Research Plus

Addressing teachers’ stress

Can changes to teachers’ work organisation improve their health and wellbeing? Yes, according to this Cochrane systematic review, though the supporting evidence is of low quality. Just four studies met inclusion criteria. The trials, which together included 2,199 teachers, investigated: task-based organisational change plus stress management; training and coaching (two studies); and a multicomponent intervention comprising performance bonus, job promotion opportunities and mentoring. Changing task characteristics resulted in reduced stress and improved work ability. There was no impact of changing organisational characteristics on burnout, emotional ability, job-related anxiety and job-related depression. The multi-component intervention improved teacher retention rates at one, two and three years’ follow-up. Better-designed, large-scale studies are needed. 

1. Organisational interventions for improving wellbeing and reducing work-related stress in teachers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015; 4: CD010306. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010306.pub2

Tags anxiety depression evidence based practice stress

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2015 (vol. 12/1) pp36