Stress and its causes amongst Gozitan primary school teachers

Abstract

The major aim of this study was to examine teacher stress and its causes amongst Gozitan primary school teachers. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the entire population of primary school teachers in Gozo. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were carried out with two Gozitan teachers. High levels of stress and satisfaction were reported amongst the 113 teachers who took part in the study. Results showed that the main sources of stress were: having arrogant children in class, covering all the syllabus in the time available and heavy workload. The stress factor which caused much stress was 'children's behaviour'. Teachers working in State schools and those working in Church schools differed significantly in some sources of stress. Teachers having a Year 1-3 class and those having a Year 4-6 class also differed significantly in some stressors. The participants coped with their stress mostly by focusing on the positive side of teaching and by talking to understanding friends.