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Level of education: Higher education and research
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Interview with Ivy Lynn Bourgeault on mental health

Opinion/commentary

In an interview with CAUT, Ivy Lynn Bourgeault discusses her national study on mental health across various professions, focusing on academia. The study highlights the high levels of anxiety and depression among academics due to heavy workloads, digital stress, and continuous peer evaluation. Bourgeault emphasizes the need for better mental health accommodations and support, particularly for contract academic staff who face job insecurity. She also addresses the gender gap in mental health research and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic staff's well-being.

Open resource in English Open resource in French
Publisher
Canadian Association of University Teachers
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2025
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Right to disconnect and technology Women’s psychological and physical health Workload
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page

The mental health crisis among faculty and college staff

Opinion/commentary

The article highlights the growing mental health crisis among faculty and college staff, emphasizing that they experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, similar to students. It underscores the importance of on-campus mental health support, reasonable workloads, respectful work environments, and fair pay. The article also points out that the mental health challenges faced by faculty and staff are often overlooked, despite their significant impact on overall well-being and job performance.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2024
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel Researchers Union representatives
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Research

The article, based on findings from a global survey of over 900 public administration faculty, identifies three key lessons and reveals widespread physical and emotional exhaustion among respondents. It underscores the urgent need for higher education institutions to address faculty burnout, which has been intensified by low pay, limited opportunities for advancement, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article stresses the importance of understanding faculty experiences and implementing solutions, such as improved financial security, supportive career pathways, and policies that foster work-life balance, to enhance faculty well-being and retention.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Inside Higher Ed
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2023
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel Researchers Union representatives
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page

Mental health in academia: The challenges faculty face predate the pandemic and require systemic solutions

Research

The article on Academic Matters discusses the persistent mental health challenges faced by faculty in academia, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic but existed long before it. It highlights the heavy workloads, high expectations, and systemic issues within academic institutions that contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout among faculty members. The article emphasizes the need for systemic solutions, including better working conditions, fair compensation, and supportive policies, to address these long-standing issues and improve the mental health and well-being of academic staff.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Academic Matters
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Specific communities
Women
Resource type
Web page

Supporting staff wellbeing in higher education

Research

The report examines the working conditions and wellbeing of academic staff in UK universities. It highlights the prevalence of psychosocial hazards such as high job demands, poor support, and unclear roles, which contribute to stress and burnout. The report also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff wellbeing, emphasizing the need for better support systems, flexible working options, and a positive psychosocial safety climate.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Downloadable file

The psychological toll for academic staff of COVID-19

Research

This article offers a synthesis of a research report of McMaster University on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic staff. The findings revealed significant mental health challenges, including increased anxiety, depression, and thoughts of death among respondents. The pandemic exacerbated existing issues such as heavy workloads, digital stress, and the need to balance professional and domestic responsibilities. The study highlighted the disproportionate impact on early career researchers, parents, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, and BIPOC populations. Academic staff associations are advocating for better mental health support and systemic changes to address these challenges.

Open resource in English Open resource in French
Publisher
Canadian Association of University Teachers
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Right to disconnect and technology Workload
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page