Deviant Behaviors Experienced by Culinary Interns and the Vulnerability of Intern Labor in Tourism Enterprises: A Phenomenological Study

Intern students in associate degree culinary programs in Türkiye frequently encounter deviant behaviors during mandatory internships at tourism enterprises. This research investigates the deviant behaviors these students face, their coping strategies, and their psychological, behavioral, and physical effects. Previous studies have not comprehensively addressed deviant behaviors experienced by interns or thoroughly analyzed their coping strategies. Using descriptive phenomenology, the study examined 23 students’ lived experiences with deviant behavior. Phenomenological analysis explored the essence of these experiences, while content analysis categorized coping strategies and their effects. Across 34 incidents, six higher-order constituent categories emerged: boundary violations, workplace incivility, gender-based discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, and violence, revealing 15 distinct forms of deviant behavior. The study provides a holistic understanding of interns’ experiences and coping strategies, offering practical recommendations for tourism enterprises, universities, professional organizations, and industry associations.