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Article: Pressure Putting Academics at Mental Risk: Study

Australasian Business Intelligence - July 03, 2002

(The Age - ABIX via COMTEX) -- Australian academics are falling prey to stress and psychological illness, according to an academic study. The survey questioned over 8,000 academics and found higher than normal levels of stress related conditions such as migraines and hypertension. The incidence of coronary heart disease was also high. The study, sponsored by the Australian Research Council and the National Tertiary Education Union, found excessive working hours and rising staff-student ratios were major contributors to the stress. Leisa Ridges, president of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, said many students are being put off academic careers by the working conditions of junior academic staff. The Opposition's Education spokeswoman, Jenny Macklin, said many academics are attempting to find postings overseas.

AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL: NATIONAL TERTIARY EDUCATION INDUSTRY
UNION: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN POSTGRADUATE
ASSOCIATIONS: AUSTRALIAN VICE-CHANCELLORS' COMMITTEE