Navigating Toxic Supervision and Psychological Stress in Single-Supervisor Postgraduate Research

Abstract

Postgraduate (PG) students frequently experience significant psychological stress, especially when supervisor relationships in PG research are unsupportive or toxic. Cases where PG students have only one supervisor, known as single supervision arrangements (SSA), are critiqued in this study. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of six research students (A, B, C, D, E, F) under SSA. The study generated themes of inadequate guidance, restricted academic exploration, supervisor favouritism, reputational boasting, dishonesty and misleading, and inequitable treatment. Through direct narratives, this manuscript identifies core stressors and discusses their impact on student well-being and academic progress, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms in PG supervision.