A study on psychological traits of long-term fieldworkers

Abstract Background Fieldwork researchers may be extremely deprived of routine and familiarity, over a period of weeks, months, or even years, and this leads to a major challenge for them in terms of appropriately coping with stress. However, the literature that describe fieldworkers maintain their physical and mental wellbeing under these conditions and their experiences is lacking. This study aims to elucidate the adaptation of fieldworkers to life in the field, their experiences, and learning from their experience. Methods Based on interviews with 10 researchers (male: 7; female: 3) in various disciplines, such as zoology, anthropology, and ecology, we examined the psychological characteristics that make such fieldwork possible. The interviews were recorded with the consent of the participants. A qualitative analysis of their narratives was conducted. Results The results led to six major categories encompassing 35 and 19 small and medium categories, respectively. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that experiences unique to fieldwork were extracted such as the assumption that unplanned events may occur, the ability to enjoy local lifestyles and relationships with people while receiving support, and the feeling that can only be experienced by crossing a boundary into a world that is overwhelmingly different from one's everyday life. Moreover, the results indicated that years of fieldwork experience may influence values and attitudes as well as the manner of engagement in interpersonal relationships. Conclusions The findings revealed that fieldworkers, regardless of their discipline, have a unique research style and attitude deeply related to the fact that they have to conduct their research activities based on the assumption that things do not go on as planned, a curiosity for sensations, and new stimuli that can only be experienced by crossing over into a world that is overwhelmingly different from everyday life. A flexible mindset enables them to acknowledge and enjoy that the world is comprised of a diverse range of landscapes. The results also indicated that years of fieldwork experience may influence the values and attitudes of an individual, as well as the nature of one’s interpersonal relationships.