Effort-reward imbalance and psychophysical health of teachers

Introduction. The present study referred to the Effort-Keward Imbalance Model applied to the evaluation of teacher stress and, by means of the Italian version of the ERI test, explored the connections between the dimensions of the model and the specific effects of occupational stress on teacher's psychophysical diseases and leaving intentions. Methods. The subjects were 476 teachers working in Campania (region in southern Italy), belonging to all levels of teaching, who completed a questionnaire containing measures of Effort-Reward Imbalance, psychophysical health and intention to leave the teaching profession. Results. Results showed the relevant perception, among teachers, of Effort-reward Imbalance and of different physical and psychological diseases. All the dimensions of the ERI model emerged to be significantly related, in the direction stated by the model, to the different forms of psychological and physical disease considered, highlighting specific influences on them. Conclusions. The ERI-test and model provide a useful measure and a significative interpretative frame to explore the dimensions of teacher's stress and to arrange interventions for the prevention of psychophysical diseases. © PI-ME, Pavia 2012.