Burnout and Psychological Distress Across U.S. Postgraduate Trainees, Fellows, and Students: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogy

Abstract

This meta-analysis examined the association between burnout and psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and stress) among U.S. graduate students, including residents and fellows. Synthesizing 34 effect sizes from 20 studies (N = 17,745), the overall correlation was moderate (r = 0.45, p < .001), with anxiety showing the strongest association (r = 0.52). Subgroup analyses revealed that effect sizes were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic (r = 0.51), among non-medical students, and in single-institution samples. Measurement tools also moderated the association. Multivariate meta-regression confirmed the significance of all moderators but revealed residual heterogeneity. Findings underscore the need for targeted, context-sensitive interventions, particularly for non-medical graduate students and call for further research on post-pandemic mental health outcomes in academia.

Authors

• Mohammad Jahanaray, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Atena Pasha, University of South Carolina

• Ali Jahanaray, Clemson University