In-depth Interviews Research Articles

Faculty Members’ Perspective on the Internationalization of Higher Education in Taiwan

AbstractFaculty members are a key stakeholder group in the internationalization of higher education. However, there is scant research on faculty in higher education internationalization, especially in the non-English-speaking world. Taking Taiwan as a case study, this study examines faculty’s perspective on and role in internationalization. Based on the data collected through in-depth interviews with faculty members and participant observation at four universities, the study shows that while faculty unanimously agreed on internationalizing higher education, they held divergent imaginaries on internationalization and different perspectives on internationalization strategies. Furthermore, university internationalization affected faculty’s work lives through performancism in faculty evaluations, the emphasis on international publications for research output, and using English as a medium of instruction (EMI). In response, faculty either took an active role in internationalization by embracing the changes, or a passive role by avoiding, questioning, or resisting internationalization initiatives. Faculty’s imaginaries of internationalization and seniority ranking were crucial in shaping their responses to and roles taken in the internationalization of higher education. This study discusses the impact of higher education internationalization on faculty’s academic profession and illuminates the challenges that universities and faculty face in non-English-speaking countries that aspire to compete in the global market of higher education.

Developing and Validating the Health Literacy Scale for Migrant Workers: Instrument Development and Validation Study

Abstract Background Research concerning health literacy among migrant workers in South Korea has been limited, especially given the lack of validated instruments and the lack of focus on the cultural diversity of migrant workers. Objective This study aimed to develop and validate a health literacy scale for unskilled migrant workers (HLS-MW) in South Korea. Methods We first generated a pool of potential items based on a literature review and in-depth interviews with 23 migrant workers. Subsequently, we reviewed empirical referents from the first step to select relevant medical terminologies and passages, ultimately choosing 709 words. The study team initially generated 35 items with 709 health-related terms through empirical referent reviews. After content validity testing by an expert panel, 28 items comprising 89 terms on the 2 subscales of prose and documents were selected for psychometric testing. Overall, 402 unskilled migrant workers in South Korea completed a web-based survey between August and September 2021, with 334 responses included in the final analysis. We used multiple analytic approaches, including exploratory factor analysis, Rasch analysis (item response theory), and descriptive analysis, to examine the new scale’s validity and reliability. Results The final sample primarily included young male workers from South Asian countries. The HLS-MW yielded 2 factors: prose and documents. The item difficulty scores ranged from −1.36 to 2.56. The scale was reduced to 13 items (10 prose and 3 document items), with the final version exhibiting good internal reliability (Kuder-Richardson index=0.88; intraclass correlation coefficient=0.94, 95% CI 0.93‐0.95) and test-retest reliability (r=0.74, 95% CI 0.57‐0.92). HLS-MW scores differed significantly by Korean language proficiency (F2,331=3.54, P=.004). Conclusions The HLS-MW is a reliable and valid measure to assess health literacy among migrant workers in South Korea. Further studies are needed to test the psychometric properties of the HLS-MW in diverse migrant groups in South Korea while also establishing cutoffs to help identify those in need of health literacy support.

Adverse childhood experiences, subsequent negative life events, and their impact on health in occupational rehabilitation patients: a mixed-methods study

IntroductionAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent globally and can negatively impact an individual's lifespan by not only increasing the likelihood of encountering other negative life events (NLEs), but also escalating the risk of illness, absenteeism due to sickness, unemployment, and reliance on disability benefits in adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of ACEs and NLEs, as well as their health impacts among patients undergoing occupational rehabilitation.Materials and methodsA total of 80 participants diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders and/or common mental disorders who participated in two occupational rehabilitation programs in Norway were included. Data were collected by questionnaire and in-depth interviews (39 participants) at the start of the intervention. Comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted between individuals with a history of ACEs and those without these experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify the impact of ACEs and NLEs on the health of the informants.ResultsHalf of the participants reported ACEs. Of these, 18% reported one ACE, 22% reported 2–3 ACEs and 9% reported 4 or more ACEs. Also, 25% were categorized as revictimized. The two groups with ACEs had more NLEs in adulthood compared to those without ACEs (p < 0.001), revictimized the most (mean numbers between groups 3.1, 4.5 and 5.9). Furthermore, a history of ACEs was associated with a higher number of reported mental health issues compared to those who had not experienced ACEs (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between the two ACE groups. NLEs had a substantial impact on the participants’ current health status, whether they occurred in childhood or adulthood. In adult life, a high workload (psychologically or physically), interpersonal challenges, and financial struggles had an especially negative impact. Additionally, accidents and complications related to surgeries were also significant NLEs causing health problems. For most, there were complex interactions between NLEs and health.ConclusionsThe prevalence of ACEs and NLEs is high among occupational rehabilitation patients. ACEs are associated with subsequent victimization, interpersonal challenges, financial struggles, and increased mental health issues in adulthood. These findings highlight the need for systematic screening and a holistic, individualized approach in occupational rehabilitation programs to potentially mitigate the adverse effects of NLEs on health and work participation.

