Psychological challenges confronting graduate construction students in Australia

ABSTRACT Research shows that undergraduate construction students suffer from burnout and stress due to balancing study and employment in the construction industry. It is hypothesized that graduate construction students experience worse psychological symptoms because of other commitments that they have on top of their work and study. However, research on their mental health is still scarce. This research identifies the stressors and assesses the mental health symptoms of graduate students pursuing construction-related coursework degrees in Australia. In total, 107 valid responses were collected from graduate construction students enrolled in Australian universities through a questionnaire survey. Data analysis suggests that high self-expectations and worrying about under-performing in studies are the most frequent stressors faced by them. They also encounter higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than the general population. Furthermore, their level of depression is higher than construction professionals in Australia. These adversely affect their academic, work, and social performances. To reduce the attrition rate of graduate students caused by poor psychological health, universities should remodel the delivery methods with balanced online and face-to-face learning activities or intensive options; set the maximum academic load of two subjects per session for students working full-time; and provide in-house educational counselling services.