Psychosocial Health of Teachers Challenges, Prevention and Interventional Approaches

Teachers are confronted with a multitude of complex demands, which are further intensified by the challenges currently facing educational policy, such as the shortage of teaching staff. Teachers represent a high-risk group for stress and the development of stress-related disorders, which are often caused by a tendency to over-indulge in the short term, combined with a high sense of responsibility and duty. Chronic stress levels not only affect the well-being of teachers, but also their relationship with their pupils and the general learning climate. The job demand-control model, for instance, can help to gain a better understanding of the development of stress and stress-related illnesses in the teaching profession. Furthermore, analysing specific stressors, such as high work intensity, lack of control and difficult interactions with parents and colleagues, is crucial in order to develop effective preventative measures. It is therefore necessary to implement resilience-promoting strategies and support systems in order to sustainably improve the well-being of teachers and thus maintain and increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession. This article provides an overview of the psychosocial health of teachers and discusses prevention and intervention approaches.