Summary:
Job stress has been labelled as one of the most serious occupational hazards of
modern time. Teachers are among the professional groups that experience higher
levels of work stress, with serious consequences for themselves and their
family, colleagues and students. This study attempts to apply a zero cost
program of stress management in Secondary School Teachers aimed at reducing job
stress and the associated symptoms, stress and generally improving the way of
life through more positive changes in daily habits and behaviors. In a
longitudinal parallel - group randomized quasi-experimental research design,
the combined effectiveness of three relaxation techniques, Diaphragmatic
Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Guided Visualization accompanied
by cognitive restructuring and gratitude exercises and presentations about the
importance of a healthy way of life (diet, exercise, sleep, routine) on stress
reduction, is assessed. After two months, members in the intervention group
(n=26) feel less perceived stress, have less negative symptoms and have
increased their confidence, than members in the control group (n=27), while
their levels of job stress have significantly decreased. Finally, study
limitations are discussed and future research avenues are suggested.
Keywords:
Stress, Job stress, Teachers stress, Stress management, Health promotion
