Individual and School Predictors of Teacher Stress, Coping, and Wellness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• NCJ Number: 307221
• Journal: School Psychology Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: 2021 Pages: 483-493
• Author(s): Keith C. Herman; James Sebastian; Wendy M. Reinke; Francis L. Huang
• Date Published: 2021
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2016-CK-BX-0004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Evaluation of a Principal Training Program to Promote Safe and Civil Schools

Annotation

This article examines predictors of teacher stress, coping, and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic and finds that teacher classroom management self-efficacy predicted positive adaptation to the school shutdowns.

Abstract

This study of teacher stress, coping, and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic found indications that teacher classroom management self-efficacy predicted positive adaption to the COVID-19 school shutdowns. Additionally, collegial leadership and fair and equitable school discipline practices also predicted favorable teacher adjustment. The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for the U.S. education system and for teachers. The present study examined correlates and predictors of teacher well-being in the immediate aftermath of school closures related to the pandemic. Data were collected as part of a larger group randomized trial. Six hundred and thirty-nine teachers completed surveys about their stress, coping, health, job satisfaction, and internalizing symptoms in Fall 2019, before the pandemic, and May 2020, during the pandemic. Teachers also provided ratings during COVID-19 of their teaching, student attendance and engagement, and concern about students and families. Teachers reported lower levels of work-related stress after the pandemic’s onset compared to their prepandemic levels. Multilevel regression analyses revealed teacher confidence in their ability to manage student behaviors as a consistent and robust predictor of teacher well-being outcomes. Additionally, pre-COVID-19 school-level factors measured in Fall 2019, including collegial school leadership and fair and equitable school discipline structures, also predicted aspects of teacher well-being at the onset of COVID-19. Findings suggest the importance of teacher competence and perceived efficacy in managing student behavior and engaging them in learning to help them adapt to the stressors of a pandemic. Additionally, aspects of organizational health and climate may also help facilitate or hinder teacher adjustment. (Published Abstract Provided)