Cross-sectional Correlational Research Research Articles

The impact of psychological hardiness on intolerance of uncertainty in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the study was to measure the impact of psychological hardiness on the intolerance of uncertainty (IOU) among university students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. A cross‐sectional correlational research design was used in the study, where participants were selected by convenience sampling. The data was collected from 1217 undergraduate students from a university in Turkey through web‐based questionnaires. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale assessed data, including intolerance of uncertainty. In addition, the Personal Views Survey III‐R was used to measure students' psychological hardiness. The results indicated that Turkish undergraduate students overall had high IOU and above‐average psychological hardiness. Psychological hardiness was negatively correlated with IOU. Students losing a loved one because of COVID‐19 had increased intolerance to uncertainty and lower psychological hardiness. Psychological hardiness was a powerful predictor of IOU. These findings show the need to implement hardiness‐training programs for undergraduate students to increase their tolerance to uncertainty and reduce the effect of grief.

Influence of Corporate Governance on Performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya

The Kenyan Sacco Sub Sector has witnessed rapid growth, contributing to financial access reaching 13% of the population. Apart from the commercial banking sector, Deposit Taking Saccos remain the single largest formal financial credit service provider to household economies in Kenya. This is attributed to fact that the members’ savings can be treated as collateral for borrowing at the same time earn interest from the surplus made by the SACCO. Despite their contribution, Saccos are riddled with poor governance issues resulting to gross mismanagement, financial scandals, management problems which has led to low performance and collapse of some. Guidelines on governance of Saccos have been enacted as an approach to improve the performance of Saccos. The increasing importance in corporate governance in Saccos for higher firm performance was the basis of this study. The research objective was to investigate the influence of corporate governance on the performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya. The scope of the study was the licensed Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya which were in operational between 2014 to 2018. This study was anchored on the Resource Dependence Theory, Agency Theory and Upper Echelons Theory. The research study was guided by pragmatic paradigm. Descriptive cross-sectional survey and correlational research designs were adopted. A sample size of 108 licensed Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya was drawn from a target population of 150. Proportionate stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to select sample size. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from CEOs, Managers and Sacco employees. Secondary data collection sheet was used to collect secondary data from published annual financial reports. The pilot study of the questionnaire covered 11 licensed Saccos to test the validity and reliability. Out of the 108 questionnaires administered, 105 questionnaires were dully filled and returned representing a response rate of 97.2% percent. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, hypotheses testing and regression analysis. The study findings suggest that the overall correlation coefficient for influence of Corporate Governance on performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya was not significant with an overall correlation coefficient of 0.225 with a P- value of 0.201>0.05, hence failing to reject the null hypothesis. The study concludes that corporate governance may not ensure the desired performance. However, the study recommends adoption of the corporate governance practices as a mechanism to protect owners’ interests. Limitations of the study included contingencies, choice of study variable and measurement scale. Areas for further studies suggested are conducting studies in other contexts to corroborate these findings and consideration of other dimensions of corporate governance in their influence on performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya. Keywords: Corporate Governance, Performance, Deposit Taking Saccos DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-8-10 Publication date: April 30 th 2022

Theory of planned behavior in predicting the construction of eco-friendly houses

PurposeThe present study aimed to explore the applicability of theory of planned behavior in construction of eco-friendly houses.Design/methodology/approachStudy utilized cross-sectional correlational research design, collected data from 269 adult house owners of Kerala, India, with the help of a self-report measures namely, attitude towards eco-friendly house construction, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention to build eco-friendly houses, check list of eco-friendly house and socio-demographic data sheet. Descriptive statistics, Karl Pearson product moment correlation, confirmatory factor analysis and mediation analysis with the help of AMOS were used to describe the distribution of study variables and to test the research hypotheses and proposed model.FindingsStudy revealed that behavioral intention to build eco-friendly house was the immediate and strongest predictor of actual behavior of constructing an eco-friendly house. Behavioral intention mediated the relationship of attitudinal variables, normative variables and control variables with the behavior of constructing eco-friendly houses.Research limitations/implicationsThe results vouched the applicability of theory of planned behavior as a comprehensive model in explaining the behavior of eco-friendly house construction.Practical implicationsResults of the study iterates the utility of attitudinal, normative and control factors in enhancing the choice of constructing eco-friendly houses. The results can be applied to develop a marketing tool to enhance the behavior of choosing or constructing eco-friendly houses in the population.Originality/valueRole of conventional concrete construction in climate crisis is unquestioned, and adopting eco-friendly architecture is a potential solution to the impending doom of climate crisis. Behavioral changes play a significant role in the success of global actions to curb the climate crisis. Present study discusses the role of psychological variables in constructing eco-friendly houses.