Unethical conduct as a multifaceted phenomenon in psychiatric care: Nurse leaders’ perspectives

Background: Mental healthcare can be considered a unique practice due to its ethical characteristics, and an awareness of ethics is crucial when working in a mental health setting. Several ethical challenges exist, and professionals may not always recognize the ethical aspects of psychiatric care. Research on psychiatric care from nurse leaders’ perspective is scarce but important, because nurse leaders can impact and cultivate workplace culture. Aim: To explore the phenomenon of unethical conduct in a psychiatric inpatient context from nurse leaders’ perspectives. Research design: Qualitative exploratory design. In-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants and research context: Eight nurse leaders from two different healthcare organizations in Finland. Leadership experience ranged between 2 and 30 years. Ethical considerations: Research ethics permission was received from a Research Ethics Board where the researchers are domiciled. Guidelines on good scientific practice as delineated by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity TENK were followed. Findings: Six main categories were generated: Unethical conduct and violations against patients, Unethical conduct and violations against staff, Unethical conduct and violations by staff against other staff, Unethical conduct and violations against leaders, Reasons underlying unethical conduct, and Consequences of unethical conduct and the positive development of psychiatric care. Conclusions: Unethical conduct was seen to be a multifaceted phenomenon, and patients and staff alike can experience and engage in unethical conduct. Unethical conduct against patients was linked to power imbalance (nature of involuntary care, staff attitudes) and a focus on rules based in historical precedent (paternalistic, routine-focused, not patient-centered). Unethical conduct against staff was linked to the nature of involuntary care and patient ill-health. Unethical conduct by staff against other staff was linked to a lack of understanding for others’ work, interpersonal chemistry, (length of) work experience, and staff character. Unethical conduct against leaders was linked to leaders being perceived as the organization.

Coping strategies for household water insecurity in rural Gambia, mediating factors in the relationship between weather, water and health

Abstract Background Rural communities in low- and middle-income countries, such as The Gambia, often experience water insecurity periodically due to climate drivers such as heavy rainfall and reduced rainfall, as well as non-climate drivers such as infrastructural issues and seasonal workloads. When facing these challenges households use a variety of coping mechanisms that could pose a risk to health. We aimed to understand the drivers of water insecurity (climate and non-climate), the behavioural responses to water insecurity and the risks these responses pose to the health of communities in rural Gambia and map these findings onto a conceptual framework. Methods We interviewed 46 participants using multiple qualitative methods. This included in-depth interviews and transect walks. A subset of 27 participants took part in three participatory pile-sorting activities. In these activities participants were asked to rank water-related activities, intrahousehold prioritisation of water, and the coping strategies utilised when facing water insecurity. Results Multiple strategies were identified that people used to cope with water shortages, including: reductions in hygiene, changes to food consumption, and storing water for long periods. Many of these could inadvertently introduce risks for health. For example, limiting handwashing increases the risk of water-washed diseases. Deprioritising cooking foods such as millet, which is a nutrient-dense staple food, due to the high water requirements during preparation, could impact nutritional status. Additionally, storing water for long periods could erode water quality. Social factors appeared to play an important role in the prioritisation of domestic water-use when faced with water shortages. For example, face-washing was often maintained for social reasons. Health and religion were also key influencing factors. People often tried to protect children from the effects of water insecurity, particularly school-aged children, but given the communal nature of many activities this was not always possible. Many people associated water insecurity with poor health. Conclusions To reduce the risks to health, interventions need to address the drivers of water insecurity to reduce the need for these risky coping behaviours. In the short term, the promotion of behavioural adaptations that can help buffer health risks, such as water treatment, may be beneficial.

