Theoretical Sampling Research Articles

A grounded theory of cognitive analytic reflective practice groups.

Whilst cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is increasingly used as an indirect intervention, there is little evidence of how the approach can be applied to reflective practice. This study sought to develop a process model of cognitive analytic reflective practice (CARP) groups. Constructivist grounded theory approach supplemented by quantitative measures of helpfulness and group cohesion. Twenty-four participants, working within four staff teams in a secure children's home, attended four CARP groups over a 1-year period. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed and checked for model fidelity and then analysed using grounded theory. Theoretical sampling was achieved via conducting focus groups with teams informed by the emergent categories, and using sessional measures of group cohesion and helpfulness to confirm theoretical saturation. The model constructed had three interrelated main categories: 'facilitator processes: establishing a reflective space', 'group processes: widening awareness of the self, others, and system' and 'outcomes: changing relational dynamics and finding exits.' The model was validated by evidence from the measures. The model offers an empirical understanding of how CAT informs reflective practice through a better understanding of reciprocity in the dynamics of care systems.

Understanding the Process of Acceptance Within the Nurse–Patient Therapeutic Relationship in Mental Health Care: A Grounded Theory

Background/Objective: Deepening knowledge about the meaning of acceptance in the context of the nurse–patient relationship will help us to understand the importance and value that people with mental health challenges attach to this attribute in the process of the therapeutic relationship. The objective of this study was to understand the process of acceptance as part of the therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients in the field of mental health. Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach. Using theoretical sampling, data were collected through unstructured interviews with mental health nurses and with people with mental health challenges. Results: Acceptance is a complex and dynamic process that takes place when both patients and nurses feel and make the other feel like an individual human being. Acceptance is not an automatic process; rather, it requires awareness on behalf of both parties involved in the therapeutic relationship. The creation of a non-hierarchical caring environment is fundamental for fostering mutual acceptance and engagement in the therapeutic process. Conclusions: Nurses must develop self-awareness and reflect on their attitudes and biases to provide person-centered care. Nurse training and personal development are essential requirements for achieving an effective therapeutic relationship and empowering patients in their recovery process.

Emergency Verbal Consent for Intrapartum Research: A Grounded Theory Study.

To understand the experiences of women, birth partners and health professionals of verbal followed by retrospective written consent in a prospective cohort study of a device to manage postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Grounded Theory. Tertiary facility in North-West England, UK. We used purposive and theoretical sampling to recruit 51 participants; 12 women, 12 birth partners, 16 obstetricians and 11 midwives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, using a topic guide for focus, until data saturation was achieved. Data were analysed using framework analysis technique. Most women wanted sufficient information to make a decision at the time of the event, rather than in advance, and preferred not to be overwhelmed with detail. A key factor in making the decision to participate was a positive and trusting relationship with the attending obstetrician. Obtaining consent for research in emergencies was viewed by obstetricians as requiring a different approach and more challenging than consent for standard procedures in an emergency. This is one of the first studies to explore verbal followed by retrospective written consent processes with women, clinicians and observers. This was acceptable to all, however information needs to be appropriate, and those discussing consent require adequate training (199/200).

Getting sincere and efficient support: A grounded theory study of older spousal caregivers of people with alzheimer's disease

Despite the importance of supporting older spousal caregivers (OSCs) of people with Alzheimer's Disease (PWAD), little evidence is available about the process of its occurrence in Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran. Understanding this process will help support more effectively. This study explored the support process for OSCs of PWAD using the grounded theory approach of Corbin and Strauss (2015). A total of 16 participants (10 caregivers, six formal and informal resources) were recruited using purposive and theoretical sampling methods, and in-depth interviews were conducted with them. Getting sincere and efficient support was the core category and was achieved through four strategies, which were thoughtful support-seeking, informal support-getting, formal seasonal support-getting, and informal support-devoting. Despite OSCs' vital need for multiple support, specific factors and conditions impair the support process. Healthcare providers and policymakers can use the results to make informed decisions and provide more practical support for these older caregivers.

