Bohan Zhang, Arkers Wong, Rose E Constantino, Vivian Hui
The association between psychological distress, abusive experiences, and help-seeking among people with intimate partner violence
BMC public health
despite efforts increase participation marginalized students science technology engineering mathematics stem neurodivergent students remained underrepresented underserved stem graduate programs qualitative study aims increase understanding experiences neurodivergent graduate students pursuing advanced degrees stem analysis consider common graduate school experiences interface invisibility neurological diversity thus contributing set unique challenges experienced neurodivergent students qualitative study 10 focus group sessions conducted examine experiences 18 students identify neurodivergent graduate stem programs large researchintensive r1 university used thematic analysis transcripts focus groups identify three overarching themes within data findings presented novel model understanding neurodivergent graduate stem student experiences findings suggest students identify neurodivergent feel pressure conform perceived neurotypical norms avoid negative perceptions also may selfsilence maintain stability within advisoradvisee relationship stigma associated disability labels contributes heavy cognitive emotional load students work mask neurodiversityrelated traits navigate decisions disclosure neurodivergence ultimately experience significant mental health challenges burnout despite many challenges neurodivergent graduate students study perceived aspects neurodivergence strength findings may implications current future graduate students graduate advisors may may aware students neurodivergence program administrators influence policies impact wellbeing productivity neurodivergent students