Clickbait, anonimato y “cuña selfie”: el temor como factor de cambio en las prácticas periodísticas

This research examines how fear, in the digital environment, acts as a factor of change in professional practices and in the relationship of journalists with audiences and sources. Through 91 in-depth interviews, it identifies the transformations and repercussions of this evolution and the role that fear plays in audience attraction practices such as clickbait; in actions to protect journalists such as self-censorship and anonymity, as well as the emergence of new reporting dynamics such as the “selfie quote”.

Highly educated Ukrainian migrants in Poland prior to 2022: education, work and integration efforts

ABSTRACT Drawing on recent original qualitative research, this paper focuses on the under-researched area of highly skilled migration in the relatively new migratory context of Ukrainian migrants to Poland. Commonly, migrants from Ukraine have been found to work in basic low-paid jobs and in an informal, non-regulated capacity; thus, often falling prey to precarious and insecure employment. However, this article focuses on career pathways of highly educated migrants from Ukraine in Poland and explores how they take advantage of their education and qualifications. The analysis is focused on individual-level factors. The paper discusses the findings of 29 individual in-depth interviews. Among the respondents, 15 were working in occupations requiring higher education, and 14 worked below their education. This article contributes to the literature on the use of qualifications of migrant workers from Ukraine in Poland. We found that knowledge of the Polish language, and individual attitudes influence migrants’ use of education/qualifications. The relationship between family composition and the labour market situation of people with higher education is not clearly established in this research. We hope these findings will support the integration efforts of the newly arrived forced migrants from Ukraine in Poland and beyond.

Enhancing accessibility: Development and usability testing of mobile application mitigating sexual harassment for visually impaired masseurs

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the development and usability of the Visually Impaired Masseur Assistance Application (VIMAA) designed to respond to signs of danger or instances of sexual harassment experienced by Visually Impaired Masseurs (VIMs). It harmonizes Rapid Application Development (RAD) method and qualitative in-depth interviews. RAD was implemented with emphasis on four core stages: requirement identification, design workshop, construction, and implementation, while Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted utilizing thematic analysis for usability testing. Functionality testing also verifies the effectiveness of VIMAA features while requesting help, notification, and feedback. Pre-test identified four themes, including traumatic experiences and the need for protection. Post-test revealed themes such as ease of requesting assistance and switching to speech mode. VIMs perceive that VIMAA as user-friendly, practical, and acceptable. The requesting help, notification, and feedback features also work well. This study presents the effectiveness of VIMAA in establishing a framework that is accessible by a diverse spectrum of VIMs. The insights derived from this research also furnish valuable perspectives on the preferences of users reliant on mobile applications designed for VIMs, thus providing significant impetus for future research and development endeavors in this domain.

Harnessing the Dark Kitchen Consumer Potential Through Sensing, Seizing, and Reconfiguring

ABSTRACT This study’s objectives are to shed light on the dark kitchen phenomenon, produce new knowledge, address extant research gaps and develop a theoretical framework. The study’s key themes include dark kitchen entrepreneurs’ most impactful perceived current consumer trends, how to address these, and which trends they expect to emerge in the future. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 dark kitchen operators in Vietnam. The analysis revealed various dimensions, including “leveraging status” and “fostering allegiance,” to explain consumers’ increasingly empowering role in the online food sales market. The “uncompromising” and “accentuating rudiments” dimensions suggest how dark kitchens can capitalize on opportunities while the “attentiveness,” “creative- and applied mind” dimensions illuminate ways to advance regarding future consumer trends. The analysis also identifies practical and conceptual implications.

