Stress mindset predicts job turnover among preschool teachers

Abstract

Teaching is one of the most challenging jobs, with a high turnover rate. Unfortunately, we know very little about how to retain teachers. This longitudinal field study (N = 310) examined whether preschool teachers' stress mindset-that is, whether they believe stress is harmful or beneficial-predicted their job stress and turnover within a school year. The results suggested that teachers who believe in the potential benefits of stress experienced less job stress, and were therefore less likely to leave their jobs as quickly. These findings suggest that teachers' stress mindsets predict their psychological well-being and professional development.

Keywords: Job stress; Stress mindset; Teacher; Turnover.