Study of mental health and burnout in relation to teacher effectiveness among secondary school teachers

Pages: 769-773
Alka Seth (Department of Psychology, C.R.S. University, Jind, Haryana)

The incidence of mental illness and burn out is a challenge thrown by complex life. The havoc of this problem has spread in learning institutions and remedial measures need to be taken. What service can a country expect from her future citizens, when they are guided by teachers who are in grip of frustration, stress and strain? From the time immemorial, teachers in India have occupied the most exalted position in serial hierarchy and in fact, they are the top most academics and professional persons in the educational pyramid. They are the real architects and as such determine to a large extent the destiny of the nation. Present study throws light on the Mental Health and Burnout among Secondary School Teachers and its relation to teacher effectiveness. A sample of 60 secondary school teachers was taken from five Schools of Kaithal district of Haryana. It was found that there exists a significant positive relationship between different dimensions of Mental Health Viz. Positive Self-Evaluation, Perception of Reality, Integration of Personality, Autonomy, Group oriented attitude, Environmental Mastery and teacher effectiveness of secondary School teachers. Study also shows low degree of positive relationship between Teacher Effectiveness and Burn-out. It shows significant negative relationship between different dimensions of Burn-Out viz. Depersonalization and Personal accomplishment and teacher effectiveness and a negative relationship between Emotional Exhaustion but which is not significant. Present study points out the importance of school psychologists and counselors, who can identify and assess mental health issues in the institution and also calls clearly for different measures in enhancing the mental health of teachers.