A higher degree of stress: academic wellbeing

Abstract

Postgraduates and professional academics are unique in that they are more or less ‘free’ to engage in research that is not tightly constrained by an employer. This freedom comes at a price. This article provides evidence that the high levels of stress observed in academia is related to the lack of clarity in academic roles and chronic overwork caused by changing university structures and expectations. The article reviews evidence of stress and a broad definition of wellbeing, focusing on the postgraduate student and university teachers, and concludes with evidence that universities are beginning to embrace the challenge of wellbeing.