Mental Health of Researchers: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38202/journal11.5Keywords:
mental well-being, scientists, psychology, strategies, scienceAbstract
Academic culture, which often prioritizes productivity and achievements over personal well-being, can lead to mental health problems. This study aimed to “detect mental health disorders among researchers.” A documentary methodology was
followed using the PRISMA Method, as well as a qualitative analysis (conducted with AtlasTi software). The findings reveal
that researchers face numerous challenges that affect their mental health, such as institutional pressure, lack of resources,
and job instability, which can lead to problems such as academic burnout syndrome (ABUS), stress, dissatisfaction, and mental
and emotional exhaustion. Depression and anxiety have a significant impact on their personal and professional lives, with
perceived stress being an influential factor in low personal fulfillment. Factors such as material incentives, a suitable organizational environment, and spiritual motivation can improve mental health, especially in mid-career researchers and those
who work overtime. Burnout is a growing problem among young researchers, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated
these issues, particularly among women and young people, underscoring the need for effective interventions to improve
their well-being. The main contribution of this work is to highlight the need to intensify the inward focus of the academic
community on a critical issue such as the mental health of researchers.
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