Using appreciative inquiry to empower international students to flourish in research

Authors

  • Lillian Hung University of British Columbia
  • Stephen Cheong Yu Chan Saint Francis University, Hong Kong
  • Lily Haopu Ren University of British Columbia
  • Hiro Ito University of British Columbia
  • Bubli Chakraborty University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/grzhy846

Keywords:

Appreciative Inquiry, mental health, well-being, research, empowerment, international students, Gerontology Laboratory

Abstract

Despite growing studies on Appreciative Inquiry (AI), rooted in positive psychology, its application in a research laboratory and its associated impact on students’ mental health and well-being are underexplored. Thus, this study explores how a positive environment affects students’ mental health and well-being. Interpretive descriptions guided the data collection and analysis process. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 23 students recruited through convenience sampling. Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) feeling valued by others builds confidence, (2) strength-based guidance fosters growth, and (3) meaningful research work increases resilience. Our study suggests that a positive environment informed by Appreciative Inquiry has the potential to positively affect the mental health and well-being of international students.

Author Biographies

  • Lillian Hung, University of British Columbia

    LILLIAN HUNG, PhD, RN, is an Associate Professor at the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada Research Chair in Senior Care, and the founder and head of Innovation in DEmentia and Aging (IDEA) Lab. Her research is at the forefront of exploring how emerging technologies, including robotics and assistive devices, can support and impact dementia care for older adults. Dr. Hung’s research findings were used to inform policy, education, and practice in aging research and practice improvement in hospitals and long-term care settings. Email: Lillian.hung@ubc.ca

  • Stephen Cheong Yu Chan, Saint Francis University, Hong Kong

    STEPHEN CHEONG YU CHAN, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences at Saint Francis University, Hong Kong. His expertise includes psychology and research subjects including Positive Psychology, the Psychology of Aging and Research Methods in Psychology. Dr. Chan’s research interests fall into aging and positive psychology while his current research is mainly related to carer studies, positive psychological interventions and positive psychology in older adults. Email: cy4chan@sfu.edu.hk

  • Lily Haopu Ren, University of British Columbia

    LILY HAOPU REN, MHLP, is a PhD student in interdisciplinary studies at UBC. Lily is a Research Project Manager at UBC’s Innovation in Dementia and Aging (IDEA) Lab. She graduated with Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Seniors Care from UBC. Ms. Ren is interested in ethical considerations in technology implementation for dementia care delivery in hospital settings. Email: lily.ren@ubc.ca

  • Hiro Ito, University of British Columbia

    HIRO ITO, BA, is a second-year Master of Science student at the School of Population and Public Health, UBC, and a Research Project Manager at UBC’s Innovation in Dementia and Aging (IDEA) Lab. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UBC. Ms. Ito’s research interests include the psychosocial and cultural aspects of health, aging and dementia, and accessibility. Email: hiro.ito@ubc.ca

  • Bubli Chakraborty, University of British Columbia

    BUBLI CHAKRABORTY is a family partner at the IDEA Lab. She is the caregiver of her family member living with dementia. She graduated with a Master of Environmental Studies degree at York University. Ms. Chakraborty is interested in supporting researchers in codesigning research projects and coproducing knowledge translation outputs to improve the care of people living with dementia. Email: nibedita.chakraborty@ubc.ca

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Published

2024-12-02

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Vol. 14 No. 5 (2024): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English)

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How to Cite

Using appreciative inquiry to empower international students to flourish in research. (2024). Journal of International Students, 14(5), 41-66. https://doi.org/10.32674/grzhy846