Menu fatigue: Exploring an obscure concept with problem-centred expert interviews

The study aims to explore menu fatigue by defining its dimensions and the actors involved. It also aims to establish a model that reflects the paradigmatic nature of the concept. Given the paucity of literature to support the objectives, it was considered appropriate to conduct the study using a qualitative research approach. Accordingly, a grounded theory approach with problem-centred expert interviews was used to collect data, which is recommended for investigating issues that are not clearly defined and not well established, with the direct contribution of those who have sufficient knowledge of the concept being researched. First, the "what" and "who" questions were put to the only actor identified in the literature, the customer. In this way, the definition of menu fatigue was broadened and other actors to be studied were identified. Similar questions were asked of other actors such as administrative and owner/manager chefs, kitchen staff and service staff, who were also found to be affected. This cumulative approach made it possible to select 24 experts to contribute to the study. Participants were identified through purposive and theoretical sampling. The results of the two-stage coding showed that menu fatigue is not only about monotony, which is the only dimension associated with the concept in the literature, but also about excessiveness, appearance and extra effort. While previous literature accepted menu fatigue in industrial settings as an issue of customer boredom and perceived monotony, the current paper extended the concept to include newly explored dimensions and actors. Secondly, the highlighted dimensions and actors were linked to their occurrence and subsequent outcomes to be presented in a model of menu fatigue that provides a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. The paper concludes with implications for both academic and industrial practitioners.

The “noise” of suicide attempts – relating LGBTQ+-specific vs. non-specific factors

Abstract Background Despite the numerous research on the determinants and risk factors of suicide attempts, an understanding of suicide attempts as a process that holistically captures the perspectives of the actors involved is still lacking. Our study, therefore, aimed to better understand, from different perspectives, how (process) and why (subjective meaning, patterns of interpretation) (a) suicide attempt(s) among LGBTQ+ youth happen and to relate LGBTQ+-specific vs. non-specific factors. Methods From 2021 to 2024, we interviewed LGBTQ+ youth in Switzerland who had attempted suicide between the ages of 14 and 25. As part of a multi-perspective approach, we also interviewed people from their social environment where possible. Data were collected and analysed using Grounded Theory Methodology, including theoretical sampling. The final sample consisted of 41 people: 7 bisexual/lesbian cis women, 4 bisexual/gay cis men, 15 trans/non-binary people of different sexual orientations, 3 heterosexual cis people, and 12 people from their social environment. Results Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) emerged as either background or foreground “music” of the suicidal processes. In some LGBTQ+ youth, SOGI were key factors influencing their suicidality, e.g. experiencing a major lack of acceptance and barriers to accessing gender-affirming transition (foreground music type). In others, suicidality was mainly related to other aspects than SOGI, especially fundamental ones such as unsafe familial circumstances or sexualised violence, which were accentuated by SOGI-related factors e.g. feeling a lack of belonging (background music type). Further, a mixed type was identified, with SOGI and non-SOGI-related factors being equally important for suicide attempt(s). Conclusions Our study implies the need to adapt health promotion, suicide prevention, and early detection and intervention strategies according to the identified types of suicidal processes.

Making Conscientious Decisions: Engaging in Venous Leg Ulcer Self-Management Following Nurse-Led Patient Education.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) provoke multiple symptoms and impact individuals and society as a whole. Their treatment and prevention strategies require individual's involvement in self-management strategies. Insufficient knowledge with regard to prevention, management, and treatment has been identified as a critical factor related to VLUs and their recurrence. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) proposed as part of a management strategy for this population provides unclear benefits regarding wounds healing or prevention of recurrence. The aim of the study was to develop a theory explaining how individuals with a VLU experience an individualized nurse-led TPE program regarding self-management strategies. The constructivist approach of Charmaz to the grounded theory method was used to develop the theory. A total of 26 individuals contributed to the co-construction of the theory through face-to-face or telephone semi-structured interviews. Data analysis and data collection occurs simultaneously with a comparative process to reveal the conceptual categories, apply theoretical sampling, and define theoretical saturation. The theory of "Conscientiously Engaging in Self-Management" was co-constructed with the participants encapsulating four categories: "Being influenced by my own story," "Being personally informed," "Making conscientious decisions to engage in self-adapted management strategies," and "Integrating a conscientious way of living." This theory highlights individuals' voices and stories toward their journey of VLU self-management taking contextual factors into consideration. This new theory offers new knowledge about implementation of self-management strategies for individuals living with a VLU and will inform clinical practice and contribute to the development of targeted interventions.