Emergency Room Nurses’ Attitudes toward Family Presence during Resuscitation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Although there are guidelines that encourage the family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, literature that reported on the healthcare team’s attitudes suggested that this practice is often discouraged, and it remains a debatable topic. Aim To assess the Emergency Room Nurses’ Attitudes toward family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures. Research design A cross-sectional descriptive correlation research design was used for this study. Participants and research context A non-probability convenience sample for this study comprised 222 registered nurses who have worked in emergency departments. The study used Family Presence During Resuscitation scale to collect the data related to nurses’ attitude toward family presence during CPR. Ethical considerations This study was approved by the ethics committee at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan. Results Jordanian nurses had a positive attitude toward the health beliefs with a mean score of (3.71 ± 0.81), followed by cues and triggers (3.60 ± 0.82). The least attitude endorsed by nurses was perceived self-efficacy with a mean score of (2.87 ± 0.80). Point-biserial correlation yielded a positive correlation between marital status and cues or triggers (r = 0.055; p = 0.043). Moreover, person correlation showed a positive relationship between age and health beliefs (r = 00.134; p = 0.040) and a negative correlation between experience and self-efficacy (r=-0.141; p = 0.043). Conclusion Enhancing nurses’ confidence based on evidence-based practice would prepare nurses to handle family presence during resuscitation.

Relationships Among Resilience, Stress, and Persistence in Prenursing Students During COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created personal, financial, and academic challenges for prenursing students, which may hinder academic persistence. Understanding and supporting their well-being is important, as they prepare to apply to nursing programs. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships among stress, resilience, and academic persistence in prenursing students intending to apply to either an on-campus or accelerated online nursing program. A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design was used. Online survey data (N = 364) were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus-based prenursing students reported higher levels of stress and lower levels of resilience than their accelerated online counterparts. A significant negative relationship was noted between stress and scores on resilience and persistence measures in both groups. Program-specific interventions promoting resilience and stress management techniques are needed to support prenursing student persistence, especially as they prepare for admission to nursing programs.

Perceived Chronic Social Adversity, Perceived Social Support, and Depression Among Chinese College Students: Mediating Role of Self-esteem

With the development of society, people pay more attention to mental health. Meanwhile, depression is becoming a major psychological problem faced by Chinese youth. We examined the mediational roles of self-esteem in accounting for the relation between perceived chronic social adversity and depression and the relation between perceived social support and depression among Chinese college students. A total of 805 Chinese college students (65.6% females, mean age = 20.17 years) completed a multi-measure questionnaire. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used in this study. Obtained data were analyzed using correlational and mediation analysis by Hayes (PROCESS macro). Results of the correlational analysis indicate that perceived chronic social adversity was significantly positively related to depression, but perceived social support was found significantly negatively correlated with depression among Chinese college students. PROCESS macro was used to test the mediating role of self-esteem based on proposed mediation model. The results of mediation analysis revealed that: (1) perceived chronic social adversity positively related to depression, whereas perceived social support negatively related to depression, (2) self-esteem partially mediated the relation between perceived chronic social adversity and depression, and (3) self-esteem entirely mediated the relation between perceived social support and depression among Chinese college students. The results suggest that college students’ depression can improve by positive cognition of social encounters via obtaining a high level of self-esteem. In addition, limitations and practical applications of the findings were discussed.

