4300.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 2

Abstract #10530

Teacher stress: A study of stress levels experienced by professional educators in a suburban public school district

Iris Wang, MEd1, Amy L. Bernard, PhD, CHES2, and Randall R. Cottrell, EdD, CHES2. (1) Elizabethtown Swim and Fitness Center, 3026 Ring Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, (2) Health Promotion and Education Program, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210002, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0002, 513-556-2126, Amy.Bernard@uc.edu

The purpose of this study was to identify factors which produced stress for teachers in a suburban, public school district and to determine to what extent: levels, sources, and manifestations of stress varied throughout a semester. Gender differences and grade level taught were also examined to determine if they had an impact on levels of teacher stress. All 206 teachers in one suburban, public school district in the midwest received the Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI), developed by Michael Fimian, at the beginning and end of the fall semester during the 1997-98 academic year. Seventy-six subjects completed both surveys providing a response rate of 36.9%. The data indicated no significant differences in overall stress levels between the beginning and end of the semester (a=.05) and the stress levels reported were moderate. There were no significant differences in the five sources of stress between the beginning and end of the semester either. However, when the five manifestations of stress were examined, the difference from the beginning to the end of the semester was significant for three of the five: emotional, gastronomical, and behavioral. There were no significant differences between stress levels of males and females or in stress levels between elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Recommendations for practice include offering stress management training to teachers, especially in the areas of time management, changing perceptions, and relaxation techniques. Focused attention should be given to helping teachers deal with the manifestations of stress.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify overall levels, sources and manifestations of teacher stress for this research sample. 2. Describe needs for future research in the area of teacher stress. 3. Explain the implications of this study for the development of stress management programs for teachers

Keywords: School-Based Programs, Stress

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA