The identification of factors associated with stress among primary school teachers in Soshanguve.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify some of the factors associated with stress among primary school teachers in Soshanguve. The three main objectives were: • To identify factors associated with stress among primary school teachers in the township. • To identify signs and symptoms of stress among primary school teachers in the township. • To compare stress experienced by male and female primary school teachers in the township. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 63 black teachers in the Soshanguve township, which is located north (but near) Pretoria. Statistical analyses revealed the following factors that were identified as major sources of stress: • Inadequate salaries • Lack of parental support • Lack of promotion • Learner ill-discipline • Too many learners in school. The majority of respondents also indicated that they were experiencing some symptoms of stress and above 80% of the respondents stated that they were experiencing muscular aches, worries, headaches, anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, poor concentration and powerlessness. Also, it was found that gender has nothing to do with any source of stress. The researcher has therefore recommended that the Department of Education should establish help care centers where teachers would be enlightened on some techniques on how to handle stress.