Management-led interventions for workplace stress and mental health of academic staff in higher education: A systematic review

Ogechi Ohadomere, Ikedinachi Ogamba

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)
1107 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on management-led intervention strategies aimed at achieving stable mental well-being among academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) by reviewing and synthesising existing literature on varying intervention strategies to managing workplace stress and improving mental health. Design/methodology/approach: Twenty-two peer-reviewed articles were identified through databases (PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Business source complete, Academic search complete) and the application of the PRISMA guideline. A quality check was carried out on the selected articles, and a data extraction table was developed to aid the discussion. Findings: Although the awareness of mental health is a global issue, there was minimal research evidence in managing stress and mental health among academic staff in HEIs through increased university management involvement. Most HEIs were more focused on corporatisation and student satisfaction while unconsciously neglecting its impact on the well-being of academic staff even though universities’ management portray staff welfare as priority. Research limitations/implications: There is limited information measuring the outcome of various management-led mental well-being strategies in HEIs. Further research applying more robust study design rather beyond self-reported questionnaires and similar study designs is needed in this area. Practical implications: Establishing routine mental health assessment, effective communication, continuous promotion of existing and available support is imminent to improve the mental well-being of academic staff by HEIs management. Originality/value: This is the first systematic review that describes and synthesises the various mental health triggers, including workplace stressors, that affect academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) and summarises various possible management intervention strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-82
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
Volume16
Issue number1
Early online date2 Dec 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Jan 2021

Bibliographical note

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Keywords

  • Academic staff
  • Higher education institutions
  • Management-led interventions
  • Mental health
  • Systematic review
  • Workplace stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Education
  • Health Policy
  • Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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