This study investigated research-related stress factors among 151 graduate students at a university specializing in science and technology, analyzed the impact of these factors on the overall stress levels of graduate students, and sought effective su...
This study investigated research-related stress factors among 151 graduate students at a university specializing in science and technology, analyzed the impact of these factors on the overall stress levels of graduate students, and sought effective support measures to alleviate stress. The results of the study showed that stress varied by various characteristics such as gender, age, university, grade, department, and research type. In particular, female students experienced higher stress than male students, and students from other universities experienced higher stress than students from University P. Differences were also found in working hours, research equipment, and research conditions depending on the type of research. The laboratory environment was found to be a stressful factor, with attendance, relationships, performance, and safety management being the main stressors. We also found that research and degree program stress influenced daily stress. A multidimensional approach that considers both psychological and physiological factors is needed to understand the differences in stress between genders, and interaction-oriented orientation, membership training, and clubs are recommended to help students from other universities adjust. They also suggest that it is important to create an environment where students can autonomously choose their research topics. This study is limited by the fact that it is based on a single school in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, and is therefore not generalizable to all science and engineering * A thesis submitted to the Council of the Graduate School of Kyungpook National University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health in June 2024 colleges and universities, and by the limited reliability of the laboratory environment, research, and degree stress instruments. Nonetheless, the inclusion of all departments is significant and identifies specific research-related stressors experienced by graduate students at a science and technology university. We hope that further research will help to ensure that science and engineering students remain engaged in research and contribute to the advancement of science and technology.