Investigating PhD students’ wellbeing and mental health: towards evidence-led and innovative solutions

Abstract

PhD candidates face elevated risks of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Yet, mental health in doctoral education remains under-addressed and insufficiently supported by systematic data and interventions. In response, the Italian Ministry of University and Research launched PRO-BEN, a nationwide initiative aimed at investigating and promoting undergraduate and graduate student wellbeing. Within this framework, the “Health Mode On” project engages 10 universities and conservatories across Italy, targeting nearly 12,000 students, with a specific focus on doctoral candidates. As part of the assessment component, a survey adapted from the World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative was expanded through a Delphi-informed process to include lifestyle-related domains. A pilot study conducted in July 2025 at the University of Pavia involved 352 PhD students (36.3% response rate). Preliminary findings showed a 12-month prevalence of 18.5% for mood disorders and 25.0% for anxiety disorders, highlighting a substantial burden of mental health conditions. By integrating epidemiological assessment with evidence-led interventions, training, and institutional engagement, the project aims to provide a scalable framework to support doctoral wellbeing.