Stress, Coping Strategies And Their Impact On Work Performance Of J. H.S Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate stress, coping strategies and their impact on the work performance of J. H. S. teachers in Upper Denkyira East Municipality, in the Central Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was utilised. A total of 154 JHS teachers were engaged in the study using purposive and census sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was ascertained in a pilot test before it was used for the actual data collection. Reliability coefficients were over the required 0.7. Research question one, two, and three were analysed using means and standard deviations. Regression analysis was used to test research hypothesis one. Research hypothesis two was analysed using Hayes moderation process. An independent t-test was used to test hypothesis three. JHS teachers experience high stress levels. This is mostly caused by inadequate salary, shortage of equipment and poor facilities, excessive workload and learners’ impolite behaviours. To manage stress, JHS teachers manage their time, focus on the problem and see how it can be solve it. Although stress had a negative effect on work performance, the coping strategies used by teachers can reduce this effect. Also, males and females do not differ in relation to stress levels. School authorities in conjunction with the Ghana Education Service should ensure the JHS teachers receive adequate salaries, and adequate and appropriate infrastructure or facilities that are well furnished with equipment and other relevant material for teaching and learning.