Academic Burnout and Stress Management

Session Abstract: Graduate students face unique pressures, with research showing a significant proportion experiencing high levels of academic stress and burnout during their programs. Such stress is linked to declining mental health, increased dropout rates, and lower academic performance. This investigation explores how academic and institutional factors influence burnout and stress management among graduate students, as well as their impact on well-being and academic success. Using data from the gradSERU 2024 survey, which includes responses from 33,739 graduate students across 14 research universities in the United States, the study employs structural equation modeling to predict the effects of academic, financial, and emotional stressors on burnout and stress management. The research provides evidence for universities to address these issues and create interventions to prevent stress and burnout. Findings will offer insights for institutional stakeholders to enhance student well-being and academic success.

Keywords: academic burnout, stress management, gradSERU, graduate student experiences

Contributing Authors: David Daleke – Indiana University Bloomington