Teacher‐stress Processes: how can they be explained?

Abstract

Abstract This study was intended to examine the extent to which different sources of teachers’ stress, coping resources, background variables and different ways of coping determined teacher stress during the autumn term. The research design was longitudinal. The study was both an extension and a replication of a previous longitudinal study of teacher stress (Kinnunen, 1989). Sixty‐six teachers representing different school levels in Finland were studied on four separate occasions. Data was collected by questionnaires for the working week (Monday‐Thursday) and Friday morning in the work situation. Information about coping resources and background variables was collected in interviews. The results showed a clear accumulation of stress during the autumn term. Four different teachers’ stress groups emerged. These four groups differed to some extent with regard to their coping styles and resources, but not to their background variables. Coping resources, ways of coping and potential stressors were associated w...