Stress Among Secondary School Teachers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the various sources of stress among teachers of secondary schools in Ekiti State. It also examined the coping strategies of these teachers with stress. The descriptive research design of the survey type was used for the study. The population consisted of all the teachers in public secondary schools in the State. The sample was however made up of 180 teachers from 20 secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the State. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample. A self-designed instrument tagged ‘Stress Among Teachers’ Questionnaire (SATQ) which was validated by research experts in Tests and Measurement was used to collect data for the study. A test-retest method of reliability was used and a reliability coefficient of 0.79 was got using the Pearson product moment correlation. The data collected were analysed using percentage score and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The study revealed that poor working conditions, poor relations with superordinates and late payment of teachers’ salaries were major sources of stress among teachers in the state. The study also revealed that organising one’s time effectively is the main strategy of coping with stress among the teachers. The study further revealed a significant relationship between sources of stress and the teaching effectiveness of the teachers. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that government should improve the working conditions of the teachers through better pay and some other social facilities. It was also recommended that teachers should make good use of their time as well as relate cordially with their super-ordinates and colleagues.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n2p311