title: Spiral processes of becoming: women's experiences within the context of doctoral education.
abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore women's experiences of being a doctoral student. We report on interviews from 11 women, 8 of whom were Caucasian and 3 of whom were African-American. Participants in the study described their experiences as doctoral students in ways that reflected a spiraling process of becoming. This process included experiences of confidence, support and self-discovery. This research has implications for nursing faculty and women engaged in doctoral education as well as for women who anticipate entering doctoral programs.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Grams
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kosowski
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dorman
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pless
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sims
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*; D016526:Workload