ISSEP-2026-08

GRANT ID#: ISSEP-2026-08

GRANT TITLE: Land, self, and crisis: An existential-psychological study of spiritual land connection, urbanization, and mental well-being in Balinese society.

GRANTEE: Universitas Sebelas Maret

PRIMARY INVESTIGATORS: Ayu Okvitawanli

CO-PRIMARY INVESTIGATORS: Mohammad Abdul

GRANT AMOUNT: USD $3,000

DURATION OF GRANT PROJECT: April 15, 2026 – Oct 31, 2027 (“Term”)

Description of the Project

 

Executive summary:

Rapid urbanization in Bali threatens traditional psycho-social identities tied to the land, triggering existential crises and poor mental health. This project investigates how the disruption of spiritual land connection impacts existential stability. We hypothesize this disruption is a key, under-recognized factor in rising mental health issues. The study uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative method will use a longitudinal Ecological Momentary Assessment (Shiffman, Stone, & Hufford, 2008). EMA will track daily well-being, stress, and meaning in urban (Denpasar) and rural (Jatiluwih) Balinese, controlling for Javanese migrants. Qualitative case studies, informed by cultural-psychological approaches (Hakim, Anggrani, Okvitawanli, & Hamamura, 2025) will explore the lived experience of place attachment (“searching for home”). Findings will provide a new cultural-existential model for mental health in non-WEIRD, urbanizing societies.

Itemized budget:

1. Participant Compensation ($1,700)

This represents the largest budget component and is critical for ensuring high retention and compliance.

  • Quantitative (EMA): Compensation (as phone credit or monetary payment) is required for N=200 participants. This will compensate them for their time across three touchpoints: the initial in-person baseline session, the intensive 28-day EMA phase (5-6 prompts/day), and the final debriefing session.

  • Qualitative (Interviews): Compensation is required for approximately 35-45 participants (20-25 Urban Balinese and 15-20 Javanese migrants) for their time (60-90 minutes) in the in-depth interviews.

2. Data Collection Expenses ($300)

  • Transcription/Translation: Funds are required for professional transcription and translation services. All qualitative interviews (approx. 35-45) will be audio-recorded and must be transcribed verbatim and translated from Indonesian/Balinese for analysis.

  • Software: We request funds to purchase licenses for Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS), such as NVivo or ATLAS.ti, which is necessary for managing and conducting the Thematic Analysis.

3. Travel to Research Sites ($800)

  • The PI and Co-PI are based at Universitas Sebelas Maret in Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia. Funds are requested for domestic travel (flights and local ground transport) from Surakarta to the research sites in Bali (Denpasar and Jatiluwih) as well as accommodation at research sites. This travel is essential for the research team to conduct in-person baseline training, oversee recruitment through community leaders, and conduct the in-depth qualitative interviews.

4. Equipment and Supplies ($200)

  • Funds are requested for high-quality, reliable audio recorders to ensure all qualitative interviews are captured clearly for transcription. Minor funds are also allocated for printing baseline surveys, informed consent documents, and other essential research supplies.

The total amount approved for this project is USD $3,000.

Kenneth Vail