Environmental Factors Causing Stress in Primary School Teachers in Pakistan: Effects and Coping strategies

Abstract

Primary school teachers often experience high levels of work-related stress. In the teaching profession, stress arises from undesirable events associated with the job, which negatively affect teachers’ physical health and emotional well-being. Excessive stress impacts not only teachers’ performance but also compromises their mental health, leading to outcomes such as anxiety, frustration, or depression. This qualitative study aims to explore the causes of stress, examine its effects, and document the coping strategies employed by teachers. Nine primary school teachers from grades III, IV, and V, working in an elite private school in Karachi, participated in the study. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews, focusing on identifying stressors, understanding the impact of stress, and revealing the coping mechanisms used by the teachers. The findings highlight that environmental stressor such as excessive workload, unfavourable organizational policies, student behavioural issues, limited resources, and lack of support from parents and school leadership as key contributors to stress. Additionally, the study reveals that teachers often struggle with adopting effective coping mechanisms, resulting in behavioural and psychological challenges. This research underscores the need for supportive school environments and institutional strategies to mitigate stress and promote the well-being and professional development of teachers.