© Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology

July 2024, Vol. 50, No.2, 289-297

Job Satisfaction and Mental Health Among Employees in

Higher Education Institutions: A Thematic Review Analysis
Neha Arora, Chandra Prakash Verma
ARNI University, Indora, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Roopali Sharma
Amity University, Noida
Job satisfaction plays a crucial role in influencing the psychological well-being and
overall health of individuals. This paper examines the intricate relationship between job
satisfaction and mental health among employees in higher education organizations. It
seeks to examine the several aspects that affect job satisfaction and how they influence
the mental well-being of employees in a higher education institution. The study employs
a thematic review analytic approach to examine the different elements, both positive
and negative, that impact the mental well-being of these professions. By conducting a
thorough analysis of the available literature and qualitative data, it reveals significant
themes that elucidate the influence of job satisfaction on mental health. Additionally,
the study offers recommendations for enhancing the general well-being of individuals in
this regard. The results illuminate the intricate relationship between job satisfaction
and mental health in the specific setting of higher education institutions. The findings
emphasize two main themes: a) the good effects, such as improved psychological
well-being, higher resilience, and a sense of control and autonomy; and b) the negative
effects, including stress, anxiety, burnout, and low self-esteem. The findings also
demonstrate the impact of job satisfaction on organizational characteristics and job-
related behaviours. Conclusively, it is imperative for higher education institutions to
recognize the importance of establishing secure and nurturing work environments for
their staff to promote positive mental health outcomes.
Keywords: Higher education, Job satisfaction, and Mental health.

Job satisfaction can be defined as an compensation, benefits, or other tangible

evaluative metric that assesses the level of assets provided by the employer. All
motivation, contentment, and overall employees aspire to achieve robust
satisfaction experienced by a person in professional growth and maintain a healthy
relation to their work. Job satisfaction is the equilibrium between their work and personal
outcome experienced by an employee when lives. When an employee has satisfaction with
they see their employment to be secure, their both their employer and job, they are inclined
professional trajectory to be advancing, and to exert considerable effort in order to
their ability to maintain a harmonious contribute to the success of the organization.
equilibrium between work and personal life. An employee that experiences a positive
The amount of job satisfaction experienced emotional state, such as happiness, is
by an employee may be influenced to a consistently advantageous to an organization
greater extent by factors such as the due to their inclination to exert optimal effort
company’s environment, culture, and in their performance. There exists a
workload, rather than by monetary correlation between the psychological state

JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN ACADEMY OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, JULY 2024 289

of an employee and their level of job professors was found to have a substantial
satisfaction. An employee who experiences correlation with various internal psychological
satisfaction and positive emotions in their resources, with the sense of calling emerging
workplace is consistently motivated to as the most influential predictor (Gradišek &
enhance their performance. In contrast, an Habe, 2020). In order to enhance employee
employee who expresses discontentment satisfaction within the context of higher
exhibits reduced productivity, increased education, it is imperative to implement HRM
likelihood of making mistakes, and poses a (human resource management) strategies,
potential risk to the overall functioning of the including recruiting and hiring, development
organization. The psychological well-being of and training, and pay systems (Slaviæ, et al.,
employees, as reflected by their mental 2018). Academic staff members are more
health, is a significant determinant that satisfied and motivated at work when the
directly influences their impression of job university environment is positive and healthy
satisfaction (Warszewska-Makuch, M.,2020). (Gordana, et al., 2017). According to a meta-
The following are the elements and factors analysis of 485 studies, workers who are
that affect job satisfaction: W orkplace highly dissatisfied with their jobs experience
compensation and conditions, work-life more burnout, lower self-esteem, and higher
balance, recognising and respecting job levels of anxiety and depression (Faragher
stability, career advancement, etc. et al., 2005). Tahmasbi (2020) conducted a
study which found that self-esteem in the
Jobs are vital to people’s lives. Their jobs
workplace and psychological resilience play
affect their social lives and lifestyles. Every
a moderating role in the association among
company needs a happy team. Job
job burnout and employees’ mental well-
happiness is a complex topic with many
being. Setati (2014) employed a cross-
feelings and circumstances. Job satisfaction
sectional survey methodology to assess the
and employee performance grow
correlation between job insecurity,
increasingly important as the workplace
cohesiveness, and employee health inside
becomes more competitive and complex.
a higher education institution in South Africa.
W orkplace atmosphere boosts job
The study indicates a correlation between job
happiness. Companies must recognize the
uncertainty and diminished health outcomes.
importance of a healthy workplace since poor
working circumstances hinder employees’ Since the effect of job satisfaction on the
ability to perform at their best. Many mental health of employees in higher
companies struggle at work because they education institutions has been studied in the
don’t grasp how important a supportive literature, there are still several research
workplace is for employee job satisfaction. gaps that indicate a need for more research.
Employees help a company realize its goals Most of the literature in this field uses cross-
and vision. Employees must meet company sectional data, which restricts our ability to
performance criteria to ensure work quality. establish causal links between job
Employees need an independent, barrier- satisfaction and outcomes related to mental
free workplace to meet company needs. health. To provide a more thorough
Interpersonal communication and job understanding of the temporal dynamics of
performance are both hampered by poor this relationship, longitudinal studies that
mental health (Nadinloyi et al., 2013). The monitor changes in job satisfaction and
relationship between job satisfaction and mental health over an extended period
employees’ mental health in higher among employees in higher education
education. The job satisfaction of university institutions are required. Roles in higher

