Stress in pediatric faculty. Results of a national survey
L. L. Barton, A. D. Friedman and C. J. Locke
Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.
OBJECTIVES: To determine current levels of pediatric faculty stress
experienced by pediatric faculty and to examine contributors to and
consequences of this stress. DESIGN: Random survey, using attitude
questionnaire. SETTING: Twenty-six medical school-based pediatric programs
nationwide. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fifty-two full-time pediatric faculty
members. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Stress level; importance of specific
sources of stress and fulfillment; satisfaction with time allotted to
various activities; social support; satisfaction with career choices.
RESULTS: The return rate was 64%. Forty-six percent of respondents reported
"high" or "very high" levels of usual stress; 64% were stressed beyond a
"comfortable" level at least "frequently." Women (P < .05), assistant or
associate professors (P < .001), and faculty on the tenure track (P <
.006) reported feeling "overstressed" more often. Major sources of stress
were pressure to do research, family needs (48%), and lack of personal time
(40%). About half (51%) agreed that the recent emphasis on reducing
resident stress has led to increased pressure on faculty members. Frequency
of feeling overstressed was reduced if respondents felt valued by their
chairperson (P < .001) and by other faculty (P < .01). Within the
last year, 47% had considered moving to another medical school. Another 43%
had considered leaving academia. The more frequently the respondent felt
overstressed, the more likely he or she was to have considered such changes
(P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The stress currently experienced by pediatric
faculty is substantial and seems to affect long-term commitment to academic
medicine. Creative solutions to this issue should be explored.
