The Impact of the Student-Supervisor Relationship on Graduate Student Mental Health: A Review of Literature

In recent years, the mental health of graduate students has become a prominent concern in higher education, influenced by various factors, including academic pressure, financial challenges, and the critical role of their supervisors. Among these factors, the student-supervisor relationship stands out as a key element shaping the mental health and well-being of graduate students. This literature review explores how supervisory dynamics affect graduate students’ mental health. Findings identified six factors: supervisor support, communication, power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, financial support, and supervisor expertise, impacting students' mental health. Supportive, transparent relationships promote positive mental health, while poor communication, imbalanced power dynamics, and cultural insensitivity heighten stress, anxiety and isolation. Institutions should prioritize supervisory training focused on effective guidance, empathy, and cultural competence for the creation of healthier academic environments. For students, accessible counseling, academic support and transparent communicational channels are crucial. Universities must also introduce clear policies, standardized feedback mechanisms, and equitable supervisory practices that define expectations and maintain professional boundaries. Together, these measures strengthen student-supervisor relationships and enhance overall graduate well-being. Finally, limited research on master’s level students highlights the need for future studies focusing on this group’s distinct experiences.