| The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure stress factors associated with being "All But Dissertation" (ABD) among counselor education and supervision, counseling psychology, and clinical psychology doctoral students. In addition, an analysis was conducted determining if scientist-practitioner variables and key demographic variables predict ABD stress. The total sample consisted of 124 ABD participants. Furthermore, 30.6% of the participants were from counselor education and supervision doctoral programs, 37.1% from counseling psychology doctoral programs, and 32.3% from clinical psychology doctoral programs. Data were collected from questionnaires via SurveyMonkey. Multivariate correlational methods were used for data analyses. The ABD stress measure, named the Bridgmon All But Dissertation Stress Survey (BASS), demonstrated a clear factor structure and a high overall internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .899. The factor structure generated four scales and associated coefficient alphas: Chair and Committee Functioning (.930), Student Organization and Task Commitment (.890), Statistics and Research Methodology Competence (.876), and Relationship and Financial Functioning (.793). Results generated from a stepwise multiple regression analysis identified three demographic variables and the SPI Research Activities subscale as the model best predicting ABD stress, R = .569, F (4, 111) = 13.32, p < .001. A model containing; (1) low dissertation chair structure, (2) low interest in research activities, (3) high current stress level, and (4) experience of a relational break-up significantly predicted higher ABD stress among the participants. It is recommended that counselor education and supervision, counseling psychology, and clinical psychology doctoral programs involve doctoral students in research activities early in the program and in a non-intimidating way. This early exposure to research may weaken the threats a dissertation poses and familiarizes the student with practical skills in research design and statistics. It is recommended that future research focus on the extent that (a) state-trait anxiety, (b) Big 5 personality factors, and (c) self-efficacy predict ABD stress as measured by the BASS. |