290 JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN ACADEMY OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, JULY 2024

education institutions range widely, from process. Furthermore, it is important to
teaching faculty to administrative staff. It is highlight the scarcity of research conducted
important to find out whether the effects of within the Indian context regarding these
job satisfaction on mental health vary by job variables. Nevertheless, it is worth
role or department within these institutions mentioning that a considerable amount of
since research frequently lumps all research has been conducted in the fields
employees together. Even though previous of management and healthcare institutions.
studies have found a link between job However, the present study specifically
satisfaction and mental health, more focuses on the realm of higher education
research is needed to understand the institutions.
underlying mechanisms. For creating
Objectives
focused interventions, it is essential to
comprehend how job satisfaction affects 1. To ascertain the aspects that contribute
particular facets of mental health, such as to job satisfaction among employees
stress levels, burnout, or overall wellbeing. among higher education institutions.
There hasn’t been much research done on 2. To investigate the impacts (positive and
how institutional policies and practices affect negative) of job satisfaction on the
outcomes related to job satisfaction and mental well-being of employees among
mental health. The impact of policies on higher education institution.
workload, support services, work-life
balance, and promotion opportunities on Method
employees’ experiences should be studied. Sample
Comparative studies that compare the effects
All the research that was relevant and was
of job satisfaction on mental health across
based on employees in higher education
higher education institutions in various
institutions ranging from 2013 to 2023 was
nations or regions can shed light on cultural
included in the analysis.
and contextual differences. A more thorough
understanding of the connection between job Procedure
satisfaction and mental health among
To fulfil the objectives of the present study,
employees in higher education institutions
literatures related to it were thoroughly
will result from filling in these research gaps.
investigated. The database preferred for this
Additionally, it will assist in the creation of
procedure were Google Scholar and
focused interventions and policies to improve
SCOPUS. The keyword used were ‘job
the wellbeing of this vital workforce.
satisfaction’; ‘mental health’; ‘employees’,
Rationale of the study ‘educational institutions’; and ‘India education
institution’.
Upon conducting a thorough examination
of the relevant literature pertaining to the Result analysis and Discussion
aforementioned variables, it has come to our
In this study, a theme analysis was
attention that a significant gap exists. In order
conducted because to the limited availability
to address this gap, the present research
of literature specifically focused on
endeavors to investigate the various positive
employees at educational institutions in
and negative themes associated with job
India. A systematic approach was employed
satisfaction and their impact on the mental
to identify both positive and negative themes.
well-being of employees. It is worth noting that
The guidelines proposed by Braun and
previous studies with similar objectives were
Clarke (2006) were utilized.
not identified during the literature review
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN ACADEMY OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, JULY 2024 291
 A comprehensive exam ination was
conducted on previously published material,
encompassing exploratory research, review
studies, and other relevant sources. The
primary objective of this investigation was to
discover and extract recurring themes. The
articles that were deemed most pertinent were
collected using predetermined criteria for
inclusion. During this phase, numerous topics
were derived. Upon conducting a thorough
examination and eliminating redundant
themes, inadequately described concepts,
and those unrelated to the stated objectives,
a subset of positive and negative impacts was
chosen. Each theme exhibits a distinct
correlation between job satisfaction and
mental health. The current study examines
both the positive and negative effects.
Figure 1: Thematic analysis steps adapted
Several themes have been identified from a
from Braun and Clarke, 2006
survey of previous literature:
Theme 1: Positive Impacts and their sub-themes

Figure 2: Themes extracted from the review of literature (Arora et al., 2023)

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Enhanced psychological well-being: Improved Interpersonal Relationships:
Job satisfaction is linked to enhance levels Satisfaction with one’s job can spill over
of self-esteem, self-confidence, and a into improved relationships with colleagues
favourable self-image among individuals in and supervisors. Positive workplace
the workforce. This theme underscores the interactions contribute to a supportive social
significance of experiencing job satisfaction environment, benefiting mental well-being.
in relation to one’s overall psychological well- The investigation reveals a strong correlation
being. A substantial correlation (r = .357**) between Interrelationship and Job
was observed between psychological well- satisfaction among faculty members of
being and job satisfaction among school and engineering colleges in Nellore District,
college teachers (Jacob et al.,2021). Andhra Pradesh (Preetha & R, 2021).
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Life satisfaction:
Job satisfaction act as a buffer against This broader theme looks at how job
workplace stress and anxiety. Employees who satisfaction is interconnected with overall life
are satisfied with their work tend to experience satisfaction. It highlights how contentment at
lower stress levels, leading to better mental work can contribute to a happier, more
health. According to the findings of research balanced life Job satisfaction has been found
as the job satisfaction of the teachers’ to have a favourable and statistically
increases, their occupational stress and significant influence on the overall life
anxiety will decrease (Aftab, et al., 2015; satisfaction of teachers. (Banerjee.,2015).
Vyas, R., 2019).
Motivation and Engagement:
Increased Resilience:
Employees who are satisfied with their
Satisfied employees often demonstrate jobs are more likely to be motivated and
higher levels of resilience, which helps them engaged in their work. This theme examines
cope better with challenges and setbacks. how motivation and engagement positively
This theme explores how job satisfaction can impact mental health. It can be deduced that
build psychological resilience. The study there exists a substantial correlation between
conducted by Karpagavalli (2017) found a work motivation and job satisfaction. The
statistically significant relation between coefficient R 2 dem onstrates that work
resilience and job satisfaction. motivation accounts for 29% of the observed
variability in job satisfaction (Sharma & Singh,
Positive Work-life balance:
2016).
Job satisfaction can facilitate a healthier
work-life balance, reducing the risk of These themes collectively exemplify the
burnout and mental health issues. This theme diverse mechanisms via which job
delves into how job satisfaction supports a satisfaction can exert a beneficial influence
harmonious life outside of work. The on the mental well-being of employees. The
maintenance of a work-life balance holds findings demonstrate that a work
significance for an individual’s psychological environment that fosters fulfilment and
well-being, as it contributes to heightened satisfaction can have a positive impact on
self-esteem, job satisfaction, and an overall an individual’s psychological well-being and
sense of harmony in life (Punia & Kamboj, resilience, leading to a reduction in stress
2013). levels and an overall improvement in quality
of life.

