The relationships among perceived work stress, subjective well-being, and depression: Proactive coping as a mediator

Abstract

Teachers have high work stress such as longer work hours and the student problems, but the perceived work stress has different effects. In some case, perceived work stress may lead teachers to the physical and psychological problems. Comparatively, some teachers regard the stress as a challenge and the engine of growth and resources. In this study, our purpose was to understand what perceived work stress (PWS) effects on subjective well-being (SWB) and depression, and we also examined the mediating role of proactive coping (PC) between PWS to SWB and depression. Results showed that 1) Significant relationships existed among PWS, SWB, PC, and depression. 2) PWS from students, parents, had significantly caused depression and SWB. 3) PC successfully mediated the relationships from the PWS to depression and SWB. Our hypothesis of mediation had been supported. The current study hoped that the findings would be able to help educational administrators, policy makers, and researchers in protecting teachers’ mental health.