Exhaustion in University Students and the Effect of Coursework Involvement

Abstract

Although researchers have examined exhaustion extensively in occupational studies, this work-specific variable--despite its widespread acceptance and negative outcomes--has received little attention in regard to university students and their coursework. The author examined the severity of exhaustion in students and the relationship between the personal/environmental variable of coursework involvement and exhaustion in university students. One hundred undergraduate business students from a large state university participated in the study. The author used results from other exhaustion studies for comparative purpose and correlation and regression analyses to explore the variables of interest. The author found student exhaustion levels to be extreme when compared with those of traditional high-exhaustion occupations. Coursework involvement was a significant predictor of student exhaustion. The author discusses implications and recommendations for researchers, educators, and health-care providers.