Changes in the perception of stress and recovery in German secondary school teachers

Teachers' job characteristics in Germany appear to predispose this population to high stress levels without sufficient recovery periods. This study aimed to analyse changes in the recovery-stress state of 40 German secondary school teachers to assess the health-related status quo of this population. The role of the school type for this development was also analysed. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire was administered four times (twice before, twice after the Christmas holiday period). A significant decrease in stress over the holidays followed by an increased stress level after the holidays was found. An increase in recovery was noted after the Christmas break which declined by late January. The school type was of subordinate relevance regarding the development of stress and recovery. The outcomes of this study indicate a fade-out of the beneficial holiday effects and underline the importance of the optimal use of recovery times to deal with occupational stress.