The Self-worth, Physical and Social Activities of Graduate Students: A Qualitative Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2006
Journal
College Student Journal
Volume
40
Issue
2
First Page
282
Last Page
292
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore graduate students' perspectives of how graduate school affected their participation in physical and social activities and their self worth. Seven focus groups (n = 47) were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Finances and quality of interactions were among the main social challenges reported. Activity availability was among the main physical activity concerns reported. Delayed gratification and an elation/depression cycle were among the themes pertaining to self-worth. Any changes to one wellness component could jeopardize an individual's well being and life balance. This study's participants' physical and social activity and self-worth were reportedly all impacted by being a graduate student; at times, some areas of their lives (i.e., school) received magnified attention at the cost of other areas. Further research is needed to explore these issues to assist graduate students' life balance.
