Obstacles to Completing Theses and Dissertations

For many students the thesis writing process is a challenging and relatively painless process - the culmination of successful graduate studies. Some students, however, face obstacles that may require short-term professional assistance.

The staff at the Counseling and Student Development Center is available to assist individuals or groups with any of the thesis writing obstacles listed below.

• TIME MANAGEMENT - an inability to find the time to complete the project. (May be a symptom of any of the following):
• STRESS/ANXIETY - whether related to the thesis or other life circumstances, stress can interfere with your productivity and ability to concentrate, and can adversely effect your sleep, health, and relationships.
• PERFECTIONISM - the belief that your thesis is never quite good enough and that improvements are possible and necessary.
• FEAR OF FAILURE - by never starting or completing the thesis, you may avoid a finished product which you anticipate being unacceptable, or which you fear will be deemed unacceptable by your committee or others.
• FEAR OF SUCCESS - with the successful completion of the thesis comes the inevitable next step - full-time employment or doctoral studies. Thesis incompletion may represent the delay or avoidance of that next step.
• CONFLICT WITH THESIS ADVISORS - such conflicts may need to be resolved before the thesis can be undertaken or completed.
• "IMPOSTOR SYNDROME" - the inaccurate belief that you have insufficient skills to complete the project and don't measure up to fellow students. Often related to:
• LOW SELF-CONFIDENCE - being plagued by self-doubt which manifests itself in inadequate academic performance.
• UNRELATED PERSONAL PROBLEMS - personal concerns that interfere with your academic progress (e.g., romantic, medical, financial, familial).
• ACADEMIC "BURN-OUT" - because thesis writing comes at the end of the academic program, you may feel restless, unmotivated, overwhelmed, or "just plain sick and tired" of school.