The Study on Job Related Stress of the Senior Secondary Teachers
Authors
Shihana Hussain, RDC Niroshinie
Master of Education Faculty of Education, University of Colombo Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10100443
Subject Category: Education
Volume/Issue: 10/1 | Page No: 5725-5740
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-01-25
Accepted: 2026-01-30
Published: 2026-02-11
Abstract
This study investigates the job-related stress among 201 senior secondary teachers from private and international schools in the Colombo Educational Zone, Colombo District in Sri Lanka, recognizing the critical role of teachers in shaping student outcomes and the broader educational environment. This research was guided by the objective to identify the levels of job-related stress experienced by teachers. A quantitative approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data analyzed through descriptive statistics, ANOVA, one-sample t-test, and regression with qualitative insights driven from unstructured interviews and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced moderate stress, with a significant proportion reporting high stress levels. Yet, factors related to relaxation, energy, and emotional balance were notably weaker. It suggests that stress destroys the strength of a person even when professional commitment continues. Qualitative themes reinforced these results by illustrating how stress affects teachers’ personal life. It also highlights protective factors such as administrative support and professional flexibility. The study concludes that job-related stress is both statistically measurable and experientially evident in teachers’ lives. Finally, it is recommended that schools provide teachers with further independence in their jobs and implement stress reduction initiatives. Counseling services should be made available, workload should be balanced, and teachers’ accomplishments should be acknowledged. Additionally, peer support networks must be reinforced, and regular monitoring must be carried out. These findings show that systematic action at the school level is urgently needed to protect teachers.
Keywords
Stress, Job Related Stress, Senior Secondary teachers
Downloads
References
1. Antony, H., & Girija, V. (2025). Relationship between Occupational Stress and Resilience among Mathematics Teachers of Higher Secondary Schools in Kerala. Deleted Journal, 12(03). https://doi.org/10.15680/ijarety.2025.1203007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Armstrong, M. (2006). A handbook of human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Ashok, K., C., & Rajendran, K. (2019). JOB INVOLVEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG HIGHER SECONDARY TEACHERS. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Braun, S. S., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Roeser, R. W. (2020). Effects of teachers’ emotion regulation, burnout, and life satisfaction on student well-being. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 69, 101151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2020.101151 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Chen, S., & Liu, W. (2025). Navigating Teacher Professionalism: The influence of challenge and hindrance stress through work passion. Psychology in the Schools, 62(9), 3045–3056. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.23522 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Corrente, M., University of Ottawa, Ferguson, K., Nipissing University, Bourgeault, I. L., & University of Ottawa. (2022). Mental Health Experiences of Teachers: A scoping review. In Journal of Teaching and Learning. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1335970.pdf#:~:text=Teaching%20is%20considered%20a%20highly%20stressful%20job%20with,among%20some%20of%20the%20challenges%20faced%20by%20teachers. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. http://www.revistacomunicacion.org/pdf/n3/resenas/research_design_qualitative_quantitative_and_mixed_methods_approaches.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. David, C. C., Albert, J. R. G., & Vizmanos, J. F. V. (2019). Pressures on public school teachers and implications on quality. Philippine Institute for Development Studies Policy Notes. https://think-asia.org/handle/11540/9702 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Doan, S., Steiner, E. D., & Pandey, R. (2024, June 18). Teacher Well-Being and Intentions to Leave in 2024: Findings from the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey. RAND. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1108-12.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Eze, A., Anyebe, M. O., Nnamani, R. G., Nwaogaidu, J. C., Mmegwa, P. U., Akubo, E. A., Bako, V. N., Ishaya, S. N., Eze, M. I., Ekwueme, F. O., Awokwe, N. N., Ekwueme, U. H., Omenma, Z. O., Chukwuma, J. N., Amujiri, B. A., & Bitrus, L. A. (2023). Online cognitive-behavioral intervention for stress among English as a second language teachers: implications for school health policy. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1140300 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Ferguson, K., Corrente, M., & Bourgeault, I. (2022). Mental Health Experiences of Teachers: A scoping review. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 16(1), 23–43. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v16i1.6856 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Garcia, R., Gafner, J., & Eads, A. (2025, July 2). What Does a Secondary Teacher Do? (With Salary Details). Indeed. