One of the most helpful strategies for dissertation-writers is connecting with other dissertation-writers to create a support group.

But have you ever thought about what kind of support you need from these groups?

Or what kind of support you are giving?

Or even why it’s so darn helpful?

There is a phenomenon called “social contagion” or “emotional contagion” that may go a long way in helping to explain why we are so influenced by the people around us.

Because it’s Friday afternoon and I have a whack of things I have to finish and I have a client arriving in 8 minutes, I’m not going to discuss this phenomenon in detail right now.

But I am going to give you a link to a lovely little article by Margaret Greenberg and Senia Maymin that discusses social contagion from a business team perspective (Manage Your Team’s Energy, Not Just the Work) and leave you with a couple food-for-thought questions:

If you had to “catch” something from your fellow ABDs, what would you want that to be?
If you were going to “spread” that something yourself, how might you go about it?
How do you think this notion of contagion might apply to your relationship with others as well: your advisor? Your committee? the friends you spend off-dissertation time with?

Love to hear your thoughts and comments on this one!