The UFair-Questionnaire: Perceived university fairness and its association with mental health

Abstract

Abstract Introduction University students face different stressors that might jeopardise their mental health. Hitherto, mainly general stress perceptions were assessed, which appeared inappropriate to indicate stress directly linked to the university or for deriving specific preventative measures. The aim of this study was to adapt the concept of organisational justice to universities, develop and validate a corresponding questionnaire (UFair: University Fairness Questionnaire), and estimate its association with mental health. Methods In total, 1,105 students (average age: 25.5 years [SD: 5.43]; female: 50.1%; university: 67.2%, university of applied sciences: 32.8%) were surveyed online. Perceived unfairness at the university was measured using the newly developed 20 item UFair Questionnaire. Mental health was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8, depression) and Maslach Burnout Inventory for Students (MBI-SS, burnout). Linear regression models estimated the adjusted (age, gender, type of university, lifestyle factors) relationship between perceived university injustice and mental health indicators. Results The UFair questionnaire showed good psychometric properties (Cronbach’s alpha = .960) and a unidimensional factor structure. There was a considerable association with depression (beta = .485; p < .001; R2 = .261) and burnout (beta = .481; p < .001; R2 = .250). Conclusions Perceived injustice represents not only a stressor at the workplace but also in the university setting, showing a considerable relationship with students’ mental health. University justice includes the perception of organisational aspects, the treatment of students, and consideration of the individual situation of students. The relevance of these aspects to the health of students should be recognised and taken into account by universities. The valid measurement by the UFair Questionnaire represents the basis for possible preventive approaches and interventions. Key messages • Organisational injustice exists not only in the workplace but also among students in the university setting. • Perceived unfairness among students is associated with depression and burnout.