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-secondary-teacher-do?utm_source=chatgpt.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. García-Carmona, M., Marín, M. D., & Aguayo, R. (2018). Burnout syndrome in secondary school teachers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Social Psychology of Education, 22(1), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-018-9471-9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13060070 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Google Search. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.google.com/search?q=Teacher+workload+in+Sri+Lanka+education+system&sca_esv=3f3288520dd60126&rlz=1C1RLNS_enLK825LK825&ei=OHhOaIqFEeC5vr0P4brpkQw&ved=0ahUKEwiKgaPP9fKNAxXgnK8BHWFdOsIQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Teacher+workload+in+Sri+Lanka+education+system&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLlRlYWNoZXIgd29ya2xvYWQgaW4gU3JpIExhbmthIGVkdWNhdGlvbiBzeXN0ZW0yBRAhGKABMgUQIRigAUj-RlDaB1ihPXAAeACQAQCYAZACoAGtHaoBBjAuNi4xMrgBA8gBAPgBAZgCEqAC0R_CAg4QABiABBiwAxiGAxiKBcICCBAAGLADGO8FwgILEAAYsAMYogQYiQXCAgsQABiABBiwAxiiBMICBxAhGKABGArCAgQQIRgVmAMA4gMFEgExIECIBgGQBgiSBwYwLjIuMTagB9RCsgcGMC4yLjE2uAfRH8IHCDItNi4xMS4xyAfDAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Greenberg, M. T., Brown, J. L., & Abenavoli, R. M. (2016). Teacher stress and health effects on teachers, students, and schools. Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, 1–12. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Hossain, S., & Sultana, N. (2022). Burnout in secondary school teachers: the contribution of the work environment. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 9(4), 1368–1376. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijpes.2022.9.4.755 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Ji, Y., Wang, D., & Riedl, M. (2021). Analysis of the correlation between occupational stress and mental health of primary and secondary school teachers. Work, 69(2), 599–611. https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-213502 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Jimenez, E. C. (2021). Impact of Mental Health and Stress Level of Teachers to Learning Resource Development. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 9(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v9i2.3702 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Jones, S., & Ali, T. T. (2021). Teacher Stress & Burnout: The High Cost of Low Social and Emotional Development. Policy Brief. Southern Education Foundation. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Jones, S., Tinubu Ali, T., & Southern Education Foundation. (2021). The High Cost of Low Social and Emotional Development [Policy brief]. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED616255.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. K, K., & Hassan, N. C. (2018). Work Stress among Teachers: A Comparison between Primary and Secondary School Teachers. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v7-i4/4802 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Kumar, R. (2018). A study of job involvement of senior secondary school teachers in relation to their mental health. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 6. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Kutsyuruba, M., Gionet, S., & Walker, K. (2015). The Sources of Stress for Teachers in Ontario. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 169. https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cjeap/article/view/27780 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Kyriacou, C. (2001). Teacher Stress: Directions for future research. Educational Review, 53(1), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131910120033628 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Liyanage, I. M. K. & 荒井悦代. (2014). Education system of Sri Lanka: Strengths and weaknesses. In アジア経済研究所, 調査研究報告書. https://www.ide.go.jp/library/Japanese/Publish/Reports/InterimReport/2013/pdf/C02_ch7.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Maqsood, A., Gul, S., Noureen, N., & Yaswi, A. (2024). Dynamics of perceived stress, stress appraisal, and coping strategies in an evolving educational landscape. Behavioral Sciences, 14(7), 532. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070532 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Mishra, L. (2021). Mental health of women teachers working in secondary schools of Mizoram. International Journal of Current Research and Review, 13(03), 70–74. https://doi.org/10.31782/ijcrr.2021.13319 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Mullen, P. R., Blount, A. J., Lambie, G. W., & Chae, N. (2017). School counselors’ perceived stress, burnout, and job satisfaction. Professional School Counseling, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759x18782468 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. Naghieh, A., Montgomery, P., Bonell, C. P., Thompson, M., & Aber, J. L. (2015). Organisational interventions for improving wellbeing and reducing work-related stress in teachers. Cochrane Library, 2015(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010306.pub2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Nwoko, J. C., Anderson, E., Adegboye, O. A., Malau-Aduli, A. E. O., & Malau-Aduli, B. S. (2024). “SHIELDing” Our Educators: Comprehensive Coping Strategies for Teacher Occupational Well-Being. Behavioral Sciences, 14(10), 918. