Psychological Stress of Teachers of People with Learning Difficulties and its Relation to Some Variables: A Field Study in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Due to the prevalence of cases of increased occupational stress and its effects on teachers' performance and mental health in particular education institutions, the importance of assessing stress levels and the factors most likely to determine it has been highlighted. Recognizing the significance of exceptional education instructors' psychological health in educational environments, this study aims to investigate the psychological stress of teachers of students with learning difficulties and its relationship to several variables. To achieve the study's objectives, a psychological stress scale was developed. A total of 63 instructors from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman were selected on purpose to participate in the study. The results indicated that the level of psychological stress was moderate, and the types of stress experienced by individuals in the sample were ranked in a three-tiered hierarchy. The stress associated with the relationship with students comes first, followed by material anxiety, the stress related to the relationship with parents, and the stress associated with the work environment. In addition, there are disparities between the sample individuals based on the "emirate" variable in favor of Dubai and the "marriage status" variable in favor of married individuals. In addition, there are no distinctions based on educational experience, except stress dimensions related to parental relationships. The differences between (1-5) and (11) or more years favored (1-5) years. Except for the dimension of the tension of the work environment, which favors females, no significant gender differences have been observed. Based on the findings, it is recommended that attention be paid to the psychological tension among teachers of people with learning difficulties and that efforts be made to contain it to improve their performance and preserve their physical and mental health.