REGENERATIVE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF CIRCUMSTANCES IN PHUKET

The concept of sustainable tourism has long been a focal point in tourism literature. However, the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change and over-tourism, suggests that sustainability alone may no longer be sufficient. This is where regenerative tourism emerges, shifting the focus from merely minimizing harm to actively restoring and enhancing ecosystems, communities, and economies through tourism activities. This preliminary research aims to investigate the current state of regenerative tourism development in the context of Phuket, Thailand. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews with six key informants, including local community members, public and business representatives in tourism organizations, and local government officials. The iterative analysis of the interviews revealed several critical themes: waste management issues, insufficient enforcement of laws and regulations, the need for improved stakeholder collaboration, and growing environmental concerns. Additionally, the study highlighted various regenerative tourism practices currently being implemented. This preliminary study reveals four critical challenges in Phuket's regenerative tourism development: systemic waste management failures, insufficient law enforcement and regulations, lack of stakeholder collaboration, and escalating environmental concerns. The findings indicate that transitioning to regenerative tourism requires enhanced infrastructure and waste management systems, strengthened regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, improved stakeholder engagement processes, and comprehensive environmental monitoring systems. This research supports the need for a balanced approach to tourism development that considers environmental and social impacts alongside economic benefits. The implications of this research are significant, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and the optimization of collaboration among relevant tourism stakeholders to foster regenerative tourism in Phuket.

Exploring Gender Equity in Tanzania- A Comprehensive Study on the Need for Inclusive Practices in Selected Major Media Houses in Tanzania

This study investigates gender equity in Tanzanian print media, particularly focusing on women's leadership. Utilizing a qualitative approach with an interpretivist paradigm, the explanatory case study design includes 12 in-depth interviews. The research unveils the impact of Stereotype Theory on employment promotion policies, emphasizing challenges related to family life and child-rearing in career advancement. Challenges in adhering to maternity leave regulations are identified, hindering the balance between family planning and career progression for female journalists. The study highlights subjective performance evaluations, favoritism concerns, and a lack of transparency in promotion policies, contributing to gender inequity. A glass ceiling is noted at middle and senior management levels. Recommendations include implementing supportive structures for working mothers, revising promotion policies for transparency, and fostering a workplace culture that actively promotes inclusivity. The aim is to create a more equitable and inclusive media industry in Tanzania.

Altered body as a source of interactional problems in the family of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 – A polish study

Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, whose clinical picture is dominated by visible body changes as well as numerous somatic and behavioural abnormalities. Aim The aim of the study was to explore the ways in which the individual experiences NF1 in everyday life, with particular emphasis on the impact of the altered body on family interactions, in addition to the personal and social identity of individuals with NF1. Methods A qualitative study was performed using individual in-depth interviews with 93 individuals with NF1 (median age: 36.69; range: 18 to 64; 26% males). Results Body changes caused by NF1 determine the specificity of social interactions in the families of the sick. The strength and direction of the impact of body changes on social interactions depends on their type (visibility, invisibility), as well as the meanings given to them. The visibility of disease lesions triggers an attitude of excessive control and stigmatization in the family, especially on the part of the mothers of individuals with NF1, and prompts a tendency to define the individual through the prism of the disease and its bodily manifestations. In turn, the lack of visibility of disease symptoms gives rise to, especially on the part of the fathers of the sick, opposing attitudes of disease denial, normalization of its symptoms and a tendency to question the disease identity of individuals with NF1. The great intensity of interactional problems concerns especially those families in which NF1 was transmitted through inheritance, and family members blame each other for the disease. This leads to repression and denial of the disease, excluding it from the scope of issues discussed in the family, which is an attempt to avoid the attribution of blame for the disease. Conclusions The body changes resulting from NF1 have social consequences that are of critical importance in the lives of the sick. The impact of NF1 on family interactions depends on the ways in which the disease is understood by the sick individual and his or her family members. The obtained patient-driven data constitute a convenient starting point for designing personalized interventions supporting individuals with NF1 and their families.

Social Media and Cyber-Crime Among Abraka Residents, Delta State, Nigeria

Social media platforms have become a routine for many people. The number of active social media users have more than doubled within a couple of years resulting in current record of over one billion. The lack of control of social media have created room for vices, such as fraud, falsehood, sedition, blackmail, pornography, invasion of privacy, and other unacceptable practices. One of the greatest problems affecting social media is that it promotes superficial connection that can end up causing long term emotional and psychological problems. This study was undertaken to determine social media and cyber-crime among Abraka residents. A sample of three hundred (300) respondents were drawn from seven (7) different locations and zones in Abraka, using the simple random sampling technique. The descriptive survey research design was adopted and data was collected from the three hundred (300) questionnaires administered and in-depth interview conducted. Data from questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 in order to test the extent to which social media users are aware of the use of social media platforms in the perpetuation of cyber-crime. The results revealed that social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Badoo, Instagram, BBM, etc have been used to perpetuate cyber-crime. On the basis of these findings, the study concluded that social media-aided cyber-crimes have significant effect on its users and that social media, with its positive impact, have brought serious threats to the society. Based on the findings, the study recommends the use of password codes among social media users in order to restrict leakage of vital/relevant information on the internet from social media users to fraudsters.