“Going beyond the margin” work ecology model: A Filipino representation of gay instructional leaders in basic education

There has been an abundance of foreign studies on queer leadership in schools, but significantly fewer in the country. This study was initiated for this very purpose: to have a vivid description of who the Filipino gay instructional leader is as embodied in his/her work ecology model. Through the use of grounded theory, the inclusion criteria were employed to ensure a thorough exploration of the experiences of seven (7) gay instructional leaders in leading their units. The leaders were selected using theoretical sampling to develop categories that explain the specific phenomenon and form a rich and nuanced theory. Throughout the process, the researcher considered theoretical sensitivity, purposeful sampling techniques, constant comparison, theoretical saturation, and flexibility in data collection and analysis. Queer leadership, as was grounded in the data collected, meant being challenged by the culture of heteronormative leadership in the country, which includes (but is not limited to) encountering pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, navigating toxic work environments, and facing gender stereotyping and biased treatment. Further, Filipino gay instructional leaders are distinguished in their PRIDE qualities-- Passion, Resilience, Inclusivity, Diversified Role as a Leader, and Empowering Others. These qualities help them to serve and lead schools effectively. The "Going Beyond the Margin" work ecology model, created using these same grounded qualities of a Filipino gay leader, is centered on inclusivity and symbolizes the progress made by these leaders toward achieving complete acceptance and acknowledgment of what they can contribute. However, there remain some individual and systemic issues in leadership that the Filipino gay leader continues to traverse.

Anisotropic hypocycloid inspired 3-bit digital coding metasurface for radar cross section reduction

Abstract Recently, researchers have realized various exotic electromagnetic (EM) control devices using the coded metasurfaces, sparking a broad investigation into the phase or amplitude-based encoding method, as well as their combination, in the field of metasurface design. In this paper, to evaluate the influence of random mutual coupling between the adjacent element on the scattering performance of metasurface, and also to minimize the backward radar cross section (RCS) of metal plate targets, a novel encoding approach combining the reflection phase and element-form has been proposed. During the implementation process, an anisotropic hypocycloid inspired 3-bit digital coding metasurface was designed. It consists of 9 different element-forms, with each capable of providing 7 phase states. Simulation results demonstrate that the random mutual coupling introduced by the proposed elements does not significantly affect the RCS performance of the metasurface. With a good polarization insensitivity property for both linearly and circularly polarized waves, the designed 3-bit digital coding metasurface can achieve more than 20 dB RCS reduction at 10 GHz, while simultaneously transmitting additional information by encoding the element forms. The good consistency between theoretical simulation and sample testing unequivocally validates the precision of the design, this paper may serve as a useful reference for expanding the design methods of metasurfaces.

How can AI-integrated applications affect the financial engineers’ psychological safety and work-life balance: Chinese and Iranian financial engineers and administrators’ perspectives

BackgroundThe integration of AI in finance has significantly reshaped the role of financial engineers, improving efficiency and decision-making. However, it also affects psychological safety and work-life balance. Financial engineers face increased pressure to keep up with evolving technologies, fear of job displacement due to automation, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Exploring the link between AI applications, psychological well-being, and work-life balance is crucial for optimizing individual performance and organizational success, ensuring a sustainable and supportive work environment.ObjectivesThis qualitative study investigates how AI-integrated finance applications influence financial engineers’ psychological safety and work-life balance. By exploring financial engineers’ lived experiences and perceptions, the study seeks to provide insights into the human implications of AI adoption in finance.Methodology: The study utilized qualitative research methods, specifically thematic analysis, to examine data from 20 informants selected through theoretical sampling. Thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify recurring patterns, themes, and meanings within the data, allowing for a rich exploration of the research questions.Findings: Data analysis revealed several themes related to the impact of AI-integrated applications on financial engineers’ psychological safety and work-life balance. These themes include the perception of job security, the role of automation in workload management, and the implications of AI for professional identity and job satisfaction.ConclusionsThis study’s findings highlight the multifaceted effects of AI integration in finance, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges it presents for financial engineers. While AI offers potential benefits such as increased efficiency and productivity, it raises concerns about job security and work-related stress. Overall, the study underscores the importance of considering the human implications of AI adoption in finance and calls for proactive measures to support the well-being of financial professionals in an AI-driven environment.

