Quality of working life, gender and role differences in university teaching and research staff: a survey in Italy

Over the past few years there has been increased attention to issues of well-being and health in academic settings. Recent studies suggest that university professors and researchers are subjected to increased work pressures from a variety of sources, resulting in important impacts on individual and organizational well-being. The present study aims to explore job demands and resources and test for significant differences in wellbeing in relation to gender and role. The study involved 1481 researchers and professors, of five Italian public universities. The results highlight some critical issues and provide insights to initiate deeper reflection about the importance for universities and academic institutions to actively address the issue of mental health and well-being.