Exploring the role of experience in L2 teachers’ turnover intentions/occupational stress and psychological well-being/grit: A mixed methods study

Abstract

The present mixed methods study examined the relationships among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ turnover intentions, occupational stress, psychological well-being, and grit in light of their teaching experience. The participants of the study were a total of 325 EFL teachers (138 novice and 187 experienced). To collect the data, four instruments of occupational stress, turnover intentions, grit, and well-being were administered to the participants, followed by semi-structured interviews with 20 teachers. Data analyses indicated that the novice and experienced teachers’ occupational stress/turnover intentions and grit/psychological well-being were significantly correlated. The results also revealed that the strength of relationship between occupational stress/turnover intentions and grit/psychological well-being is significantly higher for novice teachers than the experienced teachers. The analysis of the interviews indicated that while occupational stress collectively influences the teachers’ identity, emotions, and retaining in the profession, their well-being was largely defined in light of various institutional and socio-economic factors. The results of the study are discussed and implications for teacher education are provided.