Academic Adjustment and Sense of Coherence of the Muslim Students from the Three Southernmost Provinces of Thailand: Qualitative Research

Abstract

Encountering both academic and cultural difficulties among Muslim students when they stay far from their hometowns could subject them to academic and psychological impacts that could hinder their growth. This study therefore aimed to investigate the experiences of academic adjustment and sense of coherence of the Muslim students from the three southernmost provinces of Thailand. A qualitative method was used in this investigation. Twelve students were selected to take part in an in-depth interview. Data collected through interviews, using guideline questions, was coded from verbatim transcript and categorized into themes. The result revealed three main themes: (1) The causes of academic stress leading to adjustment were language, coexistence in society between men and women, and learning (2) Two coping strategies were employed by the subject in solving their problems. One was the problem - focused coping strategy through positive energy creating and changing themselves manually to be accepted. The other was the social support seeking strategy such as family and friends, which made them feel encouraged, and faith-based practice. (3) Sense of coherence such as being open–minded, regarding problems as serious matters, and learning sense of coherence from their suffering lives. These qualitative findings provided insight into Muslim students’ experiences in academic stress, their adjustment and sense of coherence. Conclusion and implications for educators, researchers, and counseling psychologists in facilitating their better academic adjustment and well living were discussed.



Author Information
Maithai Chaiyapan, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Thailand

Paper Information
Conference: ACP2015
Stream: Qualitative/Quantitative Research in any other area of Psychology

This paper is part of the ACP2015 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon