Stockholm university
NOWSTARS - Research Programme

New qualitative publication on insecurity and psychological well-being among faculty in Sweden

This study explores how faculty working in Swedish academia navigate experiences of job insecurity and how it shapes their psychological well-being, revealing both challenges, but also strategies for fulfillment.

 

Main findings

  • Journal cover image.
    Journal cover image.
    Job insecurity among faculty in Sweden is often linked to fixed-term employment, unpredictable funding, and uncertainty related to career paths. 
  • Despite various challenges and pressures of academic work, faculty find meaning, satisfaction and ultimately fulfillment in teaching, conducting research, and contributing to society. 
  • Faculty with experiences of insecurity try to “stay afloat”, face work-related health challenges, but simultaneously, they also set boundaries, seek support and resist pressures to protect and maintain their well-being. 
  • Looking towards the future, faculty express hope for greater security and certainty, they reflect on decisions made throughout their careers, while adjusting their expectations and personal definitions of success. 
 

Why it matters

This research illustrates how academic life is often unpredicatable, but for many faculty, remains rewarding when they manage to find meaning and control in their work. Well-being in academia isn’t just about avoiding or managing stress—it’s about negotiating and pursuing fulfillment, even amid uncertainty.

 

Reference

Tanimoto, A. S., Segerbäck, J., Richter, A., & Lindfors, P. (2025). Insecurity and psychological well-being among faculty in academia: exploring the constraints and conduits of positive psychological functioning. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 20(1): 2474361. doi: 10.1080/17482631.2025.2474361

Last updated: September 15, 2025

Source: NOWSTARS

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