The Student Engagement Enigma – The Psychosocial and Academic Trust Alienation Theory: A new theoretical lens to investigate Higher Education student phenomena

Currently, Higher Education (HE) is experiencing post-pandemic challenges which have increased pressure on HE students in multifaceted and interconnecting ways. Existing HE research suggests that post-pandemic, students’ mental health and wellbeing has been significantly impacted, thus indicating that proactive research into the field of HE students is needed now more than ever before. This article presents the new concept of the Psychosocial and Academic Trust Alienation (PATA) theory as a lens through which HE student behaviours, characteristics, and demographics can be researched. It begins with an explanation of the PATA theory with links to student engagement enigmas, and then explores how this theory can be applied to researching the complexities of student demographics, with the aim being to develop knowledge and understanding of issues affecting students such as post-pandemic engagement. Furthermore, an analysis into the potential range of research methods that can be employed and utilised in HE practice is also presented, supported by three case vignette examples with key reflection points. A critical analysis and debate of this emerging educational theoretical perspective is presented with a concluding statement on the impact of how this theory can support researchers examining the complexities of the HE student community, the HE Institutional and HE political landscapes, on a national and international level.