| Title: |
Stress Intensity and Exhaustion among Infant and Toddler Teachers: Descriptive Analysis and Associations with Sources of Stress and Coping Strategy Use |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Brophy-Herb, Holly E. (ORCID 0000-0003-2186-6025); Brincks, Ahnalee (ORCID 0000-0002-5049-1229); Cook, Jody L. (ORCID 0000-0003-2965-8546); Stacks, Ann; Vallotton, Claire D. (ORCID 0000-0001-7815-2993); Frosch, Cynthia (ORCID 0000-0002-8330-5437); Carson, Russell; Wheeler, Rebecca; Perkins, Haiden A. (ORCID 0000-0003-2009-0202); Jennings, Patricia A. (ORCID 0000-0003-1026-1362) |
| Source: |
Early Education and Development. 2023 34(7):1545-1564. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
20 |
| Publication Date: |
2023 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (DHHS); Administration for Children and Families (DHHS); National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (USDA) |
| Contract Number: |
R21HD090406; 90YR00920400; MIC02700 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: |
Stress Variables; Infants; Toddlers; Teacher Burnout; Preschool Teachers; Stress Management; Coping; Child Care; Faculty Workload; Child Behavior; Responsibility; Age Differences; Early Intervention; Federal Programs; Teacher Characteristics |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: |
Early Head Start |
| DOI: |
10.1080/10409289.2022.2151399 |
| ISSN: |
1040-9289; 1556-6935 |
| Abstract: |
This study described infant/toddler teachers' (N = 106) perceptions of stress intensity and exhaustion (emotional, physical, mental) intensity. We examined the associations between stress and exhaustion and teachers' reports of stress sources and coping strategy use. Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), teachers from Early Head Start (EHS), EHS childcare-partnerships, or independent childcare programs (Midwestern U.S.) completed twice-weekly reports of: stress and exhaustion intensity; stress sources (workload, children's behaviors, personal life); and, coping strategies (support from colleagues, distraction, mindfulness techniques, reframing). Research Findings: Stress and exhaustion reports were similar to studies of preschool teachers. Workload and personal life stressors were associated with stress and all exhaustion types. Teachers used fewer than two different coping strategies/per reporting day. Only reframing was negatively associated with stress and emotional exhaustion. Teachers reported greater stress at end-of-week than beginning-of-week. Older teachers reported greater stress and emotional exhaustion. Although one-third of teachers reported >4 ACEs, early adversity was not associated with stress or exhaustion. Practice or Policy: We discuss the results relative to the sparse literature on infant/toddler teachers' well-being and suggest areas for professional development supports while underscoring the need for EHS federal policy makers and program administrators to consider how to reduce/streamline workload. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2023 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1398167 |
| Database: |
ERIC |