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Theme 2: Negative impacts and their sub-themes

Figure 2: Themes extracted from the review of literature (Arora et al., 2023)

Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion: Work-life imbalance:

Prolonged job dissatisfaction can lead to It often leads to an unhealthy work-life
burnout, characterized by emotional balance, resulting in strained personal
exhaustion, reduced motivation, and feelings relationships and heightened stress levels
of hopelessness. According to Annamalai outside of work. The issue of work-life
(2022), burnout exerts a substantial imbalance has emerged as a significant
detrimental impact on job satisfaction, concern among teachers, resulting in job
resulting in a drop in job satisfaction levels dissatisfaction (Apsana, 2017).
and an increased propensity for individuals
Low Self-esteem:
to voluntarily leave their job.
Employees who are unhappy in their jobs
Stress and Anxiety:
may experience a decline in self-esteem and
Job dissatisfaction is a significant source self-worth, which negatively affects their
of workplace stress and anxiety, which can mental health. The test statistics indicated a
have detrimental effects on employees’ negative correlation between teachers’ self-
mental well-being. The findings indicate that esteem and job happiness. This study
there is no significant correlation between job concludes that job dissatisfaction can result
stress and job satisfaction. This implies that in decreased levels of self-esteem among
employees experiencing stress are employees (Cherabin et al., 2012).
dissatisfied with their job(Chaudhary,2012).

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Interpersonal Conflicts: of educators, as well as the educational
Dissatisfaction at work can lead to standards delivered to students.
increased interpersonal conflicts with  Achieving a work-life balance can be
colleagues and supervisors, contributing to facilitated by implementing job
stress and anxiety. The findings indicate that satisfaction factors, including employee-
the experience of stress in teaching is oriented policies, equitable
associated with a tendency to avoid one’s compensation, intellectually stimulating
job, while stress arising from work overload tasks, supportive colleagues, and
and unsatisfactory interpersonal conflicts are conducive working environments.
linked to feelings of job satisfaction (Banerjee
& Mehta, 2016).  The role of the workplace in job
satisfaction and, by extension, mental
Depression: health is significant. Positive factors that
When someone is consistently unhappy increase job satisfaction include
with their job, it can affect their overall mental supportive work environments, fair
well-being. Factors such as a toxic work treatment, recognition, and
environment, excessive workload, lack of job opportunities for advancement.
security, or feeling undervalued can all Employees with better mental health are
contribute to these negative emotions. The more likely to work for organisations that
findings indicated that faculty members who prioritise these factors.
reported higher levels of stress exhibited
 Coping Mechanisms: Positive coping
lower job satisfaction, expressed reduced
strategies are more effective at helping
commitment to their work due to stress,
workers deal with stress at work.
displayed a greater likelihood of job turnover,
Institutions must give staff members the
and demonstrated a decreased ability to
tools and support they need to create
adapt to the work environment. These factors
and apply efficient coping mechanisms.
ultimately contributed to the depressive
symptoms (Senthilkumar, 2019).  Positive coping and attributional
The aforementioned themes exemplify the behaviours, rewards, social support, job
diverse manifestations through which job control, and low levels of depression and
dissatisfaction can exert detrimental effects anxiety were all linked to high job
on the mental well-being of individuals among satisfaction.
the employees. The significance of treating These themes and analysis are clearly
workplace difficulties is emphasized in order fulfilling the objectives of the present study
to enhance mental well-being and mitigate that job satisfaction has impact on the mental
the negative outcom es linked to job health of employees in higher education
satisfaction. institutions. There are positive and negative
Suggested Solutions: impacts also.
Implications
 Identifying and mitigating the underlying
causes of stress, while equipping According to the findings, institutions of
teachers with essential tools and higher learning should prioritise staff welfare
support, can effectively manage the in addition to academics and research. This
adverse consequences of job-related includes addressing job insecurity, giving
stress and enhance the overall welfare employees the chance to advance in their

JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN ACADEMY OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, JULY 2024 295

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Neha Arora, Ph.D Scholar, Arni School of Business Management & Commerce, ARNI
University, Indora, Himachal Pradesh
Chandra Prakash Verma, PhD, Professor, ARNI University, Indora, Kangra, Himachal
Pradesh.
Roopali Sharma, PhD, Professor, AIPS, Amity University, Noida

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