Irrational beliefs and stress levels: Evidence among orphaned students in Kenyan secondary schools

In the study reported on here we examined the relationship between irrational beliefs and stress levels among orphans in public secondary schools in Kenya. Rational Emotive Behaviour Theory was adopted. In the study we adopted a cross-sectional correlation research design. A sample size of 350 double orphaned students in secondary schools was obtained using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The Irrational Belief Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale were used to collect data. The reliability results indicate the Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.672 to 0.756. Quantitative data from questionnaires were analysed using inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The findings established a weak positive (n = 314, r = .149; p = .008 < .05) Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient between demandingness and stress levels; a weak positive (n =314, r = .243; p < .05) correlation between awfulizing and stress levels; a weak positive (n = 314, r = .191; p < .05) correlation between irrational belief for low frustration tolerance and stress levels; and a weak positive (n = 314, r = .167; p = .003) correlation between irrational belief of worthlessness and stress levels. The implication of these findings is that orphaned students are overwhelmed with stress because of their state of irrational beliefs. It is recommended that school counsellors should train orphans in secondary schools on rational beliefs through therapy techniques such as positive self-talk to counter the irrational beliefs.

“I Teach the way I believe”: EFL Teachers’ Pedagogical Beliefs in Technology Integration and its Relationship to Students’ Motivation and Engagement in the COVID 19 Pandemic Year

This study aimed to investigate language teachers' pedagogical concepts and attitudes and the effect of these on students' motivation and engagement levels. Its results were based on a cross-sectional correlational research survey which was conducted online. The participants in the study were chosen at random from among 205 language teachers (n= 205) and 317 language students (n= 317) from various higher educational institutions in Asian countries. Results of the study of language teachers revealed that the respondents' pedagogical ideas and orientations were positive when it came to using technology-based teaching in their language classroom. Results of gender differences indicated that female language teachers showed a firmer belief in student-centered online language learning than their male counterparts. On the other hand, males are more likely than females to utilize technology in the language classroom, and their attitudes relating to it are more favorable than those of their female counterparts. The levels of language learning motivation and engagement among students were also investigated. The findings also showed a high level of language learning engagement among both male and female students. Furthermore, the test of relationship showed that the firmer the instructors' belief in the importance of student-centered teaching and the incorporation of technology in the language classroom, the more driven and engaged the students are in language learning. Students' motivation and involvement in online language learning are not related to their views about the significance of instructors in their life, which is contrary to what many people believe. When it comes to incorporating technology into language courses, there are several pedagogical assumptions that enable EFL teachers to do so effectively. More broadly stated, this study has implications for increasing language instructors' digital literacy to develop more motivating, productive, and engaging language courses for 21st-century learning to improve language students' digital literacy.

Correlation Parenting Styles on Children's Health Behaviors during Pandemic Covid-19 at MI Nurul Huda Wadeng Gresik

School-age children who are growing up are vulnerable to the risk of COVID-19 disease transmission, therefore it is required to apply healthy living behaviors in the application of new habit adaptation, such as washing hands using water and soap, wearing masks, keeping a distance, doing sports, and eating nutritious diet. Parenting is expected to keep children’s healthy by giving the right habits. Children would obey in healthy behavior. The aims to determine the correlation between parenting and health behavior during the pandemic of school children at MI Nurul Huda Wadeng, Gresik. Cross-sectional approach correlational research design. Sampling using simple random sampling with 127 samples which are parents of children. Data collection used a parenting style questionnaire and a Likert scale for healthy behavior during the pandemic in google form. Data analysis used the Kendall-tau test. The results showed that there was a relationship between parenting and health behavior during the pandemic (p-value = 0.009; τ = 0.218). Parent who use authoritative parenting would make children have good behavior, and if parent use authoritarian parenting, child's health behavior will be lower. Applying authoritative parenting will be easier to take an optimal approach.
 Keywords: Parenting Styles, Children's Health Behaviors during Pandemi, Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive.