From Sample to Population Generalization in Qualitative Research

The split of methodology into qualitative and quantitative had all sorts of negative consequences, including the neglecting of some important scientific goals, such as generalizing research results in qualitative studies. Even if they don’t talk about generalizations, many qualitative researchers illegitimately extend their research results to populations much wider than those investigated. The article shows that the generalization of research results (from sample to population) is possible in qualitative research but that it can only be achieved through a sampling procedure that complies with specific rules. The article describes this procedure of internal generalization of results through a logical or scientific inference process. It is a theoretical sampling process in four steps that does not place emphasis on the size of the sample, but on the criteria for choosing the participants and seeks to obtain the generalization of findings following data variations. The procedure offers some advantages such as the transparency of the sampling process, provocative novelties such as the possibility to adjust the research population during the research but has also significant limitations such as the effects generated by the difficulty of anticipating the complexity of the studied phenomena.

Monetized Interactions in the Sexual Minorities Network at Daneshjoo Park (Tehran, Iran)

AbstractDaneshjoo Park is located in the center of Tehran and is the first hang-out for modern life in the city, gathering different communities such as students, artists, and various lifestyles. Over the years, it has become the most famous hang-out for LGBTQ communities. Despite its significance and hundreds of visitors per day from different parts of the country, Daneshjoo Park has faced years of neglect. This study, employing grounded theory as a research method and in-depth interview as a gathering data method, investigates the emergence of sex work in the park. Participants, aged 18–40, active or retired sex workers, were selected using theoretical and snowball sampling. The findings highlight that underlying individual circumstances, such as poverty, act as catalysts for creating conditions conducive to engaging in sex work, referred to as “Individual Background Conditions.” These conditions facilitate entry into the social network of sex workers, thereby enabling the manifestation of the phenomenon of sex work within Daneshjoo Park, where individuals are gravitated to engage in sex work. The study identifies “Actualizing Interaction Conditions” as the supportive and reproductive causal mechanism through which the network operates, bringing individuals with these background conditions into the fold. This mechanism has enabled the manifestation of the phenomenon of sex work within Daneshjoo Park. The research also identifies a significant historical shift, termed the “Historical Factor,” indicating a transition in the logic of interaction from traditional forms of interaction to monetary exchanges, which has fundamentally altered the landscape of sex work in the park. Ultimately, the study suggests social empowerment strategies as a response to these findings.

Decision-making process for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy among Korean women with hereditary breast cancer: A grounded theory study

PurposeTo explore the decision-making process regarding Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy (RRSO) among women with hereditary breast cancer in Korea, with a focus on complex interpersonal interactions and sociocultural influences. MethodThis qualitative, grounded theory study conducted semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 17 women with hereditary breast cancer between March and December 2021. Theoretical sampling and constant comparison were utilized for data analysis. ResultsThe core concept identified was ‘Navigating optimal trajectories for preserving myself,’ encompassing four stages: (1) conflicting between cancer-free health and maintaining integrated self; (2) recognizing the decision-maker: myself vs. physician; (3) seeking meaningful information; and (4) evaluating decision results and prioritizing values. Women’s conflict was influenced by the time given to decide, the timing of BRCA results, complexity of surgical choices, diverse perspectives, and the quality of information. This process often reiterated until RRSO was undertaken. ConclusionWomen with hereditary breast cancer grapple with conflicting decisions to preserve their integrated selves. The decision-making process is complex and subjective, influenced by physician-dominated decision-making culture, subjective meaningful information, individual values, and decisional circumstances. Supporting women in prioritizing their values and providing comprehensive information on the physical, emotional, relational, and social impacts of each option are crucial. Oncology nurses can play a vital role in bridging the gap between physician-dominated decision-making and patient autonomy by facilitating communication and supporting patient-centered care.

