Social Comparisons: Effects of Teaching Experience on Adjustment and Emotions in New Teachers

• In Event: 54.081 - Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: 54.081-3 - Social Comparisons: Effects of Teaching Experience on Adjustment and Emotions in New Teachers

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role that experience played on the relationship between downward, horizontal, and upward social comparisons and burnout, job satisfaction, intentions to quit, emotions, and illness symptoms. A sample of 513 teachers completed online questionnaires that assessed all variables. The results showed significant interactions between upward comparisons and experience, on teachers’ job satisfaction, enjoyment, and intentions to quit. More specifically, new teachers who engaged in upward social comparisons were found to have high levels of job satisfaction, high levels of enjoyment, and low intentions to quit. Overall, the present findings illustrate the importance of evaluating the psychological benefits of upward comparisons for new teachers.

Authors

• Sonia Rahimi, McGill University

• Hui Wang, McGill University

• Nathan C. Hall, McGill University