Predictors of Burnout and Mental Health in Professional Activity of Latvian Teachers

Abstract

The issue of burnout and mental health of teachers is urgent in Latvia and requires attention at the level of education institutions and national programmes. In the process of burnout, teachersexperienceconstantirritability, anxiety, decreasedabilitytofocus, variouspsychosomaticdisorders caused by performing professional duties under constant stress; interest towards work and the need for communication is decreased, and social isolation is observed. Predictors of burnout and mental health arecurrentlylittlestudied in Latvia. Since, during their professional activity, a teacher is using significantmental and personal resources, it was necessary to determine the prognostic effect of burnout and mental health. 100 teachers from general education schools in Latvia took part in the study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey (MBI-ES) and the Jagdish Srivastava Mental Health Inventory (MHI) were used. It was found that significant predictors of professional burnout are Group-Oriented Attitude and Integration of Personality. The professional burnout dimensions Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalisation and reduced Personal Accomplishment have the most effect on mental health. The main predictors that promote a decrease of professional burnout in teachers are Group-oriented Attitude and Integration of Personality; whereas Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and lack of Personal Accomplishment have a negative effect on mental health.