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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-04-2022 | Burnout Syndrome | Original Article

Graduate Student Burnout: Substance Use, Mental Health, and the Moderating Role of Advisor Satisfaction

Authors: Hannah K. Allen, Flavius Lilly, Kerry M. Green, Faika Zanjani, Kathryn B. Vincent, Amelia M. Arria

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Substance use and mental health problems are associated with academic difficulties among high school and undergraduate students, but little research has been conducted on these relationships among graduate students. The sample consisted of 2683 graduate students attending two large, public universities. Standard measures were used to collect data on demographic and program characteristics, mental health, substance use, advisor satisfaction, and burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy). Linear regression models evaluated the relationships between each mental health and substance use variable with burnout, as well as the moderating role of advisor satisfaction. Students with a greater number of substance use and mental health problems had higher levels of exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. No statistically significant relationships between substance use and burnout were found. High levels of stress, moderate or severe anxiety symptoms, and moderate or severe depressive symptoms were associated with increased levels of burnout. Advisor support moderated the relationships between stress and both cynicism and inefficacy such that the effects of stress on these dimensions of burnout were lower among those who were satisfied with their advisor. Graduate students with mental health problems might be at increased risk for burnout; however, having a supportive advisor might buffer this association.

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Title: Graduate Student Burnout: Substance Use, Mental Health, and the Moderating Role of Advisor Satisfaction
Authors: Hannah K. Allen
Flavius Lilly
Kerry M. Green
Faika Zanjani
Kathryn B. Vincent
Amelia M. Arria
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Burnout Syndrome
Anxiety
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00431-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Graduate Student Burnout: Substance Use, Mental Health, and the Moderating Role of Advisor Satisfaction

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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