Cassiano C, Leal LA, Bernardes MA, Carvalho JCM, Henriques SH. Building a taxonomy of psychosocial risk factors in stricto sensu graduate studies. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30: e250108 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250108
Abstracts
This study aimed to construct a taxonomy of psychosocial risk factors related to graduate studies (stricto sensu) from the perspective of master’s and doctoral students. It was a qualitative study conducted with master’s and doctoral students from a Brazilian public university. Data collection took place from October to December 2023 using a questionnaire for characterization and guided focus groups, with data interpretation through thematic analysis. Seventy-two graduate students participated. The taxonomy constructed encompassed psychosocial risk factors in both the context and content of the studies. Regarding context, the following factors were considered: institutional function, environment, decision-making and control, career development, interpersonal relationships, and interface between study and personal life. Regarding content, the following psychosocial risk factors were considered: resources, workload, pace and study schedules, and specific aspects of research. Thus, Higher Education Institutions should implement support initiatives and health promotion policies based on the identification and understanding of psychosocial risk factors.
Keywords
Postgraduate education; Students; Postgraduate health programs; Universities; Mental health
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250108
