A mixed-methods investigation of mental health stigma, absenteeism and presenteeism among UK postgraduate researchers

Abstract

Purpose Postgraduate researchers (PGRs) appear to be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. Mental health-related stigma and discrimination may be endemic within universities, creating a threatening environment that undermines PGRs’ health and well-being. These environmental characteristics may increase PGRs’ absenteeism and presenteeism, attendance behaviours that have great personal and institutional consequences. The study of this issue, however, has been limited to date. Design/methodology/approach This was a mixed methods psychological study using cross-sectional data provided by 3,352 UK-based PGRs. Data were collected in a new national survey (U-DOC) led by a British University in 2018–2019. We used structural equation modelling techniques to test associations between workplace mental health-related stigma and discrimination, presenteeism, absenteeism and demographic characteristics. The authors analysed qualitative survey data with framework analysis to deductively and inductively explore associations between workplace culture, stigma and discrimination, and attendance behaviours. Findings The authors found that some PGRs report positive perceptions and experiences of the academic mental health-related workplace culture. However, experiences of mental health stigma and discrimination appear widespread. Both quantitative and qualitative results show that experiences of mental health-related stigma are associated with greater absenteeism and presenteeism. People with mental health problems appear especially vulnerable to experiencing stigma and its impacts. Practical implications Key implications include recommendations for universities to improve support for PGR mental health, and to encourage taking annual leave and necessary sickness absences, by providing a more inclusive environment with enhanced mental health service provision and training for faculty and administrative staff. Originality/value This study presents the first large-scale survey of PGR experiences of mental health-related stigma and discrimination, and their associations with absenteeism and presenteeism.

Presenteeism and academic performance: a cross-sectional study among undergraduate university students

“…The exhaustion score directly relates to PSS scores, with stressed students more likely to become ill and engage in presenteeism behavior (McGregor et al ., 2014; Lohaus and Habermann, 2019). The study's finding on exhaustion and academic performance contradicts Berry et al. (2021).…”

The mental labyrinth of postgraduate research: A qualitative study of the impact and role of the supervisory relationship on postgraduate mental health and wellbeing

“…Further, PGRs describe the power dynamic within the supervisory relationship and the necessity to uphold a professional image. Given that successfully completing a postgraduate degree is pivotal for establishing an academic career (Laudel & Gläser, 2008), PGRs articulated the tension between open discussion of mental health and the risk of negatively biasing their supervisor(s)' opinion of them as a researcher and academic, with attendant risks for career prospects (Berry et al, 2021). Continued efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health should reduce this perceived risk over time.…”

“…Qualitative ndings to date provide further evidence of the widespread challenges for PGR wellbeing, offering initial insights into the multifaceted and dynamic nature of student wellbeing (Schmidt & Hansson, 2018;Stubb et al, 2011) and related factors, such as the impact of stigma and experiences of discrimination on PGR absenteeism and presenteeism (Berry et al, 2021). For instance, Gin et al (2021) focused speci cally on depression within a sample of life sciences PhD students and illuminated the negative impact of research-related stress and isolation on mood.…”

Period Pain Presenteeism: Investigating Associations of Working While Experiencing Dysmenorrhea

“…Future research should investigate the perceived stigma/beliefs among the people at work as they are more strongly connected to the perceived consequences of the decision to be present or absent (cf. Berry et al, 2021;Fox et al, 2016).…”