Testing a Model of Noise-Related Stress in German School Teachers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Global Perspectives on Teaching and Learning

Abstract

We examined whether teacher stress and voice fatigue resulting from student noise mediated the relationship between noise sensitivity and noise-related burnout. Based on the simplified model of teacher stress (van Dick & Wagner, 2001), we collected online data from 159 German elementary and middle school teachers. The results showed that teacher stress mediated the relationship between noise sensitivity and vocal fatigue; voice fatigue mediated the relationship between stress and noise-related burnout; stress and voice fatigue serially mediated the relationship between noise sensitivity and noise-related burnout. Noise-sensitive teachers appear to be at a disadvantage with regard to school noise. Special intervention and prevention programs are required to protect teachers at high risk for mental and physical impairment.

Authors

• Raphaela Tomek, University of Passau

• Detlef Urhahne, University of Passau