Exploring the Emotional Labor Experiences of Rural Novice Teachers in China: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Poster 30)

• In Event: Saturday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: Qualitative Research SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Teacher emotional labor (EL) revolves around how teachers negotiate their genuine emotions, emotion rules and the expression of emotions. While many studies have explored the antecedents and consequences of EL, few have delved into the EL experiences of teachers. The current study investigated the meaning and impact of EL experiences of 14 rural novice teachers in China. Four overlapping super-ordinate themes with nine sub-ordinate themes emerged: Being teacher, Achieving specific goals, The emotional gift, and Physical and mental struggles. The findings reveal that rural novice teachers see EL as a part of the role of a teacher, while EL can generate mixed effects on their physical and mental well-being.

Authors

• Xv Liu, Hunan Normal University

• Shuqin Li, Hunan Normal University

• Luqing Zang, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania