Sources of psychological stress among physical education and sports teachers: A field study in secondary schools in Algiers

Abstract

The current study attempted to uncover the levels of psychological stress among physical education and sports teachers working in secondary educational institutions, and the impact of the individual and personal characteristics of the sample (gender, age, professional experience, position, marital status) on their stress levels. The study also sought to answer questions related to the most significant factors and sources of psychological stress among this group. After analyzing and enriching the research variables theoretically, and developing a data collection instrument which was applied to a sample of 135 teachers working in various educational institutions in Algiers, and after collecting, statistically processing, presenting, analyzing, interpreting, and discussing the data based on theoretical frameworks and available previous or similar studies, the study concluded the following: The results of the current study confirmed that physical education and sports teachers experience high levels of psychological stress across most of the sources of stress measured. The results also showed statistically significant differences in the sources of psychological stress among teachers attributable to the gender variable, with these differences tending to favor males. The results of the current study also revealed that physical education teachers of all ages suffer from similar levels of psychological stress, as there are no statistically significant differences in the overall scale score attributable to the teacher's age. The study also showed that stress levels are influenced by the professional experience of physical education teachers, specifically those with 10-14 years of experience. Furthermore, the results indicated no statistically significant differences in the overall scale score based on the teacher's status (permanent, probationary, substitute, or contract). The study also found no statistically significant differences in the overall scale score based on marital status, either across all dimensions or the overall scale score. Finally, the study identified multiple sources and causes of psychological stress among physical education teachers, which are, in order of importance: 1. Social status. 2. Monthly salary. 3. Working with students. 4. Work group. 5. Physical workload. 6. Role conflict. 7. Educational guidance. 8. Working conditions.