Skip to Main Content
The online publications platform for members of the Society for Research into Higher Education
941
Views
91
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

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

&
Pages 21-38 | Published online: 18 Aug 2010
 

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.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.