Precarity in Academia: Graduate Student Workers’ Experiences and Psychological Challenges
22nd European Conference on Developmental Psychology, Vilniaus, Lithuania, 25 August 2025 - 29 September 2026, pp.435, (Summary Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
- Doi Number: 10.15388/ecdp.2025
- City: Vilniaus
- Country: Lithuania
- Page Numbers: pp.435
- TED University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study seeks to examine the experiences of graduate students employed on temporary contracts and bursary-based conditions at a university. It also evaluates their psychological capital level. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative measures with open-ended qualitative questions to gain a deeper insight of their experiences.
Due to the researcher's affiliation with the same university, an online survey was created to maintain participants' anonymity. A demographic information form, the Psychological Capital Scale-SF, and 12 short-answer open-ended items were administered to the whole population of 42 bursary students employed as part-time teaching and research assistants. The purposive sample approach was employed to gather data, as participants needed to be part-time employees under the age of 29. Data has been gathered from 13 individuals (Mage = 24.08, SD = 1.38; 61.5% female) and is now ongoing. Preliminary findings were derived from an examination of responses to open-ended questions concerning working conditions and coping techniques, employing structured tabular thematic analysis. The results indicated that they saw their working conditions as uncertain and very demanding, emphasizing the absence of insurance. Role ambiguity was another theme they identified as a source of distress. Concerning coping mechanisms, social support, and the use of humor, reframing techniques were highlighted as effective coping ways, but some choose to avoid stressors.
This study aims to enhance the literature on emerging adulthood, given the increasing prevalence of young people engaged in precarious job settings. This research will provide a thorough knowledge of the interaction between precarious work situations and psychological aspects by integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The findings may have implications for structural changes in academic employment policies.