Open AccessExploring Mental Health and Well-Being Among University Faculty Members: A Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Jacqueline Smith,
Jennifer Smith,
Alan McLuckie,
Andrew C. H. Szeto,
Peter Choate,
Lauren K Birks,
Victoria Burns,
Katherine Bright
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.254
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1938-2413
pISSN - 0279-3695
DOI - 10.3928/02793695-20220523-01
Subject(s) - mental health , psychosocial , psychology , thematic analysis , intrapersonal communication , qualitative research , interpersonal communication , exploratory research , social psychology , psychiatry , sociology , social science , anthropology
The current exploratory qualitative study describes how environmental factors, social interactions, personal experiences, and stigma affect mental health and help-seeking. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine university faculty members who self-identified as having mental illness-related concerns. Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems framework and thematic analysis, four domains were determined: (1) macrosystem (i.e., influences of academic culture); (2) mesosystem (i.e., influences of faculty leadership and interpersonal dynamics); (3) microsystem (i.e., influences of individual mental health experiences); and (4) exosystem (i.e., influences of stigma across structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels). These domains included barriers to and facilitators of mental health and help-seeking. Findings suggest that competitiveness and individualism may perpetuate stereotypes that mental illnesses are inherent weaknesses, and that seeking help is a barrier to academic success. Recommendations for future research are provided. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (11), 17-25.].