Person‐environment fit and teacher stress

Abstract

Summary This study examines the relationship between person‐environment fit and occupational stress and strain for a group of 300 Australian and Scottish vocational teachers. A self‐report questionnaire was used to obtain a measure of predominant work interest type for each individual. Teachers were allocated to the Congruent group on the basis of reporting a predominantly Social interest type; Social types are seen to be most congruent with teaching. Teachers were allocated to the Incongruent group on the basis of reporting a predominantly Practical interest type. The Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI) was used to measure various aspects of occupational stress, strain and coping resources. Significant between‐group effects (congruent vs incongruent) were found for two of the four strain subscales of the OSI. The implications of person‐environment fit and strain for teachers is discussed.