Understanding how and when workplace ostracism jeopardizes work effort

PurposeWhile the performance consequences of workplace ostracism (WO) have been examined in many studies, relatively little is known about WO's relationship with work effort (WE), which is a vital part of the performance domain. Moreover, the literature is largely silent regarding how WO translates into reduced effort and when such effects are less likely. The purpose of the study is to bridge these gaps. Specifically, the paper examines the relationship between WO and WE, taking into account the mediating role of emotional exhaustion (EE) and the moderating role of work centrality (WC).Design/methodology/approachData for the study came from an online survey of 310 full-time employees of service-sector organizations in Pakistan. The PROCESS macro, a robust computational tool for research models involving both mediating and moderating mechanisms, was used for analysis.FindingsWO was found to be a risk factor for organizations in that it not only induces/aggravates strain in employees, but also hampers them in expending effort in given roles. Findings further highlight that the negative relationship between WO and WE is mediated by EE and moderated by WC.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the cross-sectional data and correlational research design, the study has limited power to make causal inferences about the relationships between the constructs (e.g. WO and WE). Further, the study is conducted in a collectivist culture where people are particularly sensitive to WO; it is, therefore, possible that the strength of relationships between the constructs might differ in individualistic cultures.Practical implicationsApart from informing management practices in relation to minimizing the occurrence of WO, the study also offers valuable insights into how employees can protect themselves from the negative effects of WO.Originality/valueThe study is among the very few empirical works that simultaneously explicate how and when WO jeopardizes employees' WE.

The spirituality and spiritual care of clinical nurses in Indonesia

This study aimed to investigate associated factors of spirituality and spiritual care in clinical nurses in Indonesia. Cross-sectional descriptive and correlational research designs were used in this study. Purposive sampling was applied among 204 participants in private hospitals, Medan and Bandung, Indonesia. The questionnaires consisted of demographic and characteristics information and the spirituality and spiritual care rating scale (SSCRS). Mann Whitney test was used to investigate associated factors of spirituality and spiritual care in clinical nurses in Indonesia. This study found that there was statistically significant between department with spirituality (p=0.017), receiving spiritual care lessons during nurse training with spiritual care (p=0.032), and receiving spiritual care lessons during nurse training (p=0.013) and educational background with nurses’ perception of spirituality and spiritual care (p=0.040). Receiving spiritual care lessons during nurse training, and educational background were statistically significant with spirituality and spiritual care in clinical nurses in Indonesia. The findings of this study provide information for clinical nurses and generally of nurses to understand the perception of spirituality and spiritual care in hospital for care patient in a hospital in Indonesia. It is also suggested that appropriate strategies to improve knowledge and perception of spirituality and spiritual care should be developed shortly.

Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Jordanian Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in Jordan. This paper aims to explore the unmet supportive care needs (USCNs), and their predictors among Jordanian survivors with CRC.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design with a convenience sample of 180 patients with CRC was conducted. Participants completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 34.Results:Jordanian patients with CRC reported their highest perceived level of need in the information and psychological domains. Multiple linear regression revealed that income and the number of chemotherapy sessions were significant predictors in the physical and daily living domains. Age, type of surgical treatment, and type of clinical setting were significant predictors of USCN in the psychological, patient care and support, and the health system and information domains.Conclusions:The health-care systems should work to meet all the supportive care needs for patients with CRC, particularly the informational and psychological needs domains where patients express unmet needs. Special care should be given according to age, type of surgery, and the doses of chemotherapy received. This study further confirms a disparity in the care and support provided to Jordanian cancer patients with different health-care settings in the country.

Social Determinants on Suicidal Thoughts among Young Adults.

Objective. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between poverty, religion, and suicidal thoughts among U.S. youth. The disparities regarding gender, race, and ethnicity with regard to suicidal thoughts were also assessed. Methods. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used for this study and a national representative sample of 1945 young adults aged 18 to 25 was selected from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Logistic regression analysis with interaction effects was utilized to determine if poverty and religion were associated with suicidal thoughts. Results. About 43 percent of the sample reported having suicidal thoughts when things got worse and this prevalence rate varied by gender and race/ethnicity with white males self-disclosing the highest rate of suicidal thoughts. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, black males who lived up to two times the poverty line had a higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts (p = 0.011), and religion protected against suicidal thoughts (p = 0.012). Youth with lower education and poor health were more inclined to have suicidal thoughts than their peers. Conclusions. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for American young adults aged 18 to 25. Understanding these differences between social determinants of suicide can help public health researchers strategize how to make evidence-based recommendations for suicide prevention efforts.

Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality Among High School Students: A National Study.