Leadership in small business environments: from the heroic model to distributed approach

Purpose This study explores the process of interactions experienced by leaders during the evolution of the small firm. Three key propositions are conceptualized into a model with the main aim of supporting leaders of small organizations in understanding better the leadership phenomena. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research project investigates the dynamics of leadership in small businesses through an inductive and abductive approach, inherent to grounded theory. This enabled the development of propositions directly from data. Field research involved responsive interviews with 12 established small enterprise leaders. Selective and theoretical sampling coupled with ongoing data comparison and analysis were applied to uncover and refine emerging leadership concepts. Findings Intellectual assets of leaders in small firms propel the recognition and sensitivity to the process of organizational evolution which requires a continuous adaptation of the leadership paradigm. Research limitations/implications The researchers’ philosophical stance to construct reality based on the participants own experiences, cannot produce generalized findings on the subject area. Practical implications Enhanced Decision-Making and Strategic Planning: Small business leaders can leverage their academic and industry backgrounds to make more informed and strategic decisions. Facilitating Organizational Change: By understanding the necessity of continuous change, small business leaders can implement frameworks that encourage flexibility and adaptability within their organizations. Adopting Distributed Leadership: Encouraging small business owners to move away from centralized control towards a more distributed leadership model can lead to better organizational outcomes. Originality/value A considerable amount of research has been devoted to leadership in the past decades. There is very little evidence on behavioral patterns of leaders, grounded in data within the context of the Small Firm aimed at the practitioner. This work is contribution towards this shortfall.

Ramadan fasting experience of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects >50% of pregnancies in many Arab countries. However, few studies have explored the impact of Ramadan fasting on pregnant women with GDM and no such study has been conducted in Oman. Therefore, this is the first study in Oman which aimed to examine the experience of pregnant women with GDM during Ramadan fasting. Methods: This study employed a rigorous qualitative design, guided by a constructivist grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with GDM in the North Batinah Governorate of Oman at four primary health-care institutions. Purposive and theoretical sampling was utilized. Results: The experiences of 20 women were discussed during the interviews. Two main themes, “encouraging experiences” and “worrying experiences” emerged from the constant comparative analysis. Encouraging experiences included belief, family influence, embarrassment, sharing spiritual moments, and coping approaches. Worrying experiences included health problems, fear of harming babies, and advice from health-care professionals. This led to the development of the core category “Finding A Balance,” which means that women with GDM who fasted and did not fast during Ramadan were attempting to maintain their blood sugar to avoid harming themselves and their fetus. Conclusion: The insights gained from understanding the experiences of pregnant women with GDM are crucial as they guide the development of the best approaches to health education and supportive programs for pregnant women with GDM. Pregnant women with GDM who wish to fast should be informed about the potential risks associated with fasting during pregnancy.

Explaining the Family-Centred Care of Young People With Depressive Disorders and Suicidal Ideations: A Grounded Theory Study.

This study aimed to develop a theory to guide family members caring for young people with depressive disorders and suicidal ideations. Strauss and Corbin's Grounded Theory. Theoretical sampling was used to recruit primary family caregivers (aged 22-60) of young people experiencing depressive disorders and suicidal ideations from hospitals and psychiatric clinics in Taiwan. Data were collected using interviews (n = 23) in 2023. Data were analysed using Corbin & Strauss' analytical framework, including open, axial and selective coding until theoretical saturation was reached. A paradigm model was used to link the 13 categories and develop a substantive theory to help guide family members in the care of their young persons with depressive disorders and suicidal ideations. The core category that emerged was 'Struggling to contain the young person's life by adjusting, assisting, and protecting them from diving into depression'. Other key categories interconnected with this core category were-creating a nurturing environment, adjusting to changes, protecting the young person's safety and assisting with their medical treatment. Family caregivers could use this theory as a guide to enhance the care of young persons experiencing depressive disorders and suicidal ideations and accompany them alongside the healing process. Nursing professionals could provide psychoeducation to family caregivers on how to hold the young person gently and acquire compassion for the young persons' lived experience, thoughts and emotions, by creating a nurturing environment, adjusting to changes, protecting their safety and assisting with their medical treatment. This theory provides valuable guidance for future intervention research aimed at improving family caregivers' ability to care for young persons with depressive disorders and suicidal ideations. The COREQ guidelines were utilised. No patient or public contribution.

