Loneliness and social support as key contributors to burnout among Canadians workers in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Academic burnout among Chinese college students: A study based on FSQCA method

Academic burnout is a common phenomenon among Chinese college students, which can have a negative impact on students' academic performance and even the entire higher education industry. Existing literature has pointed out that the situation of academic burnout among Chinese college students is severe, and the prevalence of academic burnout is worrying. As previous studies on academic burnout among college students analyze the impact of a single factor on academic burnout, which is limited by the combined effect of multiple factors, this article uses FSQCA method to empirically explore how five antecedent conditions (academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy, Internet addiction, and loneliness) lead to this phenomenon from configuration perspective. This paper takes 314 college students as research objects, and then conducts a configuration analysis of the five conditions that produce college students' academic burnout based on collected data. The research results indicate that any single condition is not necessary for college students' academic burnout, on the contrary, this paper obtains three configuration paths that give rise to the academic burnout. The first one includes academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy and Internet addiction, the second one consists of academic stress, lack of academic self-efficacy, Internet addiction, and loneliness, and the third one contains academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy and loneliness. Configuration means that this phenomenon occurs only when conditions in specific configuration work together, such as academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy, and Internet addiction in the first configuration. The findings can provide reasonable theoretical explanations for this phenomenon and offer practical references for eliminating or at least reducing it. For instance, in teaching activities and educational settings, it is necessary to reasonably arrange college students' academic tasks such as courses and assignments, provide effective psychological counseling for college students, and guide them to engage in physical exercise in appropriate ways or through the formulation of relevant educational policies, so as to promote students' outstanding completion of studies.

The effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health and social support of student, amateur, and professional musicians in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic

This pan-Canadian study investigates the effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health, and social support of Canadian musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a survey questionnaire, data was collected from 1,618 participants aged 14 and above during the first wave of the pandemic up to the first half of 2022. The survey included standardized questionnaires to self-assess well-being (WHO-5), mental health (MHC-SF), and social support (SPS-10 measures social support). Results show that increased musical practice frequency correlates with improved well-being and mental health, particularly among amateurs. Professional musicians and those at a post-secondary level exhibit lower well-being scores, likely due to pandemic-related challenges. Factors such as age, gender, sports engagement, and participation in social clubs or volunteer work significantly influenced outcomes. While sports engagement was associated with higher scores on well-being, mental health and social support, no significant differences were found among participants engaged in artistic hobbies. As for involvement in social clubs or volunteer work, benefits were reported on two of the three outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that regular amateur musical practice, especially in group settings, alongside engagement in sports and social activities, may have promoted well-being, mental health, and social support among musicians during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I realized I was not alone": A mixed-methods investigation of the implementation of Ubuntu groups to reduce burnout and social isolation in an allopathic medical School in the Southeastern United States

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Healthcare providers experience higher rates of workplace burnout, a reality highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, small groups, inspired by South African philosophy, Ubuntu, were introduced to decrease burnout and social isolation and build community and belonging. This study examines how participation in these groups can impact these measures.

METHODS

In this mixed-methods study, trained facilitators led small groups that utilized story-sharing to foster connections within the group and broader community. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately and merged to identify convergence.

RESULTS

Three main qualitative themes emerged: 1) seeking and building connections and community, 2) curiosity, learning, and growing, and 3) open-hearted and thriving. These themes were linked to quantitative outcomes, showing a statistically significant decrease in social isolation among staff/faculty and students. Furthermore, faculty/staff exhibited reduced burnout compared to students, while students reported increased feelings of belonging.

CONCLUSION

Participation in Ubuntu groups positively influenced students' sense of belonging, reduced faculty/staff burnout, and alleviated social isolation for all participants. Future research should explore the potential of this intervention to further promote wellness on medical campuses. Programs emphasizing the well-being of individuals, including faculty, staff, and students, are crucial for supporting the overall health of medical communities and the wider society.

Internet addiction, loneliness, and academic burnout among Chinese college students: a mediation model

Background

The dynamics of education and student life have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our society, especially the education system, has become largely dependent on the Internet. This paradigm shifts largely took place in the last few decades. As such, there are various ways in which we cannot comprehend the impact that the Internet can have on student psychology, and how multiple other factors could influence that. Internet addiction and its relationship with academic burnout, along with the impact of loneliness, are all essential factors that must be discussed candidly in the post-COVID-19 era. Hence, the objective of this study was, therefore, to explore the relationship between Internet addiction, loneliness, and academic burnout among Chinese college students as well as the mediating role of loneliness.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey at a Chinese university from October to November 2022. In total, 810 valid respondents were selected via random cluster sampling using the well-established Internet Addiction, Loneliness, and Academic Burnout Scale. The primary approach of mediation analysis and structural equation modeling testing examined the relationships among the three components.

Results

Internet addiction could be responsible for academic burnout among college students. Loneliness partially mediates the relationship between Internet addiction and academic burnout. In a mediated way, different types of loneliness contribute to different types of academic burnout.

Conclusion

Psychological interventions for loneliness, especially emotional loneliness prevention, are the critical aspects of the problem of Internet addiction accompanied with academic burnout. The causal relationship between Internet addiction and academic burnout, possibly of a two-way nature, needs to be further explored in the next future.