Psychosocial Burden and Strains of Pedagogues—Using the Job Demands-Resources Theory to Predict Burnout, Job Satisfaction, General State of Health, and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

The current study examines the Job Demands-Resources theory among pedagogical professionals. A total of 466 pedagogues (n = 227 teachers; n = 239 social workers) completed the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire online. After testing the questionnaire structure using confirmatory factor analysis, a JD-R-based prediction model to predict effects of strains on the outcome constructs of burnout, job satisfaction, general state of health, and life satisfaction was estimated. The results confirm the questionnaire structure (RMSEA= 0.038; CFI = 0.94) as well as the fit of the prediction model (RMSEA = 0.039; CFI = 0.93). The outcome constructs could be predicted by emotional demands, work–privacy conflict, role conflicts, influence at work, scope for decision making, and opportunities for development (0.41 ≤ R² ≤ 0.57). Especially for life satisfaction, a moderator analysis proved the differences between teachers and social workers in the structure of the prediction model. For teachers, quantitative demands and work–privacy conflict are predictive, and for social workers, role conflicts and burnout are predictive. The study offers starting points for job-related measures of prevention and intervention.

Burnout: A Review of Theory and Measurement

“…In Spain, the relationship between burnout, compassion fatigue, and psychological flexibility is analyzed in geriatric nurses [135] as well as the prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and possible non-psychotic psychiatric disorders in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic [136]. In Germany [137], teachers and social workers are surveyed following a model derived from the Job Demands-Resources theory to predict effects of strains on burnout, job satisfaction, general state of health, and life satisfaction. While some professionals working in the educational sector are burned out, other develop resilience, and thus it is important to identify antecedents and profiles (e.g., support), as evidenced by another study carried out in Spain [138].…”

Career Calling as the Mediator and Moderator of Job Demands and Job Resources for Job Satisfaction in Health Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, according to the JD-R model, job satisfaction of employees is related to the demands of the organization and the resources it provides ( Potocka and Waszkowska, 2013 ). Job demands can create pressure and a feeling of burnout, intensifying conflicts, and lowering job satisfaction ( Drüge et al, 2021 ), whereas abundant resources can stimulate the dedication and engagement of employees, improving their job satisfaction ( Flores et al, 2021 ). Along with the socio-economic development, individuals choosing a career now focus more on job satisfaction brought about by motivation, work meaning, and social responsibility, making the notion of career calling receive wide attention.…”

“…Several studies have explored the determinants of job satisfaction of health personnel or investigated the relationship between job demands, resources, and job satisfaction ( Yeh, 2015 ; Drüge et al, 2021 ; Flores et al, 2021 ). However, these studies have merely touched upon the relationship between these three elements without exploring the mechanism of the associated pathways.…”

How Much Do We Care about Teacher Burnout during the Pandemic: A Bibliometric Review

“…This exponential increase in teachers’ workload and efforts occurred without an equal increase in the control they could exercise or in the resources or rewards allocated to them, which, as postulated by Karasek’s demands–control model [ 16 ] and the effort–reward model [ 17 ], has led to a substantial increase in work-related stress [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Such an increase in work-related stress levels over time could be related to an increase in burnout symptoms [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”