Expat University Professors' State of Psychological Well-Being and Academic Optimism towards University Task in UAE
Luis Guanzon Rile Jr., Nemia Ledesma Tan, Neda June Salazar
This study explored the state of psychological well-being
and academic optimism in relation to university tasks
among one hundred sixty-nine (169) professors in
selected UAE universities, utilizing mixed quantitative
and qualitative research approaches. The quantitative
aspect primarily employed descriptive correlation method
which used quantifiable data through survey instruments
on psychological well-being, academic optimism, and
university tasks. The qualitative analysis was used
through a focused group discussion among nineteen (19)
key informants. Six (6) areas of psychological wellbeing:
autonomy, environmental mastery, personal
growth, positive relations, purpose in life, and selfacceptance
were measured through the Ryff’s Scales of
Psychological Well-Being. Academic optimism scale
measured three (3) subscales: efficacy, trust, and
academic emphasis. University tasks were categorized
into three (3) major areas: student centered work,
professional development work, and community centered
work. The moderator variables considered were age,
gender, length of teaching experience, length of
experience in the UAE, and area of specialization. The
results showed that the participants tend towards high
scores in the subscales of autonomy, self-acceptance, and
purpose in life. The academic optimism scale showed
prominent high scores in efficacy and trust. Among the
university tasks, student-centered work was the most
fulfilled. Using the focused-group discussion, most expat
university professors lament on the lack of time,
management support, and lack of funding to pursue
professional development, particularly research and
publication. The regression analysis showed that there is a
significant correlation between psychological well-being
and academic optimism. Both psychological well-being
and academic optimism predicts fulfillment of university
tasks. Full Text
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