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Exploring Identity and Physical Activity in Substance Use Recovery: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Coetzer-Liversage, Anthony; Kirkland, Chelsey; Stephens, Peggy C.; Stein, Lynda A. R.
International Journal of Qualitative Research Vol. 4 No. 3 (2025): March
Publisher : CV. Literasi Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.47540/ijqr.v4i3.1888

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUD) are a significant public health challenge in the United States, with high prevalence among young adults. Physical activity (PA) and identity construction have been found to support SUD recovery and promote a new, substance-free identity. However, more research is needed to understand the links between PA and identity construction. The purpose of this research was to understand the lived experience of how people recovering from a substance use disorder perceive their identity change throughout their self-discovery journey and the role of PA in this journey. Participants were recruited from a local PA group, four 60–90-minute interviews were conducted, and interpretive phenomenological analysis on verbatim transcribed audio files was performed. Three super-ordinate themes were found: 1) Core of Being, 2) Support Connection and Belonging, and 3) Suffering. Findings are consistent with and expand prior research, both within group PA settings and in participants’ journeys.
“A Blessing and a Curse”: Challenges, Strategies, and Needs of International Graduates in the Midwest USA Nguyen, Tam Ngoc Minh; Coetzer-Liversage, Anthony; Kenne, Deric R.
International Journal of Qualitative Research Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): November
Publisher : CV. Literasi Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.47540/ijqr.v5i2.1961

Abstract

International graduate students are among the most vulnerable populations in university settings due to diverse academic, social, and mental health challenges. Despite this, few studies have examined how they navigate these difficulties. This study explored the mental health experiences and coping mechanisms of international graduate students at a large, research-intensive university in the Midwestern United States through a resilience-informed lens. Using a descriptive qualitative design, nine participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) the ups and downs of stress, describing the fluctuating nature of students’ emotional well-being; (2) finding ways to thrive, highlighting diverse coping strategies and personal growth; and (3) the need for proactive services, emphasizing students’ calls for tailored institutional support. While existing services were acknowledged, participants identified gaps in culturally and contextually relevant resources. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on international students’ mental health, coping mechanisms, and service needs in higher education.