Catano, V., Francis, L., Haines, T., Kirpalani, H., Shannon, H., Stringer, B., & Lozanzki, L. (2010). Occupational stress in Canadian universities: A national survey. International Journal of Stress Management, 17(3), 232-258.

 

Background

Previous stress studies in United Kingdom and Australian universities suggested that faculty are experiencing high occupational stressors and stress. The authors examined occupational stress and outcomes among faculty at Canadian universities

 

Method

A total of 1470 faculty members across 56 Canadian universities completed a survey on academic occupational stressors and outcomes.

 

Results

Results indicated that Canadian faculty members are experiencing a large number of occupational stressors. Specifically, the majority of faculty members reported experiencing high work load (85%), role conflict (82%), work-life conflict (76%), administration unfairness (55%), and rewards unfairness. Despite these stressors, most faculty members were satisfied with their jobs and emotionally committed. Moreover, 13% of participants reported high psychological distress and 22% reported high physical health symptoms.

 

Conclusion/Implications

Similar to faculty in United Kingdom and Australia, faculty in Canadian universities reported numerous stressors. The authors suggest that these results might warrant changes to policies and procedures in order to reduce stressors experienced by faculty.