Qualitative Analysis using Braun and Clarke’s Six-Step Process The analysis of the data was achieved by first identifying the codes and themes that appear in the data. Using Braun and Clarke's six-step process, the following codebook was created from the four transcripts. Table 1. Codebook
Code
Description of the Code
Example from Transcript
Family support
Family played a key role in social support towards completing the doctoral program.
“My family my immediate family my husband was really supportive”.
Peers support in encouraging one to succeed in completing the doctoral program.
“but kind of like an online forum where we can log in and post things and kind of encourage each other and I think that to helped, about half of us I think ended up graduating on time”
Peers support system.
“I had my family were supportive and you know cheering me on so to speak and rooting for me”.
“we would discuss things a lot of group texting was amazing” “it was but it was more a like morale kind of support.” “So it was both like a little competitive to show them how it's done and also morally just like a place an outlet a vent sharing and also of course cheering each other on.” Advocating for yourself/
Self-support towards
“But in regard to people
Self-support
completing the doctoral program.
around me family of course knew about it but there was no one like actually present physically. So, it was more me. I was my biggest social support, if that makes sense” “So I think advocating for yourself has got at least, You know the 55-60 percent of that more than half or you won't complete the degree.”
Faculty member support
Faculty member social support contribution towards the online doctoral success.
“So I would go to her often if I was like hey I'm looking for a resource. Do you know anybody who's researched that? And she was really good to offer names or you know some information there” “They were supportive with a lot of mainly emotionally but also academically because we would have a lot of deep discussions.” “And then we brought on the methodologist and the content person and they were very supportive especially my methodologist. “
few friends support
Few friends understood and gave space while keeping in touch.
“Major support you know from friends leaving me alone but communicating with me is not so invasive kind of way than that.”
Support from church
The higher spiritual “I mean maybe Church like feeling encouraging one to you know people keep you
succeed in completing the doctoral program.
in prayer that you would be able to complete your degree…” “I'm really that that you got to have that higher spiritual feeling like you know this is the reason I'm able to do this.”
Had an inspiration wall
The resilience factor of optimism contributed to their online doctoral success.
“Once I started boom, I knew there was no way out. So focused on hearing my name Dr. P being announced at graduation.”
Being positive
Strategies to stay optimist while undertaking online doctoral
“I think you have to stay positive and you have to just say you just have to suck it up and do what is asked of you at this point“ “I don't like to Not follow through I don't like to fail so quitting wasn't an option”
Autonomy
Strategies to stay optimist while taking charge of your online doctoral program
“Knowing that I could do it. But also the biggest actor I think was just the autonomy that I was going to be the captain of my ship and somebody else who was trying to steer course.”
Can-do attitude
Adoptive mechanism towards challenges while undertaking your online doctoral program.
“I think I just have a can-do attitude. I don't have a fatalist view about things that you know.” “I mean it's not you know a lot of things don't just happen it's through the hard work and perseverance.” “I'm always like get it done kind of person, sometimes I do so much that
unfortunately…" Focusing on the prize at the end
Coping mechanism towards challenges associated with online doctoral program.
“You just have to focus on the prize at the end and just yes ma'am no ma'am. I'm from the south. You know it's Yes. Just going to be a yes person because you know not being run over. I mean there's a definite limit to that.”
Stick to what you know
Coping strategy towards challenges associated with online doctoral program.
“so I never, every time it got difficult regardless of how frustrated I was I would stick to what I knew or at least got me forward moving so. That was my coping strategy.”
Taking a break
Coping strategy towards challenges associated with online doctoral program.
“one thing is to walk away. Not permanently, temporarily… just you know close the document take a day or two off and then come back and then you know those smart goals have those small steps like OK” “It was a lot of deep breathing. A lot of times I would have to just go for a walk.” “So just being really flexible and there were probably other coping strategy is just giving myself a night off every once in a while.”
Being organized
Coping strategy towards challenges associated with online doctoral program.
“I think just trying to stay really organized really positive and like structured.” “just I think a lot of
forethought like trying to perceive any of those barriers roadblocks challenges and communicate really effectively…” “So you know that probably you know just again setting goals and deadlines and then sticking with it.” Getting out and walk
Adaptive health behaviors that contributed to their online doctoral success
“I recommend that you know is walk around so you don't get the blood clot and die before you finish dissertation. Exercise is important for the body just like the brain…” “Critical I think if somebody is doing a doc and they're struggling to get through reading or writing stop if you can go outside take a walk just walk.” “Or when you're really upset because you had a phone call and didn't go your way or you. Get some sunlight. Some vitamin D, clear your mind.” “…I'm sure I didn't do a lot of things I should have done like exercise and take time for myself. Those are important things to remember. “ “I would get up every morning by 5:30 get to the gym for a little while. That helped to relieve stress.”
Celebrating and recognizing success
Adaptive health behaviors that contributed to their online doctoral success
“I recognized that you need to you know be happy for the things you accomplish. But mostly I was just like yes I can check that box off and I will owe X amount of less money when I finish.” “by moving toward focusing on the next one. I actually didn't really allow myself to get too excited.” “I shared with my family I would go yes I cleared this. Yes. I you know I finished this class. You know sometimes I would send a group e-mail and the e-mails within the cohort would kind of that my whole group would they kind of tapered off.”
Intrinsic motivation
Resilience-related factors do doctoral graduates perceive that influenced their online doctoral success
“you willing to just strike out on your own and set your own course and get things done.”
Spirituality
Resilience-related factors do doctoral graduates perceive that influenced their online doctoral success
“I'm a Christian and I think that definitely helps you know to just say look I'm feeling really beat down and weak now. You know when you can pray or have other people pray for you and lift you up and I think that helps.” “I cannot imagine not getting through this program or well this especially this program without having my faith and you know the support from other fellow
believers and those with strong faith…” Dedication to the program
Doctoral graduates perceived influence.
“One thing is self-advocate definitely advocate for yourself. That's going to get you far. “ “Just my personal drive to have that degree. It's something that I really wanted.”
Support system and strategies
Resilience-related factors do doctoral graduates perceive that influenced their online doctoral success
“find a support system and strategies that work for you that if you need to take a day or week off and then come back and look at the feedback and say you know I can do this or if you feel like you can't do it then reach out and ask someone that maybe they're not even in the program but they're just a spouse or friend.” “… I'll go professionally instead of so much personally because my family has been such huge support.”
References Bernard, H. R. & Ryan, G. W. (2010). Analyzing qualitative data. New York, NY: Sage Publications. Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589-597. Clark, V. & Braun, V. (2013). Teaching thematic analysis. Psychologist, 26(2), 120-123. Grand Canyon University. (2013). Template for coding and summary tables. Yin, R. (2014). Case study research design and methods. New York, NY: Sage Publications.