The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and their correlated factors among high school students in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional correlational research design was used. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires completed by students attending high schools in Jordan. Data show that anxiety and depression are prevalent among adolescents and are associated with higher risk of suicide and disease prevalence. Twenty-seven percent of the variance in suicidality is explained by anxiety and depression. This finding indicates that the most significant predictor of suicidality is anxiety and depression among high school students. Results show that mental health issues are a genuine general health issue among high school students. Health care professionals should routinely screen for mental health problems among young people. Mental health and well-being advancement programs should be coordinated and directed by all parties involved in youth mental health. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(8), 43-51.].

Teeth Problem in Primary School Children: It's Relation to School Absenteeism and Academic Achievement

Teeth problems affect primary school children physically and psychologically and it harms their general health, nutrition, growth, and body weight. Also, it causes learning problems, affecting their academic performance and absence from school. Aim: To measure the effect of teeth problems on school absenteeism and academic achievement among primary school children. Materials and methods: Design: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational research design was used. Sample: included 576 primary school children who were selected randomly from two primary schools in Sohag city. Tools: A structured interview questionnaire was completed by the parents included five parts regarding 1) demographic characteristics of parents, 2) demographic characteristics of children; 3) question related to school absenteeism, 4) question related to school academic achievement, 5) question regarding homework completion, and The Decayed, Missing, Filled (DMF) index was used to collect data. Results: There was a significant relationship between school absenteeism and DMFT score (P = 0.001). There was a significant relation between school academic achievement in academic year subjects and DMFT score (P = 0.007). There was a significant relationship between homework completion and DMFT score (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Teeth problems had a bad effect on absenteeism and academic achievement among primary school children. Recommendation: Establishing a health education program for parents about their children's teeth problems and frequent periodic teeth checkup is required.

Paternal Stress and Child Outcomes in Youth with Sickle Cell Disease.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental stress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). A cross-sectional correlational survey research design was used for this quantitative study. One hundred-fifty patients between the ages of 8-17 years old and their caregivers were enrolled from an outpatient comprehensive sickle cell program within a hospital setting. Patients completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale 3.0 SCD Module, whereas parents completed the Parental Stress Scale and demographic information questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine if parental stress scores predicted the HRQOL of children diagnosed with SCD after controlling for demographic variables. The sample included 150 patients (median age: 12 years old; female: 52%) who were diagnosed with SCD along with 150 of their caregivers. Higher levels of parental stress predicted lower HRQOL scores (p < .001). As parents reported elevated levels of stress related to caring for their child with SCD, patients reported worsening HRQOL. More evidence is needed in order to determine, which constructs of parental stress had a significant impact on HRQOL. It may be helpful for healthcare workers to be aware of familial influences of reduced HRQOL among children diagnosed with SCD. Parents reporting increased stress related to raising their child with SCD may benefit from additional support and resources.

Language Teachers’ Pedagogical Orientations in Integrating Technology in the Online Classroom: Its Effect on Students Motivation and Engagement

The present study assessed the language teachers' pedagogical beliefs and orientations in integrating technology in the online classroom and its effect on students' motivation and engagement. It utilized a cross-sectional correlational research survey. The study respondents were the randomly sampled 205 language teachers (μ= 437, n= 205) and 317 language students (μ= 1800, n= 317) of select higher educational institutions in the Philippines. The study results revealed that respondents hold positive pedagogical beliefs and orientations using technology-based teaching in their language classroom. Test of difference showed that female teachers manifested a firmer belief in student-centered online language teaching than their male counterparts. However, the utilization and attitude towards technology in the language classroom is favorably associated with the male teachers. As to students' level of language learning motivation and engagement, it was found out that male and female students have high level of language learning engagement. Further, the test of relationship showed that the higher the teachers' belief in utilizing student-centered teaching to integrate technology in the language classroom, the higher the students are motivated and engaged in learning. In like manner, it was also revealed that teacher-centered belief is negatively correlated to student’s motivation and engagement in online language learning. In this regard, the pedagogical assumptions that hold EFL teachers positively to integrate technology in the language classroom. This study generally offers implications for enhancing language teacher's digital literacy to promote motivating, fruitful, and engaging language lessons for 21ts century learning.

Factors Associated with Attempt for Smoking Cessation among Hardcore Smokers in Taiwan.

