Sources of Stress in Educators of Mainstreamed Children with Hearing Impairment

Abstract

This study was a survey among teachers to find out the stressful factors that interfered with the quality of their work. A rating scale listing common stress factors identified in literature was used to collect data. Convenient sampling techniques was used wherein as many possible participants from mainstream as well as resource teachers were selected. Results revealed that social sources of stress stood ahead followed by personal and domestic, and professional factors. The special educators perceived unfavourable social conditions like low social status as most stressful. On the personal and domestic front with factors like incompetence, poor health and lack of understanding and support from family members contributed to their stress. And in the professional front, factors like autonomy and lack of opportunities for career development were found to hindering their performance.