Problemas e desafios no exercício da actividade docente: Um estudo sobre o stresse, "burnout", saúde física e satisfação profissional em professores do 3º ciclo e ensino secundário

Abstract

This work presents the data of a study with 127 teachers of a Secondary School in Oporto District, on which different indicators related to work and personal well-being were evaluated (stress, burnout, physical health and professional fulfilment). The results revealed very significant levels of occupational stress (percentages above 30%), 13% burnout prevalence and various physical health problems. Women showed more stress associated with time-limit pressure and amount of work, more complains about clerical work and higher levels of emotional exhaustion and physical problems. As for men, higher tendency for depersonalization was shown. In what concerns professional experience, teachers with more years of practice showed more problems confronting: students’ disciplinary issues, students’ different capacity levels, clerical work, and excessive amount of classes. Finally, teachers with more hours of contact with students assumed less depersonalization and more stress related to students` indiscipline and to the teachers` career statutes.