Stress and Burnout in the Teaching Profession: European Studies, Issues, and Research Perspectives

Abstract

Stress and burnout are phenomena that are becoming increasingly problematic. Whereas teacher stress has been an issue for some time, burnout is gaining importance. Being a social helper, the teacher is particularly affected by stress and burnout. The data on incidence of stress and burnout in the teaching profession show that in Western and Eastern countries, about 60% to 70% of all teachers repeatedly show stress symptoms and at least 30% of all teachers show distinct burnout symptoms (see Borg and Falzon, 1989; Brenner, 1982; Capel, 1992; Koleva, 1985; Kyriacou, 1980; Kytaev-Smyk, 1983; Müller-Limmroth, 1980; Temml, 1994).