Teacher Attrition and Mental Health in a Rural State

• In Event: Teacher Attrition, Burnout, and Resilience

Abstract

There is growing concern about teacher attrition and the potential link to mental health. This study uses structural equation modeling to examine the correlation between depression anxiety and teachers’ intent to leave the profession in a rural state (n=708). Results showed evidence of measurement validity and reliability in a model indicating statistically significant associations between mental health factors and teachers wanting to leave. On average, the higher a teacher ranked on anxiety or depression, the more likely they were to want to leave teaching, with anxiety showing a higher correlation. These results align with other research and highlight the need to provide mental health support to teachers as a way lessen their desire to leave the profession.

Authors

• Kristy Palmer, University of Wyoming
  Presenting Author

• Mark Andrew Perkins, University of Wyoming
  Presenting Author