A unique assessment of stress and stress factors on engineering academics in the research and teaching environment

Abstract

This research study was designed to determine the prevalence of stress, and identify the stress factors (stressors), experienced by academic engineers that both research and teach in a combined faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at a research intensive Australian University. Results reveal a high prevalence of stress, as indicated by the Likert score of the standard General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), above the health threshold value of 12. The major stressor has been identified as lack of understanding of responsibilities of the appointed role. The study consisted of a new research questionnaire in two parts: the established (standard) GHQ of 12 questions; and, 15 questions designed specifically to solicit information to identify particular stressors. Likert-type scoring was used. The Questionnaire was carried out online in Survey Monkey®. The valid response rate from 152 eligible respondents was 38.2% (9 female and 49 male). Academics clearly welcomed the survey as indicated in comments. Although the scope of the research was limited to one university, the results can be reliably extrapolated to other universities that research and teach in professional engineering programs as findings are broadly in line with those independently reported elsewhere for Australia and the UK.