Workplace Stress Among Teachers in Kosovo

Abstract

Teaching has been regarded as one of the most stressful professions, and workplace stress within this professional category has been thoroughly investigated. Nonetheless, no empirical research so far has examined workplace stress among teachers in Kosovo. The present study aimed to identify age and gender-related patterns of workplace stress as well as examine the role of marital status, educational level, and working experience in a sample of Kosovo teachers. The different types of stressors reported by teachers were also examined. The sample consisted of 799 teachers ( Mage = 42.94; SD = 11.50), 33.8% males and 65.2% females. The measures included the National Stress Awareness Day (NSAD) Stress Questionnaire, and one self-report questionnaire designed by the authors for the purpose of the research. Results showed that 33.2% (265 participants) of the sample reported high levels of stress. Workplace stress was significantly predicted by place of residence (β = −.442, p < .00) and level of education (β = −.191, p < .00) but not age, gender, marital status, or working experience F(6, 520) = 34.162, p < .001, R2 = .283. As regards the specific stressors, the most frequently reported were inadequate wages (36.8%), physical working environment (30.1%), and undisciplined students (26.2%). Results are discussed in the context of practical implications they have and suggestions for future research are provided.