Being single in parenting

Constructing and reflecting the experiences of international PhD student mothers in pursuing a study by utilizing the collaborative autoethnography method

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/skvby291

Keywords:

International PhD Student Mothers (IPSMs), Dual Roles, Childcare, PhD Journey, Collaborative Autoethnography (CAE)

Abstract

This study examined the coping strategies employed by international PhD student mothers (IPSMs) to navigate the complex challenges encountered throughout their PhD journeys. This study utilized the collaborative autoethnography (CAE) method to investigate the experiences of five IPSMs who were engaged in collective reflection. The IPSMs revealed that their journeys were not solely academic endeavors but rather meaningful experiences that fostered resilience and adaptation, enabling them to contribute significantly to ecological system theory (EST). They identified key strategies for balancing their dual roles by constructing and reflecting on their experiences, such as affirming a positive mindset to enhance self-efficacy, connecting with communities and involving children in academic activities. The findings underscore the importance of campus support systems that highlight the role of mentorship, flexible policies and inclusive environments in mitigating the challenges faced. 

Author Biographies

  • Dr Diana Trisnawati, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Dr. Diana Trisnawati earned her Ph.D. from the Faculty of Education at Universiti Malaya in June 2025. She currently serves as a lecturer in the Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3931-8764. Her research interests focus on global education and intercultural education. She can be reached via email at s2038233@siswa.um.edu.my or diana.trisnawati@uny.ac.id. 

  • Dr Gunartati, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Dr. Gunartati is a lecturer in the Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her research interests primarily focus on civic education and citizenship. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6653-8944. She can be reached via email at gunartati@uny.ac.id.

  • Mrs. Wulan Tri Puji Utami , Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Wulan Tri Puji Utami is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Policy, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her research interests lie in the foundations of education and educational policy. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4154-8730. She can be contacted via email at wulantpu@uny.ac.id.

  • Mrs. Yeni Nur Prilanita, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Yeni Nur Prilanita is a PhD student at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. She is also lecturer at Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her research interests include the application of artificial intelligence in education, instructional design, and teachers' competencies. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3981-4330. She can be contacted via email at yeniprilanita@uny.ac.id.

  • Mrs. Suci Puspita Ratih, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

    Suci Puspita Ratih is a PhD student at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Her research and community initiatives focus on topics such as smoke-free environments, mask-wearing compliance, early detection of cervical cancer, and the promotion of women's and children's health. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4380-6154. She can be contacted via email at puspita.ratih.fik@um.ac.id.

  • Mrs. Tri Wahyu Oktaviana Putri , Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

    Tri Wahyu Oktaviana Putri is a PhD student at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Her research interests encompass control systems, artificial intelligence, and image processing. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0367-9429. She can be contacted via email at triwahyu@itpln.ac.id.

  • Mrs. Evi Puspitasari, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

    Evi Puspitasari is a PhD student at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Her research focuses on transportation modeling, public transport, shared mobility development, and transport policy. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8805-2854. She can be contacted via email at evi.puspitasari@untidar.ac.id.

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Published

2026-02-28

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Vol. 16 No. 7 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Special Issue: Institutional Global Footprints and International Enrollment Trends

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How to Cite

Trisnawati, D., Gunartati, Utami , W. T. P., Prilanita, Y. N. ., Ratih, S. P., Putri, T. W. O., & Puspitasari, E. . (2026). Being single in parenting: Constructing and reflecting the experiences of international PhD student mothers in pursuing a study by utilizing the collaborative autoethnography method. Journal of International Students, 16(7), 115-136. https://doi.org/10.32674/skvby291