Cultural expectations in engineering programs can impact student mental health
This qualitative study by Jensen et al. (2023) explores how engineering undergraduates experience and understand stress within their unique academic culture. Participants described their experiences related to stress, shared norms, and expectations students have pertaining to stress and mental health.
Three themes emerged: (1) the workload of engineering was defined as a main stressor; (2) specific barriers preventing students from seeking help; and (3) the tendency to rely on peers as a means to cope with mental health challenges.
These findings highlight how cultural expectations within engineering programs influence student well-being and help-seeking behaviours and underscores the importance of fostering supportive, sustainable engineering environments.
You can find out more at:
- Jensen, K.J., Mirabelli, J.F., Kunze, A.J. et al. Undergraduate student perceptions of stress and mental health in engineering culture. IJ STEM Ed 10, 30 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-023-00419-6
