Stress among teachers: An analysis of stressors, coping strategies and the process of letting go

This study aims to better understand how teachers can deal with stress in the workplace, especially in situations that are beyond their control. We used a qualitative evaluation protocol and undertook a content analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews conducted with teachers in Quebec. Participants completed the PSS-14, an instrument which measures perceived stress. The coping strategies that emerged include work/life balance, social support, situational change, psychological adjustment, avoidance and resignation. The results suggest that teachers who scored lower on the PSS-14 frequently used a psychological adjustment strategy, letting go, while those less stressed-out most often used avoidance and resignation.