MJAAR

Navigating the Storm: A Case Study of Fluctuating Moods and Ego in Research Supervisors at Private Universities in Uganda

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius1, Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara2


Abstract

Background: Research supervision quality significantly impacts postgraduate student outcomes, yet supervisors' emotional and psychological characteristics remain under-examined, particularly in resource-constrained contexts. This study investigated fluctuating moods and ego-driven behaviors among research supervisors in Uganda's private universities and their effects on student experiences and outcomes. Methods: A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was employed across five private universities in Uganda during March-August 2024. Participants included 212 postgraduate students selected through stratified random sampling and 45 research supervisors purposively selected, along with 12 in-depth interviews with students experiencing severe supervisory challenges. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (Cronbach's alphas: 0.87 for students, 0.82 for supervisors) measuring frequency and intensity of mood fluctuations, ego-driven behaviors, and impacts. Quantitative data underwent univariate analysis (descriptive statistics), bivariate analysis (Pearson correlations, chi-square tests, ANOVA), and mixed-effects logistic regression modeling to account for hierarchical data structure (students nested within supervisors and universities). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Results: Descriptive analysis revealed high prevalence of problematic behaviors, with 52.4% of students frequently experiencing supervisors alternating between supportive and dismissive attitudes (M=3.42, SD=1.08) and 56.6% encountering methodological rigidity without justification (M=3.52, SD=1.14). Bivariate analyses showed supervisor workload positively correlated with both mood fluctuations (r=0.52, p

Keywords

Research supervision supervisory relationships mood fluctuations ego-driven behaviors postgraduate education
Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research

Cite This Article

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius1 & Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara2 (2026). Navigating the Storm: A Case Study of Fluctuating Moods and Ego in Research Supervisors at Private Universities in Uganda. Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 5(3). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=265