IJCM_320A: Occupational stress among special educators in India - A Narrative review

Abstract

Background: Occupational stress, a physiological and psychological reaction to workplace incidents, detrimentally affects health. In the field of special education, where the task of fostering learning and development for individuals with diverse abilities is both rewarding and challenging, understanding and addressing the occupational stress faced by educators becomes imperative. This review sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between occupational stress, teacher well-being, and the broader educational landscape, with a specific focus on the unique challenges faced by special educators in India. Objective: This study aims to review recent literature on occupational stress in special educators in India. Methodology: A comprehensive electronic search on databases like PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to include articles from the past 6 years. Results: The electronic search yielded 5 relevant articles in the past 6 years, including 4 cross-sectional studies and one exploratory study. Findings show that educators experience mild to severe occupational stress, with variations ranging from 5% to 75% in different studies across India. Conclusion: The prevalence of occupational stress among educators in India underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems to enhance teacher well-being, fostering a positive impact on student outcomes, school stability, and teaching quality.