NASTAVNICI I POZITIVNO OBRAZOVANjE: NEKI POKAZATELjI PSIHOLOŠKOG BLAGOSTANjA NASTAVNIKA

Abstract

It is often heard that the mental health of the population in Serbia is compromised and that the educational system is continuously deteriorating. However, there is still limited discussion regarding psychological well-being as a positive aspect of mental health that is of significant importance to enhance. The research presented in this paper was conducted with the aim of determining the psychological well-being of teachers, by assessing the levels of some “positive” and “negative” indicators (positive orientation, life satisfaction, hope for the future, exhaustion, perceived stress). The sample included 196 teachers / professional associates (88% female) with work experience ranging from 0 to over 20 years. The following instruments were used to measure indicators of psychological well-being: the Perceived Stress Scale, the Subscale of Exhaustion from the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Optimism‒Pessimism Scale, the Positive Orientation Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Hope for the Future Scale. The results show that teachers / professional associates report an increased level of perceived stress, but at the same time, they still find satisfaction in their profession. For participants showing high levels of Job Exhaustion and Perceived Stress, low levels of Life Satisfaction, Job Satisfaction, Positive Orientation, and Hope for the Future can be expected. As a way to improve mental health and psychological well-being of those employed in schools, the introduction of positive education programs in schools in Serbia is suggested.