Studies in Higher Education Publishes Article by Professor Razinskas

Prof. Dr. Stefan Razinskas from the Chair of Organization and Management, together with Dr. Daniela Datzer, Prof. Dr. Yvette E. Hofmann, and Prof. Dr. Martin Hoegl (all from LMU Munich), has just published an article in the journal Studies in Higher Education. The study titled “Keeping STEM in the game: Resilience, setbacks, and the development of commitment” investigates why students in STEM disciplines remain committed to their study programs despite facing adversity.

Drawing on quantitative data from a three-wave longitudinal study of 234 students at German higher education institutions, the authors demonstrate that psychological resilience plays a nuanced role in the development of commitment over time: while higher resilience strengthens commitment when students face setbacks, it can have diminishing effects in the absence of adversity. In other words, although resilience is generally beneficial, too much of it may lead students to disengage when challenges are lacking.

By uncovering these dynamic patterns, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how personal resilience shapes academic persistence. At the same time, it provides practical insights for addressing the ongoing shortfall of qualified STEM graduates.

This article is published open access and can be downloaded for free here.