Analyzing Stress Levels and Stress Factors among Malaysian Teachers While Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the stress levels and stress factors among Malaysian teachers by working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study adopted the quantitative method and was measured according to the Teacher Stress Inventory, 20 questions for stress levels measurement and 41 questions for stress factors measurement. Data were collected in May and June 2021, after one and a half years in the COVID-19 pandemic. 150 teachers in Malaysian voluntarily participated in this study. Data were analyzed by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The results showed the stress level among Malaysian teachers were low (mean = 1.94, SD = 0.588) and stress factors were relationships with students’ parents, relationships among co-workers, workload, time constraints, student motivation, appreciation and support, and lack of resources among Malaysian teachers were low level (mean = 2.26, SD = 0.618). This showed that teachers can manage and control their stress while working from home. They do not have to go to school. Results of this study could be used by school administrators and teachers, to optimize their home workspace and eventually to improve their mental well-being. Future research should include a more representative distribution of males and female teachers by using other instruments to gain understandings of the stress, anxiety, and depression during COVID-19.