A research on sources of university faculty occupational stress: a Chinese case study

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the stress level of university faculty members, the important determinants of faculty members’ stress, and the implications for both faculty members and administrators.Subjects and methodsParticipants were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of 24 questions. Reponses from 240 participants at a Chinese university were analyzed using SPSS software. The descriptive statistics showed the participants’ statistical characteristics. Cronbach’s a and varimax rotation were used to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. The main statistical methods used were ANOVA and multifactor line regression.ResultsUniversity faculty members’ occupational stress is widespread across occupational hierarchies. University faculty members are faced with different levels of teaching and scientific research and personal development pressures. Professional ranking, age, and length of teaching make a difference in the level of faculty members’ occupational stress. The results can help us confirm that scientific research, professional development, and administrative affairs are significant influencing factors of faculty members’ occupational stress.ConclusionUniversity faculty members’ occupational stress is the outcome of structural constraints of university and personal characteristics. On the one hand, the faculty members should recognize the positive impact of occupational stress while striving to eliminate stressors. On the other hand, this empirical study uncovered that the evaluation mechanism based on quantitative performance indicators has greatly increased the occupational pressure on university faculty members.

Perceived stress and quality of life among graduate dental faculty

“…1 University faculty members have several responsibilities (e.g., conducting scientific research, writing papers, and teaching), because of which they shoulder an increasingly heavy burden. 2 Their high levels of stress can lead to burnout syndrome, lower quality of life (QoL), and contribute to the development of mental disorders. 3,4 In recent years, there has been remarkable growth within the graduate system (i.e., master's and doctoral programs).…”

“…In particular, students and faculty members face extreme pressures to perform better and publish more articles. 2 Health managers are becoming increasingly aware that disease measures are insufficient determinants of population health. 6 According to the World Health Organization, QoL refers to individuals' perceptions of their positions in life within the context of the culture and value systems within which they operate as well as their goals, expectations, and beliefs.…”

“…Given the current dynamics of markets in different fields, which are characterized by high levels of organizational competitiveness, human resources are regarded as contributors to quality and competitive advantages in relation to organizational activities 1 . University faculty members have several responsibilities (e.g., conducting scientific research, writing papers, and teaching), because of which they shoulder an increasingly heavy burden 2 . Their high levels of stress can lead to burnout syndrome, lower quality of life (QoL), and contribute to the development of mental disorders 3,4 …”

“…However, these advances entail a hidden cost. In particular, students and faculty members face extreme pressures to perform better and publish more articles 2 …”

Balancing academia and family life

“…Since 1985 Chinese universities have experienced radical reforms intended to raise educational quality and academic standing of HE institutions (Lai, 2010) in response to evolving economic and social conditions and ambitions for developing world-class universities (Ryan, 2010;Meng & Wang, 2018). Significant consequences include rapid expansion of enrolments, structural reforms, transformation of curricula, and increasing joint research and degree programmes (Min, 2004;Ryan, 2010).…”