Job Stress in Ecuadorian Teachers: Factors, Symptoms and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational stress is a significant issue that negatively affects the health and professional performance of teachers, who are particularly vulnerable due to their numerous responsibilities. Methodology: This study, based on a prior bibliographic analysis, utilises two comprehensive surveys to investigate both the factors and symptoms of occupational stress as well as the mitigation strategies employed by experienced teachers. Development: The data, analysed using advanced statistical methods with IBM SPSS, reveal significant patterns and provide a deep understanding of the phenomenon. Results: The results, interpreted within the Ecuadorian educational context, aim to contribute to the formulation of policies that improve teachers' health and well-being, promoting a healthier and more productive work environment. Conclusions: The critical areas of occupational stress for teachers are workload, classroom conditions, and relationships with parents. The results show that teachers frequently experience stress in these areas, although there are significant variations between individuals. Strategies to mitigate stress include emotional support, regular physical exercise, and improvements in communication and administrative policies within the institution.