Stress and distress in teachers

This study examines the relationship between teacherstress and distress in a cross-sectional sample of 387 primary (45.7%), secondary (39.5%),and university-level (14.7%) teachers in the Canary Islands (Spain). Their age rangedbetween 21 and 64 years old (Mean = 38.3, SD= 8.9). The results indicate that differentwork-related and non-work-related stress variables were associated with different somaticand mental health symptoms, although the stress variable most associated with the symptomswas non-work-related chronic stress, which was associated with depression, anxiety andinsomnia, and somatic symptoms. The perception of a lack of control over events andchanges in the work place, which had occurred over the previous two years, was associated with depressive symptoms. The evaluation of these changes and events as negative wasassociated with social dysfunction, while chronic work stress was associated with somaticsymptoms. Work role dissatisfaction was associated with muscle pain and headaches.Also, we found that an emotional coping style was associated with depression, anxietyand insomnia, and somatic symptoms, while a rational coping style was negatively associatedwith somatic symptoms. Low self-esteem was associated with depression and socialdysfunction, and low social support was associated with depression and somatic symptoms.The older teachers were found to experience less anxiety and insomnia and cold symptoms