Perceived Sources Stress: A Cross Sectional Survey among Urban and Rural Public Secondary School Teachers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Work-related stress as an imbalance between working demands and environmental or personal resources at work. Workers, especially teachers, can experience stress when the work demands placed on them do not match their skills or ability to cope at work. The aim of the study was to determine the perceived sources of stress among urban and rural public secondary school teachers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. A sample 436 teachers was investigated. The instrument used for data collection was a 36-item valid and reliable (α = 0.81) questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire was administered on the participants on face to face approach. Out of 436 copies of the questionnaire given out, 405 copies (Urban 159, Rural 246) representing about 92.9% return rate, were used for analysis. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation and independent sample t-test statistic. The results of the study showed stress among secondary school teachers was high, no matter location of school, and the difference existing in the stress levels was significant (p < 0.05). The stress suffered by the teachers is a serious problem that requires serious attention. Secondary school teachers may need to adopt positive coping strategies, such as regular physical activities and rest in order to ward off stress.

Keywords: Stress, cross sectional, urban and rural, secondary school teachers

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/133-04

Publication date:June 30^th 2023