توصيف كيفي تجارب دانشجويان دكتري دانشگاه اصفهان از استرس مالي

This study was conducted with the aim of qualitatively exploring the experiences of doctoral students at the University of Isfahan regarding financial stress. The research sought to answer the following questions: How do doctoral students experience financial stress? What do they perceive as its main causes? an‎d what coping strategies do they employ to adapt to it? Adopting a qualitative approach, the study population consisted of all single male doctoral students at the University of Isfahan. Participants were selec‎ted through purposive sampling, an‎d data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The interview data were systematically coded, an‎d main an‎d sub-themes were identified. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis based on the six-phase framework proposed by Braun an‎d Clarke (2006). The analysis resulted in the identification of six main themes: (1) Financially insecure living during doctoral studies; (2) Role conflicts an‎d prioritization; (3) Between support an‎d aban‎donment: the experience of financial stress within networks of institutions an‎d relationships; (4) Silent psychological an‎d physical erosion; (5) Resilience, meaning-making, an‎d persistence; an‎d (6) Financial stress as an issue beyond the individual: structural an‎d policy-related dimensions. Overall, participants highlighted the inadequacy of financial support, the administrative complexities associated with student loans, an‎d the adverse social consequences of financial stress on academic continuation, marriage, an‎d the migration of highly educated individuals. At the same time, they described financial stress as an opportunity for personal growth an‎d the development of resilient coping capacities. To manage financial stress, they employed active coping strategies such as seeking advice, reading, writing, an‎d engaging in activities that promote mental an‎d physical well-being. Despite their concerns, participants maintained motivation to continue their academic journey through hope for the future an‎d a strong belief in the value of higher education. The findings indicate that under current economic conditions, economic capital has become more influential than cultural capital, such that higher education an‎d academic credentials alone no longer guarantee a reduction in financial pressures; rather, they may themselves become significant sources of financial stress. Furthermore, the lack of adequate structural support for doctoral students is perceived as a major factor contributing to diminished motivation an‎d intensified financial difficulties. These findings underscore the need to reconsider an‎d strengthen support policies for graduate students in order to better address the economic challenges they face.

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