Mental health of young researchers in academia: Towards to growth perspective

Objective

Young Researchers are a strategic sector in the research community because of the future academic scholars. Recently, growing evidence suggests mental health of young generation of researchers has a significant impact on their wellness, as well the related research output and their future career development. This study aimed to contribute and exploit a conceptual framework self-determination theory tailored to the academic context considering the specifics and challenges of academia.

Methods

Participants were 134 young Early Career Academics (mean age = 30.6; SD = 4.38; range = 25–40 years) enrolled via institutional e-mail. Psychological assessment was conducted applying standardized tests evaluating depression, anxiety, stress, emotional regulation difficulties and grit trait.

Results

Our findings highlighted a general trend toward negative psychological dimensions in young researchers: PhD students and Research contracts showed signs of depression, anxiety and stress. More, they highlighted reduced positive outcomes in psychological dimensions, as well as lower ability to manage emotional experiences and then to be perseverant for long-term goals and motivation. The balancing among examined psychological dimensions represents the perspective for mental health actions towards to personal growth related to successful academia experience.

Conclusions

Policy changes, communication activities and health-promotion activities through the circulation of experience, sharing actions, and strategies could be the pillar for fostering healthy academics by raising awareness, implementing interventions, or engaging professionals concerning mental health in academia.