Comparison of stress levels among 8 different professions : reflections on variance in reported job-related stress: a comparative study based on Norwegian Nursing College teachers’ situation

Abstract

The aim of this study is (1) to identify the most prominent stressor among teachers, and (2) to examine the stress level in three samples of teachers: Nursing teachers, primary school teachers and preparatory college teachers. Stress is measured using Cooper Stress Inventory. The three-factorial model is based on principal component analysis (N=278) and in-depth qualitative interviews (N=14). Time-pressure and relations between work and private-life play a prominent part in perception of stress in all teacher groups. The global stress level is considerably higher in nursing teachers compared to the other teachers groups. Lacking a common under standing and definition of the stressconcept hinders a meaningful discussion of whether stress levels are high for the group of employees or for teachers in general.