Stress in university research professors: A systematic review

Abstract

Background. Research is crucial to the development of society. The literature on the challenges for scientific development highlights that chronic stress in researchers can affect their academic production and their physical and mental health. Although some literature reports the consequences of stress in the academic field, most studies are carried out on students, and there is very little knowledge on the characteristics of stress because of simultaneous academic, occupational, and socio-personal demands. Objective. To analyze and contrast the methodological components and main results of stress-related studies on researchers. Method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide was used to analyze current evidence in the literature. Full-text scientific papers from the period 2008-2019 were included in both English and Spanish, on subjects engaged in research and teaching. The databases used were Scopus, Ebsco, Dialnet, and Web of Science. Results. One hundred and eighty records were obtained, but only four met the criteria for the qualitative evaluation. Discussion and conclusion. Stress is present in the 20% of subjects associated with psychological (lack of control, emotional fatigue, overload, multi-tasking) and institutional variables (evaluation system demands, tenure track, lack of scientific recognition). The studies emphasize aspects that predispose and precipitate stress but do not highlight psychological aspects of the stressful experience.

Exercise Program for Faculty and Staff: Building Collegiality Through Convenience

“…1,2 Furthermore, all faculty must respond to the challenges of meeting the needs of diverse students and technological advances, often in the midst of waning resources and support. 2 Stress can manifest in physical symptoms such as neck, lumbar spine, and right shoulder pain 3 , as well as cardiovascular problems including increased blood pressure and heart rate, arrhythmias are noted responses to stress 4 and may even contribute to heart attacks. 1 Due to the high demands of a faculty role, many individuals fail to engage in physical activity.…”

Understanding and Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being among University Faculty: A Narrative Review

“…In parallel to this feature article, reports on the mental health of faculty have eventually risen in numbers to provide further insights into a topic that is not clearly defined in the literature [ 55 ]. For example, in a systematic review on research professors [ 56 ], 20% experienced stressful psychological variables such as lack of control and emotional fatigue caused by overload, multi-tasking, demanding evaluation systems, complexities of the tenure track, and lack of recognition. Smith and colleagues [ 55 ], in their qualitative, in-depth analysis on barriers to seek help for mental well-being among faculty, indicated that academic culture, influence of leadership, personal mental health experience, interpersonal dynamics, stigma, and competitiveness can all prevent faculty from seeking support.…”

Stress management: how does the academic staff cope with it? a cross-sectional study at the university of Udine

“…When chronic stress is inadequately managed, it leads to burnout, which in turn is a risk factor for anxiety and depression [ 3 ].…”

“…On an individual level, some examples are cognitive-behavioural techniques [ 3 , 17 ], mindfulness [ 17 ], relaxation techniques (e.g., yoga, massage) [ 3 , 9 , 17 ], leisure activities [ 3 ], biofeedback [ 19 , 20 ], talking to colleagues [ 9 ], and flexible working conditions (e.g., part-time work and working from home one day a week) [ 9 , 20 ]. These various techniques for coping with stress at an individual level are referred to as coping strategies.…”