Abstract
M.Phil.
This study examined the relationship between vocational stress and physical health
and well being. To address this issue schoolteachers participated in a controlled
physical exercise program for eight consecutive weeks. Two groups were established
and subjects were classified as being part of a control group and an exercise group.
The psychological parameters were assessed through the use of the Occupational
Stress Inventory questionnaire which functioned as a pre and post-test and which
showed the significant improvements made in Physical Strain, Role Overload,
Psychological Strain, Interpersonal Strain and Vocational Strain scales. This suggests
that the teachers experienced and reported fewer complaints about physical health
issues, work-related issues, psychological disturbances, and less disruption in
interpersonal relationships. Accordingly, the overall mental state of the teachers
improved significantly. The physiological parameters were assessed by using the
resting heart rate readings; recorded on a daily basis throughout the study. The results
presented in this study show that the eight-week physical exercise program explained
56 per cent of the variance in the resting heart rate. This result demonstrates that the
teachers contributed to their physical health by participating in the exercise program.
Additionally, these results seem to suggest that prolonged participation in a program
of physical exercise would result in the maintenance of effective coping skills to
combat stress. The practical implications of these findings are reviewed with an eye to
assisting teachers to better health and well being.