparing and procrastinating due to fear of failure

• A cycle of feeling confident and successful

• A cycle of avoiding all academic tasks

• A cycle of seeking constant validation from others

Answer explanation

The Impostor Cycle involves over-preparing and procrastinating due to a fear of failure, leading to a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety about one's abilities, which aligns with the correct answer choice.