Bachelor’s thesis writing as an emotional process

Authors

  • Kati Rantala-Lehtola University of Jyväskylä Author
  • Maria Ruohotie-Lyhty University of Jyväskylä Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.21145

Keywords:

Academic Writing, Multiliteracies, Emotion, Conception, Writing Process

Abstract

This study explores the bachelor’s thesis writing process from the perspective of emotions by using a holistic, narrative approach to individual development. Emotions are analysed in interconnection with implicit conceptions about academic writing and about oneself as a writer. The process of academic writing is described as a movement where balancing positive and negative emotions is one part of academic multiliteracy. The data of the study include visual, textual, and interview data from different phases of the bachelor’s thesis process. In the analysis, four types of narratives of thesis writing are created: growth, survival, project, and conflict narratives. The study offers a holistic perspective to academic writing and provides writing instructors and students with ways to identify emotions and implicit beliefs related to writing processes.

Author Biographies

  • Kati Rantala-Lehtola, University of Jyväskylä

    Kati Rantala-Lehtola, Department of Language and Communication Studies, Doctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

  • Maria Ruohotie-Lyhty, University of Jyväskylä

    Maria Ruohotie-Lyhty, Department of Language and Communication Studies, Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

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Published

2022-09-22

Issue

Section

Research Matters

How to Cite

Rantala-Lehtola, K., & Ruohotie-Lyhty, M. (2022). Bachelor’s thesis writing as an emotional process. Writing and Pedagogy, 14(1), 49-72. https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.21145