Top universities around the world are prioritizing not only academic excellence but also student motivation and well-being, recognizing the importance of preventing burnout. Innovative research at the University of Szeged is paving the way for more effective education, with novel approaches already finding their way into teaching practices in Hungary. These efforts are championed by Dr. Hedvig Kiss, a renowned expert in the field, whose latest study is under review at a prestigious international journal. In this interview, the researcher from the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Szeged’s Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School, sheds light on an increasingly widespread problem that is affecting a growing number of young people.
Student burnout is an increasing concern worldwide, particularly in highly demanding academic programs that place intense mental strain on students. As a result, many are feeling the impact. In Hungary, while data on the issue remains limited, the findings align closely with international trends, suggesting that a significant number of students may be affected.
Dr. Hedvig Kiss advocates for experiential learning. Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
Dr. Hedvig Kiss is a faculty member at the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Szeged’s Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School. She is a physician, as well as a Hungarian-English medical translator and interpreter. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Introduction to Medicine and Medical Anthropology. She wrote her doctoral thesis on behavioral addictions, successfully defending it in 2021. Since then, she has continued exploring this topic, largely by supporting research conducted by undergraduate students and participants of Hungarian Student Research Conferences. This collaborative work has resulted in several co-authored publications, including her most recent one on FoMO (Fear of Missing Out), published just a few weeks ago. In recent years, her research interests have broadened – initially focused on health literacy, they have expanded to include student well-being. She currently has two manuscripts on health literacy under review, along with another focusing on burnout among medical students.
Q: What are the telltale signs of burnout?
A: Student burnout manifests itself differently for each individual, but common warning signs include persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, frequent physical discomfort, heightened irritability, and a noticeable drop in motivation. In many cases, cynicism also emerges – showing up as alienation, disengagement, or a negative outlook on studies and future career prospects. Reduced effectiveness is another hallmark, often reflected in difficulty concentrating, declining academic performance, and a weakened sense of competence. Burnout is also commonly linked to symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can further intensify its impact on both academic success and personal well-being.
Q: What impact does burnout have on students’ academic performance and overall quality of life?
A: Burnout among students goes beyond emotional exhaustion caused by academic demands – it also leads to disengagement from studies and declining academic performance. In addition, its strong link to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, can further undermine academic success, increase the risk of dropping out, and jeopardize future career prospects. In fact, our recent study among medical students at the University of Szeged – set to be published in the coming weeks – found that high levels of depression and anxiety, combined with low intrinsic motivation, significantly increase the likelihood of burnout. The combined effect of these factors can be profoundly damaging to both academic performance and overall well-being. This raises a critical question: How can we support students who lack intrinsic motivation, and, ultimately, where does the responsibility for addressing this issue lie? In light of these challenges, as an educator, I strive to set an example that reinforces students’ motivation and reminds them why they chose to pursue medicine in the first place. In my view, building and strengthening a strong professional identity is a vital safeguard against burnout. This is why we have initiated a new study that explores not only student burnout but also teacher burnout, as overwhelmed instructors struggle to effectively motivate and inspire their students. I believe that addressing and understanding this issue is crucial for achieving lasting change.
Burned Out!
(Image for illustrative purposes only. Source: pexels.com)
Q: What steps should someone take if they recognize signs of burnout in themselves after reading this article? Where can they turn for help?
A: If someone recognizes signs of burnout in themselves, it is important not to face the problem alone and to seek help in time. At the University of Szeged, the Student Counseling Center offers free counseling services for students, providing professional support with stress management and maintaining mental well-being. However, in order to prevent burnout, it is important to consciously work on stress management, develop mental resilience, and strengthen the ability to set realistic goals. It is also essential to focus on activities that help students reconnect with the sense of purpose and motivation they felt when they first chose their field of study.
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
In addition to the existing student well-being support programs and mental health initiatives at the University of Szeged, the goal is to enhance the integration of mentorship programs, offer dedicated elective courses on the subject, and incorporate preventive strategies more deeply into the curriculum.
Original Hungarian text by Ferenc Lévai
On the feature photo: Dr. Hedvig Kiss
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
