The Impact of Social Support on Job Burnout Among Preschool Teachers: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

This conceptual analysis explores the impact of social support on job burnout among preschool teachers, delineating the role that emotional, informational, and instrumental support play in mitigating stress and enhancing teacher well-being. The research is grounded in the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, which help to explain how social support functions as a crucial buffer against the high demands faced by educators in early childhood environments. The analysis highlights the specific challenges preschool teachers encounter due to the emotional and logistical demands of their roles and proposes a conceptual model that categorizes social support into three distinct types—each with unique benefits for reducing teacher burnout and improving educational outcomes. The paper suggests practical interventions for enhancing social support systems within preschool settings, including mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and supportive organizational policies. By critiquing the gaps in existing research, particularly the limited focus on early childhood education and the narrow conceptualization of social support, this study calls for empirical testing to validate the proposed model and to explore its long-term effects on teacher retention and student achievement. Moreover, the broader implications of robust social support systems are discussed, reflecting on how these can transform educational practices, promote teacher retention, and foster a positive educational culture. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the necessity of integrating enhanced social support into policy and practice to sustainably improve the quality of early childhood education and teacher well-being.