'Running Up the Down Escalator': Stressors and strains in UK academics

Abstract

Little research at a national level has examined stressors and strains in academics in the United Kingdom, although the sector has undergone widespread and rapid change during the past decade. This study suggests that job stress and demands have increased significantly in recent years, and job satisfaction and levels of support have declined. Several stressors were identified that are not only characteristics of the organisational climate, but also features of national educational policy. High levels of psychological distress were found in comparison with academics in other countries, and with other professional groups and the general population in the United Kingdom. Perceptions of work-home conflict had particularly strong relationships with psychological distress and job dissatisfaction. Recommendations for primary and secondary stress management in UK universities are outlined.