ASSESSMENT OF BURNOUT AMONG TEACHERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Introduction. The closure of schools and the transition to online teaching, results of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic, have led to major changes in the work environment, as well as the emergence of various negative manifestations on teacher’s health, such as burnout. The objective of the study was the assessment of burnout among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Moldova. Material and methods. A two-stage research questionnaire was applied on a sample of 375 teachers. As a result of the influence of pandemic restrictions, the occurrence of burnout was investigated using Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results. We found significant relationships between some demographic variables and the burnout. It has also been shown that women are more susceptible to burnout than men. Occupational stress and poor working conditions, as well as the absence of physical contact with students, are strong predictors of burnout, work experience being the only protective factor. Conclusions. The sudden change in physical working conditions, as well as the need to quickly change the teaching methods because of the COVID-19 pandemic, have a negative impact, increasing the incidence of burnout in teachers.

Keywords

• burnout
• covid-19 pandemic
• teachers
• occupational environment.