Ostracism and Wellbeing in the Narratives of the Transition from University to Work Among Ethnically Diverse UK Graduates

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Title: Ostracism and Wellbeing in the Narratives of the Transition from University to Work Among Ethnically Diverse UK Graduates
Creator: Devanshi Vikamsey, Amena Amer, Michèle D Birtel, Oliver C Robinson
Date: 2026
Abstract: The transition from university to employment is a multifaceted life event involving adjustments in identity, relationships, lifestyle, and financial independence (Robinson et al. in Journal of Adult Development, 2020). We present qualitative findings on ostracism and identity shifts reported by recent graduates during this transition, drawing on in-depth interviews with 18 recent ethnically diverse UK graduate participants, recruited on the criterion of having above-average levels of self-reported general ostracism. The findings are organized into three meta-themes: life at university, the liminal period of job searching and adjustment, and experiences in the workplace or continued unemployment. Themes of social isolation, and perceived exclusion were prominent themes and were linked to ethnicity, university culture, and peer relationships. During university, participants described heightened mental health struggles, exacerbated by the shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the liminal phase after graduation, participants reported anticipatory stress, financial hardships, and challenges adapting to new identities while navigating exclusion due to language barriers and lack of experience. Experiences in the workplace reflected further struggles, with participants encountering exclusion, limited opportunities for upward mobility, and continued unemployment among the participants. Our findings emphasize the complexity of post-graduation transitions and highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to support graduates’ mental well-being, promote inclusivity, and facilitate their integration into the workforce. Future research should further explore the role of social and collective identity development in enhancing graduate outcomes.
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Subject: Psychology; developmental psychology
Rights: Open Access

Item sets: Academic Works

This item was submitted on September 18, 2026 by [anonymous user] using the form “Submission” on the site “Regent's University London Repository”: https://repository.regents.ac.uk/s/main

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