명예퇴직 여성 교원이 경험하는 삶의 적응 과정에 관한 근거이론적 접근

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and explain the experiences that honorably retired female teachers have after retirement and the process by which they adapt to life. Accordingly, the research questions are: First, what is the life experienced by honorably retired female teachers, and what are the difficulties? Second, what are the adaptation processes and types of adaptation experienced by honorably retired female teachers? Methods: To this end, we used the grounded theory methodology of Strauss and Corbin (1998), selected research participants through theoretical sampling, conducted semi-structured questionnaires and in- depth interviews with eleven female teachers who had experienced honorable retirement within the past three years, and analyzed the raw data. Results: Open coding resulted in 483 concepts, 118 subcategories, and 21 categories. As a result, the causal condition was 'experiencing the limits of maintaining a teaching career', the central phenomenon was 'living as an ordinary person without any affiliation', and the contextual condition was 'accepting and transitioning to life as a retiree', action/interaction strategy was 'entering the process of self- integration', and the result was 'gradually satisfying the need for self-actualization'. The core categories derived from selective coding are 'entering a stable old age through acceptance of changes in life and self-reflection and then advancing to the stage of mature self-realization'. It was found to go through an adaptation stage of 'introduction period', 'confusion period', 'change period', and 'actualization period'. Conclusion: By presenting a theoretical framework for the post-retirement adaptation of honorably retired female teachers, it is expected to be used as a useful tool in active research on honorably retired female teachers and in the development of retirement adaptation programs.

Learning, internalisation and integration of the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers: A qualitative document analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented health crisis that impacted healthcare systems worldwide. This study explores how Spanish healthcare workers learned, internalised and integrated values and work behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the personal sphere. This documentary research, using images, narratives and audiovisual content, was framed within the interpretative hermeneutic paradigm. Categories and subcategories emerged after a final theoretical sampling that focused on the analysis. Data triangulation between researchers favoured theoretical saturation. A total of 117 images and 27 texts were selected. The analysis identified three stages: bewilderment, seeking functionality in the chaos and integrating chaos into care. The data reflects how the need for security and knowledge, and the exhaustion and frustration caused by the initial working conditions, prompted adaptive responses. These responses involved focusing on problem-solving and strengthening group sentiments and solidarity. Subsequently, the data indicates the acceptance of new structural, organisational and communication aspects. The findings of the analysis will contribute towards finding a framework that can help understand community health crisis events.

A Grounded Theory Study to Explain Barriers, Promotors, and Adaptive Actions When Older Adults with Chronic Conditions Move in Community

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to construct a substantial theory that can systematically deal with barriers, promotors, and adaptive actions when older adults with chronic conditions move in a community. Methods The present study is qualitative research based on grounded theory methodology. We recruited participants in 2 day-service facilities and one nursing station, and selected participants according to principle of theoretical sampling. Results We included sixteen participants. We have constructed a theory including eight categories. The core category of the theory was “the set of primary indicators in community mobility” This core category is related to difficulty, comfortability, and safety when persons move in a community, and consists of four elements: difficulty of general actions, degree of psychological burden, degree of accumulated fatigue, and probability of accidents. Conclusion The theory integrated around the core category could provide a way of thinking for clinical practice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) -integrated educational applications and college students’ creativity and academic emotions: students and teachers’ perceptions and attitudes

BackgroundIntegrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational applications is becoming increasingly prevalent, bringing opportunities and challenges to the learning environment. While AI applications have the potential to enhance structured learning, they may also significantly impact students’ creativity and academic emotions.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the effects of AI-integrated educational applications on college students’ creativity and academic emotions from the perspectives of both students and teachers. It also assessed undergraduate students’ and faculty’s attitudes to AI-integrated applications.MethodologyA mixed-method research design was used. In the first phase, a qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing theoretical sampling to select informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with undergraduate students and university lecturers to gain comprehensive insights into their experiences and perceptions. A scale was developed, validated, and administered to 120 students and faculty in the quantitative phase. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe study revealed that AI applications often impose rigid frameworks that constrain creative thinking and innovation, leading to emotional disengagement due to AI interactions’ repetitive and impersonal nature. Additionally, constant AI assessments heightened performance anxiety, and technical frustrations disrupted the learning process. Conversely, AI applications stimulated creativity by introducing new ideas and problem-solving techniques, enhanced engagement through interactive elements, provided personalized feedback, and supported emotional well-being with gamified elements and constant availability. Quantitative data also verified that teachers and students have positive attitudes toward the benefits and challenges of these applications.ConclusionsAI integration in educational applications has a dual-edged impact on college students’ creativity and academic emotions. While there are notable benefits in stimulating creativity and enhancing engagement, significant challenges such as creativity constraints, emotional disengagement, and performance anxiety must be addressed. Balancing these factors requires thoughtful implementation and continuous evaluation to optimize the role of AI in education.