Emotions, Stressors, Coping Strategies, and Motivational Factors in Private Higher Education Institutions amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Private school teachers among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) continue to strive to sustain quality education despite the psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis. This study aimed to assess the emotions, stressors, coping strategies, and motivational factors of private HEI's teachers in Southern Philippines. Both negative and positive teachers' emotions were observed. Low salary scheme was the primary teachers' stressor. But, teachers utilized helpful strategies to cope with stress. Several motivational factors were seen as significant steps for their institutions to implement and follow. The high level of stressors of teachers during the pandemic influences the emotions towards the community and work situations. As they increasingly practice varied coping strategies and augment motivation to continue to work despite the situation, the better emotional state with lesser adverse feelings they will have. Government support is needed to aid private schools to continue the quality delivery of higher education. It is necessary to address stress-related problems of teachers during the pandemic, and help them strengthen their coping practices and motivation at work.