Academic Burnout and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Academic burnout and psychological distress are prevalent mental health issues among university students, potentially impacting their well-being and academic success. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of academic burnout and psychological distress in university students and investigates their association, using existing survey data and validated measures. A sample of 502 undergraduate students (primarily from North Africa/Middle East) was analyzed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey (MBI-SS) and measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress scales). Descriptive statistics were computed for burnout and distress indicators, and associations were tested via chi-square and correlation analyses. Approximately 40% of students met criteria for academic burnout, and 50% screened positive for moderate-to-severe depression. Over half (52%) had experienced suicidal ideation. Students with high burnout were significantly more likely to report depression (75% vs 33%, p<0.001). Burnout was positively correlated with overall psychological distress (r≈0.50, p<0.001). Academic burnout and psychological distress are common and strongly interrelated in this student sample. The findings underscore the need for campus-based mental health interventions, stress management training, and resilience-building programs to address student burnout and psychological distress.