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Social Support and a Growth Mindset: An Autoethnography of a Vietnamese Doctoral Student in Canada

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Title: Social Support and a Growth Mindset: An Autoethnography of a Vietnamese Doctoral Student in Canada
Language: English
Authors: Thu Thi Kim Le
Source: Canadian Journal of Higher Education. 2026 56(1):127-142.
Availability: Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. P.O. Box 34091, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5, Canada. Tel: 204-474-6404; Fax: 204-474-7561; e-mail: csshe@cc.umanitoba.ca; Web site: www.cjhe-rces.ca
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Social Support Groups, Student Adjustment, Resilience (Psychology), Doctoral Students, Social Capital, Stress Management, Family Influence, Networks, Self Esteem, Sense of Belonging, Professional Identity, Cooperation, Student Development, Self Efficacy, Beliefs
Geographic Terms: Vietnam, Canada
ISSN: 0316-1218
Abstract: This autoethnography study examines how social support and a growth mindset shape the adaptation and resilience of a Vietnamese doctoral student in Canada. Grounded in social capital theory and growth mindset theory, it explores how bonding, bridging, and maintained forms of social capital interact with agency to mitigate academic, financial, and emotional stress. Drawing on personal narratives, reflective journals, and memory work, three interconnected themes emerged: (1) family emotional support and cultural continuity, which provided psychological grounding and a sense of belonging; (2) academic networking and institutional support, which fostered esteem, professional identity, and scholarly collaboration; and (3) professional growth through a growth mindset, which transformed challenges into opportunities for development. Findings reveal that growth mindset is not merely an individual trait but also a relational process enacted through networks of emotional, informational, social companionship, and instrumental support. It operates as a mediating force that activates social capital and situates agency within supportive contexts. This research contributes to international doctoral education by offering a nuanced understanding of social capital, social support, and mindset as interdependent dimensions of adaptation. It emphasizes inclusive, relational environments that empower international students to thrive academically and personally.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504236
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Social Support and a Growth Mindset: An Autoethnography of a Vietnamese Doctoral Student in Canada
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  Data: Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. P.O. Box 34091, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5, Canada. Tel: 204-474-6404; Fax: 204-474-7561; e-mail: csshe@cc.umanitoba.ca; Web site: www.cjhe-rces.ca
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  Data: This autoethnography study examines how social support and a growth mindset shape the adaptation and resilience of a Vietnamese doctoral student in Canada. Grounded in social capital theory and growth mindset theory, it explores how bonding, bridging, and maintained forms of social capital interact with agency to mitigate academic, financial, and emotional stress. Drawing on personal narratives, reflective journals, and memory work, three interconnected themes emerged: (1) family emotional support and cultural continuity, which provided psychological grounding and a sense of belonging; (2) academic networking and institutional support, which fostered esteem, professional identity, and scholarly collaboration; and (3) professional growth through a growth mindset, which transformed challenges into opportunities for development. Findings reveal that growth mindset is not merely an individual trait but also a relational process enacted through networks of emotional, informational, social companionship, and instrumental support. It operates as a mediating force that activates social capital and situates agency within supportive contexts. This research contributes to international doctoral education by offering a nuanced understanding of social capital, social support, and mindset as interdependent dimensions of adaptation. It emphasizes inclusive, relational environments that empower international students to thrive academically and personally.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 16
        StartPage: 127
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social Support Groups
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Adjustment
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Resilience (Psychology)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Doctoral Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social Capital
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Stress Management
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      – SubjectFull: Family Influence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Networks
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      – SubjectFull: Self Esteem
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Sense of Belonging
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Professional Identity
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      – SubjectFull: Cooperation
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      – SubjectFull: Student Development
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      – SubjectFull: Self Efficacy
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      – SubjectFull: Beliefs
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      – SubjectFull: Vietnam
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Canada
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Social Support and a Growth Mindset: An Autoethnography of a Vietnamese Doctoral Student in Canada
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