A1 Journal article (refereed)
Sources of stress and scholarly identity : the case of international doctoral students of education in Finland (2020)

Pappa, S., Elomaa, M., & Perälä-Littunen, S. (2020). Sources of stress and scholarly identity : the case of international doctoral students of education in Finland. Higher Education, 80(1), 173-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00473-6

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Pappa, Sotiria; Elomaa, Mailis; Perälä-Littunen, Satu

Journal or series: Higher Education

ISSN: 0018-1560

eISSN: 1573-174X

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 80

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 173-192

Publisher: Springer

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00473-6

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67268

Abstract

Although stressors and coping strategies have been examined in managing stress associated with doctoral education, stress continues to have a permeating and pernicious effect on doctoral students’ experience of their training and, by extension, their future participation in the academic community. International doctoral students have to not only effectively cope with tensions during their training and their socialization in their discipline but also address the values and expectations of higher education institutions in a foreign country. Considering the increase of international doctoral students in Finland, this study focuses on perceived sources of stress in their doctoral training and how their scholarly identity is involved when responding to them. The study draws on thematically analyzed interviews with eleven international doctoral students of educational sciences. The participants, one man and ten women, came from nine countries and conducted research in six Finnish universities. The principal sources of stress identified were intrapersonal regulation, challenges pertaining to doing research, funding and career prospects, and lack of a supportive network. Despite the negative presence of stress, most participants saw stress as a motivating element. However, in order for stress to become a positive and motivational force, participants had to mediate its presence and effects by means of personal resources, ascribing meaning and purpose to their research, and positioning themselves within their academic and social environment. The study argues for stress as a catalyst for scholarly identity negotiation and professional development when perceived positively.

Keywords: exchange students; doctoral education; stress (biological phenomena); identity (mental objects); professional development; tertiary education

Free keywords: international doctoral students; scholarly identity; identity negotiation; stress; eustress; higher education

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 3