Different Types of Stress | Improving Wellness in the School Community: A WSA

Teacher stress is often a debilitating result of too much paper work, too much change, not enough support and poor communication. Teachers stress causes high absenteeism, excessive turnover rates and general job dissatisfaction.

Research shows the main source of student stress is academics, relationships and life changes. Students in rigorous academic programs self-report high levels of stress which is primarily due to academic demands, teacher expectations and difficulty managing time. This stress manifests itself through physical, psychological and behavioural problems, and can impact on a students’ mood, sense of well-being and physical health.

What is the biggest stressor for students in your school? What role does the school, teacher, parent and student play in the stress?

When student stress levels are raised, there is a risk for academic and mental health problems. Excessive stress was found to have an impact on the students’ mood, sense of well-being and physical health.

Alarmingly, the results indicated that academic performance and memory decreases if stress is too high or goes unchecked.

It will affect the school morale, the academic achievement and the teaching and learning if it goes unchecked.

Additional Resources

32 Student Stress Statistics 2020, High School, College Stress StatisticsFinancesonline.com

Acculturative Stress is the psychological impact of adaptation to a new culture. For students who come to a new school in a foreign country, there are a number of significant stressors that are likely to be pervasive, intense and could be life long. It is important to remember that teachers who come to work in an international school, in a new and foreign country are also susceptible to this kind of stress, and will need support to help them get through the low times – especially after the honeymoon period wears off.