The Voice of the African Postgraduate Student in Addressing Fear of Research for Sustainable Development and Enhancing Wellness

Abstract

The study aims to develop guidelines to assist postgraduate students in addressing research-related fear during their studies and in developing resilience, as well as social, emotional, and intellectual wellness. A qualitative design and narrative approach were used in this study. The theoretical framework that guides the study is the African philosophies of Ubuntu and wellness (Hettler, 1980). Purposive sampling was used to get the study's three participants (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). Data is collected through interviews. Data analysis indicated that the three participants experienced fear in their research journey. Recommendation of Ubuntu principle is of utmost importance; a good relationship with the supervisor help them address fear of research and develop resilience, as well as social, emotional, and intellectual wellness, for sustainable development and lifelong learning.

Keywords: postgraduate student, supervisor, +++fear, resilience, intellectual, social, emotional wellness, sustainable development

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/17-6-18

Publication date: June 30^th 2026