Financial and caregivers’ stressors in Australian law students – a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Australian law students exhibit high levels of psychological distress compared to the general population. In 2013, The University of Sydney Law School conducted a survey to examine the level of distress in students, what factors were associated with their distress and what strategies might mitigate student distress. This article reports on the survey’s qualitative findings relating to financial stressors and care-giving responsibilities. The findings provide further insights into the context of financial stressors for law students and how they may undermine students’ candidacy. The study found that financial stress, work commitments, caring for dependents, illnesses and death in the family can be potential reasons for students suspending studies or withdrawing from their studies altogether. In view of the findings, possible solutions to alleviate stress and support students with their work–study and care-giving concerns are discussed.