Background: Tobacco control activities have mostly influenced those smokers who found it easier to quit and, thus, remaining smokers are those who are less likely to stop smoking. This phenomenon is called “hardening hypothesis,” which individuals unwilling or unable to quit smoking and likely to remain so. The aim of this study was to identify the factors correlated with smoking cessation among hardcore smokers.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design was employed. Hardcore smokers from communities in Taiwan were recruited to participate in the study (N = 187). Self-report questionnaires were used to collect demographic data as well as data on nicotine dependence, quitting self-efficacy, social smoking motives, attitudes towards the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (THPA), and smoking cessation. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors that were related to quit smoking.Results: About 30.3% (n = 54) reported having experienced quitting smoking over 7 days in the past year. Logistic regression analysis indicated that attitudes towards the THPA was identified as a particularly important factor contributing to the increase in smoking cessation among hardcore smokers.Conclusions: Nurses should cooperate with smoking cessation coaches to facilitate the improvement of attitudes towards the THPA as a key means through which to increase the smoking cessation rate among hardcore smokers.

Effect of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Academic Performance among Primary School Children

Introduction: anemia due to iron deficiency is considered a common global risk between primary school children that have a serious effect on their academic performance. The current study aim was to investigate the effect of iron deficiency anemia on academic performance among primary school children. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational research design was used. Materials and methods: included 720 primary school children who selected randomly from two primary schools at Sohag city in October 2019 aged 6 to 12 years. Tools: A structured questionnaire filled in by the parents and the Raven Standards Progressive Matrices test was used to measure cognitive function and school academic performance. Iron level was determined by measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations. Results: In this study most of primary school children 82.0% suffered from intellectual deficit. Academic performance on the Raven Standards Progressive Matrices test was associated significantly with anemia due to iron deficit (p=0.035). A positive significant relationship was found between ferritin values and academic performance between children (p=0.001). Conclusion: anemia due to iron deficiency anemia between children had effect on academic performance impairments. Recommendation: Encourage health educational program for parents about children’s nutritional requirements specially iron requirement and frequent blood testing is required.

Doctoral capital and well-being amongst Australian PhD students: exploring capital and habitus of doctoral students

PurposeThe Higher Degree Research (HDR) journey is known for its difficulties, complexities and challenges (Lees-Deutsch, 2020), with many students experiencing multi-faceted issues and concerns (Skopek et al., 2020). Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the relationships that exist between variables, vulnerability factors and doctorial capital of candidates (n = 532) studying at Australian universities (2019).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative cross-sectional correlational research design and Bronfenbrenner's socio – ecological framework (personal, home, university, community) was utilised to collect participants' (n = 532) descriptive statistics. Bourdieu's social reproduction theory was used as a lens to examine how experiences, across the PhD candidature, are influenced by several psychosocial factors and doctoral capital.FindingsFrom such a dual methodological approach, the findings from this study suggests that (1) age, (2) gender, (3) nationality, (4) financial/work status, (5) years of PhD and (6) attending postgraduate (PG) student events, go to significantly (p &lt; 0.001) impact (positively and negatively) on students' experiences and correspondingly, impacts on their self-confidence, motivation and mental health and well-being status.Research limitations/implicationsResearch limitations are related to the recruitment of more doctoral students across more Australian universities. Further research is required from HDR supervisors, so as to “balance” the experiences of the PhD journey in higher education.Practical implicationsIn order to succeed in academia and HDR programs, students need to identify with and develop the “right kind of capital” to successfully navigate fields of social and scholarly play. Investigating how the participants perceive their social and scholarly habitus is seen as crucial in helping students to develop positive dispositions relevant to being a doctoral student.Social implicationsThe concept of doctoral capital and well-being, amongst Australian PhD students, is under researched and requires further investigation as a precursor to developing more specific policy designs aimed at providing heightened positive learning environments/HDR programs tailored to support doctoral students.Originality/valueWhilst reforms to improve PhD experiences are well established across the international literature (Geven et al., 2018; Skopek et al., 2020), evidence for Australia is largely missing. It is envisaged, that findings from this research will further assist in the development of quality policies that would go to provide effective services and support for doctoral students within Australian universities.