“Transgenders are not dinosaurs!” Stigma faced by transgender women in their daily lives in India: implications for research and policy

Background Transgender women face stigma that adversely impacts their mental wellbeing. The stigma can be self-directed (internal), discrimination, violence and hatred directed towards them by others, mostly cis-gender persons (interpersonal stigma) and discrimination faced at the level of institutional arrangements (structural stigma). Methods This was an exploratory study that used qualitative methods of data collection (focused group discussions and in-depth interviews) to gather data from consenting adult trans women who lived in the city of Kolkata situated in the eastern state of West Bengal in India. Results The findings showed that trans women faced the trauma of non-acceptance and even rejection by their families when they began to express their chosen gender. Their gender non-conforming behaviour made them the butt of ridicule and harassment in school, resulting in many of them not finishing school. This made finding employment difficult. The trans women study participants also faced harassment at the hands of the police and from hospital staff, making them reluctant to approach the police for help and seek treatment from health providers for their physical as well as mental health concerns. Conclusions It is important for researchers to be cognizant of the challenges faced by trans women/transgender people while designing and conducting research. It is also important for policymakers to make gender affirming policies to mitigate and eliminate the stigma that transgender people are subject to thereby promoting their wellbeing.

Analisis Penggunaan Teknologi Digital dalam Berkomunikasi Driver Tour Guide untuk Meningkatkan Pengalaman Wisatawan

This study aims to analyze the use of digital technology in communication between driver tour guides and tourists in Bali, as well as its impact on the tourist experience. This research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach was conducted through a survey of tourists using driver tour guide services in Bali, while the qualitative approach was conducted through in-depth interviews with driver tour guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation analysis and the F-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.The results indicate that the use of digital technologies, such as mobile applications and chatbots, significantly improves the quality of communication and tourist satisfaction. Correlation analysis shows a very strong relationship between the use of digital technology by drivers and tourist satisfaction (correlation coefficient R = 0.911). The F-test indicates that the effect of digital technology use on tourist satisfaction is significant (F-value = 61.814; p < 0.05). Qualitative findings also reveal that digital technology facilitates more accurate and faster information, thereby enhancing the overall tourist experience.This research provides significant contributions to the development of theory and practice in the tourism field and offers practical recommendations for enhancing tourism services through digital technology.

“It’s a jungle”: Precarity, solidarity, and ambiguity in small conflict reporting ecosystems

This study, based on in-depth interviews with 22 reporters, stringers, and photojournalists working in Small Conflict Reporting Ecosystems (SE) looks into the ambivalent and ambiguous work of conflict reporters who find themselves in the middle of the conflict reporting hierarchy. It seeks to diversify the understanding of global conflict reporters’ positionalities, broaden the understanding of their precarity and the overall “crisis” of global conflict reporting, and draw inspiration from the diversity of actors and practices creating the current global conflict reporting ecosystems. I address the following questions: What makes the work of SE conflict reporters “bad”? What makes it “good”? How do SE reporters navigate the ambivalence of their work and the ambiguity of their positions? The findings illustrate how SE journalists often turn their precarious conditions and ambiguity into a creative edge and solidarity networks and show how ambiguity (rather than crisis) becomes a key concept helping to understand current conflict reporting.

Pendekatan Efektif dalam Manajemen Konflik di Madrasah

This research aims to examine the sources of conflict and strategies implemented by madrasa heads in managing conflict at MTs Al Washoya, Ngoro, Jombang. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach. Data was collected through observation techniques, in-depth interviews and document analysis, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the source of the conflict and the madrasa head's strategy in resolving it. The results of the research show that the source of conflict arises from the first internal factor, the absence of teachers without notification and the lack of attendance of most teachers at meetings. Secondly, the unequal distribution of tasks has resulted in excessive workload for some teachers and staff. The third issue is interpersonal relations. Some teachers felt offended when they were reprimanded by picket teachers. The strategy used by madrasah heads in handling conflict is by carrying out several stages, namely analysis of the level of conflict that occurs, including identifying the characteristics of the conflict, the type of conflict, its causes and the actors involved. Next, identify the source of the problem, to understand the roots of the conflict that occurs. Then the conflict resolution process involves summoning the conflicting party for questioning and giving a personal warning. Lastly, carry out an evaluation by communicating with the parties in conflict to ensure that the solution provided resolves the conflict

