Research Handbook of Academic Mental Health

Book excerpt: There has been much recent commentary regarding a 'crisis' in academic mental health and wellbeing. This Research Handbook showcases cutting-edge studies and insightful narratives on the wellbeing of doctoral students, early career researchers, and faculty members, illuminating the current state of academic mental health research. Importantly, authors also offer potential solutions to the increasingly poor mental health reported by those working and studying in the higher education sector. Across 32 chapters, the authors discuss vital and underexplored issues within the field, including the mental ill-health of historically marginalized students, growing concerns about the work-life balance of faculty, and the unique struggles of non-tenured faculty. The editors conclude with an agenda for future research and practical recommendations for different stakeholders, with particular attention to actions that must come from university leaders. Timely and essential reading, this Research Handbook is crucial for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and support staff of any discipline as well as senior leaders in higher education. Collectively, the authors demonstrate that urgent action is needed to address long-standing systemic issues in universities to improve mental health and wellbeing in future.