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14100918 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Oliveira, S., Roberto, M. S., Pereira, N. S., Marques-Pinto, A., & Veiga-Simão, A. M. (2021). Impacts of social and Emotional learning interventions for teachers on teachers’ Outcomes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.677217 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Olivier, E., Lazariuk, L., Archambault, I., & Morin, A. J. S. (2023). Teacher emotional exhaustion: The synergistic roles of self-efficacy and student–teacher relationships. Social Psychology of Education, 27(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-023-09826-7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Olivier, M., & Venter, D. (2003). The extent and causes of stress in teachers in the George region. South African Journal of Education, 23(3), 186–192. https://doi.org/10.4314/saje.v23i3.24932 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Poonam. (2024). Role of teacher in secondary level. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i01.11903 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Rahim, R. M. a. A., & Mahmud, M. N. H. M. R. (2024). Stress Factors and their Impact on Teachers in Secondary Schools in Sarawak: A Study of Selected Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM). International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v13-i4/23512 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Rajesh, C., Ashok, L., Rao, C. R., Kamath, V. G., Kamath, A., Sekaran, V. C., Devaramane, V., & Swamy, V. T. (2022). Psychological well-being and coping strategies among secondary school teachers: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 11(1), 152. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1248_21 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Robinson, L. E., Valido, A., Drescher, A., Woolweaver, A. B., Espelage, D. L., LoMurray, S., Long, A. C. J., Wright, A. A., & Dailey, M. M. (2022). Teachers, Stress, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative analysis. School Mental Health, 15(1), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-022-09533-2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. Schwarzer, R., & Hallum, S. (2008). Perceived Teacher Self‐Efficacy as a Predictor of Job Stress and Burnout: Mediation Analyses. Applied Psychology, 57(s1), 152–171. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.2008.00359.x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. Sharma, P., & Chand, T. (2025). A study on Teacher Stress: Causes, types, and management strategies in the educational system. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 5(2), 19–23. https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.2.4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Shukri, N. S., & Taha, N. M. (2024). Work Overload and Teacher Stress: Insights from Secondary Schools in Bachok, Kelantan. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v14-i11/23423 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Singh, Y. K., & Gautam, D. N. S. (2024). The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Teacher Mental Health: A Call to Action for Educational Policymakers. Open Education Studies, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2024-0008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. Travers, C. (2017). Current Knowledge on the Nature, Prevalence, Sources and Potential Impact of Teacher Stress. In Aligning perspectives on health, safety and well-being (pp. 23–54). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53053-6_2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. Tsubono, K., & Mitoku, S. (2023). Public school teachers’ occupational stress across different school types: a nationwide survey during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1287893 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Von Der Embse, N., Ryan, S. V., Gibbs, T., & Mankin, A. (2019). Teacher stress interventions: A systematic review. Psychology in the Schools, 56(8), 1328–1343. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22279 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Wickramasinghe, E., De a Seneviratne, R., Gunawardana, N., Sumathipala, A., & Mallen, C. (2022). Prevalence of Occupational Stress among Secondary School Teachers in Public Schools in the District of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Research in Health Science, 7(3), p12. https://doi.org/10.22158/rhs.v7n3p12 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
47. Wigford, A., & Higgins, A. (2019). Wellbeing in international schools: Teachers’ perceptions. Educational and Child Psychology, 36(4), 46–64. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsecp.2019.36.4.46 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
48. Zhou, Y., Zhou, Y., & Machtmes, K. (2023). Mixed methods integration strategies used in education: A systematic review. Methodological Innovations, 17(1), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/20597991231217937 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
- Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
- “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
- Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
- Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study