Examining the components of freedom values in contemporary Chinese society

IntroductionThis research paper delves into the structure and connotation of freedom values within contemporary Chinese society, taking into account the historical, societal, and cultural context.MethodsTo achieve this, a multifaceted approach was adopted, integrating literature analysis, focus group interviews, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire surveys.ResultsThe study culminated in the development of a comprehensive conceptual model comprising five distinct dimensions: behavior within boundaries, independence without interference, autonomy with responsibility, rights with guarantee, and equality without domination.DiscussionThis conceptual model successfully consolidates the prevailing consensus on freedom values among the Chinese populace, offering a robust framework for the propagation and nurturing of freedom within Chinese society. The insights gleaned from this research deepen our comprehension of freedom values and furnish valuable guidance for academics, policymakers, and practitioners keen on advancing freedom and societal well-being.

Formative qualitative research to guide implementation of the Collaborative Care Model in a low-barrier HIV clinic

ABSTRACT Integrated behavioral healthcare interventions have increased access to care for people with behavioral health conditions in primary care settings. However, they have not been widely implemented in low-barrier HIV care settings where undertreated behavioral health needs remain high. We conducted a formative qualitative evaluation, using in-depth interviews with purposively selected stakeholders (n = 13) and patients (n = 16), to identify anticipated barriers and facilitators to integrating care for depression and opioid use disorder for people with HIV via the Collaborative Care Model at a low-barrier HIV clinic. Patients and stakeholders expressed their enthusiasm for the Collaborative Care Model based on its perceived relative advantage over the standard of care referral system. Availability of resources, practical concerns about perceived fit with low-barrier HIV care, and anticipated suitability given other behavioral health comorbidities and patients’ complex socioeconomic needs partially tempered stakeholder perceptions of appropriateness for the Collaborative Care Model. Patients and service delivery stakeholders were receptive to the Collaborative Care Model, but felt it was moderately appropriate in the context of low-barrier HIV care, which necessitated key adaptations to core model components to improve its contextual fit.

The use of autonomy among physical education teachers in Finland and Kurdistan region of Iraq

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to examine fifth-grade physical education (PE) teachers’ reflections and perceptions about PE teaching in Finland and Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI), using analyses of in-depth interviews with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.MethodsThis was accomplished by exploring eight Finnish and six KRI PE teachers’ opinions, attitudes, experiences, and reflections regarding their work as PE teachers, using semi-structured in-depth interviews about PE, as well as their reflections related to an indoor and an outdoor video from ordinary PE teaching in the other country. The initial analyses of the two groups of teachers using the qualitative analysis program NVivo revealed interesting findings related to student autonomy, and these differences were examined closely.ResultsWhile the analyses showed that all the Finnish PE teachers highlighted the importance of providing student autonomy within the open-ended questions related to PE, PE teachers in KRI seldom discussed autonomy during the open-ended questions. Instead, they seemed to organize their teaching in a way that decreased autonomy. The Finnish PE teachers indicated that the use of autonomy was central in the curriculum, and that they used autonomy to increase the students’ motivation and to make PE more meaningful for the students. With such a strategy, the use of autonomy would also activate and include more students, even if Finnish PE teachers reported certain challenges with students’ autonomy. The PE teachers from KRI, however, related PE to be mainly focused on performing sport activities and reflected a strategy of “just do as I do” - a strategy that created little room for autonomy, even if the findings pointed to some traces of autonomy among the PE teachers in KRI.DiscussionConsidering the findings and the theoretical concept of self-determination theory that highlight students’ autonomy as essential for students’ motivation, integration, wellness, and well-being in PE, our findings suggest that new perspectives and practices are needed among teachers in KRI to ensure autonomy in PE teaching. In this vein, increased exchange of experiences and collaboration between educators from Finland and KRI could be beneficial.