Mediating stress: Survival of the hardy

The present study explored variation in individual personality characteristics, termed “hardiness,” among female elementary teachers who had differing levels of burnout despite high levels of occupational stress. One hundred thirty-four female elementary teachers completed the Teaching Events Stress Inventory, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, The Allienation Test, and the Internal-External Control Scale. Data also were collected on demographic variables, incidence of stress-related physical and mental illness, and coping activities. Teachers with high stress and low burnout were less alienated than were teachers with high stress and high burnout. The low burnout teachers chose more active types of coping activities than did the high burnout teachers. Incidence of stress-related physical illness was significantly correlated with level of stress, emotional exhaustion (burnout), and alienation. Implications for future research and school district interventions are discussed.     

THREADS: Humanities in a union setting

THREADS is the Humanities project of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU). THREADS also received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New York Council for the Humanities and the Michigan Council on the Arts. The project has conducted programs for thousands of active and retired blue collar workers in 17 states. The programs are interdisciplinary and involve the active participation of the students. Three formats have been used: on-going discussion groups on the themes of work, family and community; programs conducted as part of regular union activities; and single programs or short series on topical issues. Programs utilized print and nonprint materials and were supplemented by appropriate field trips.THREADS was funded by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New York Council for the Humanities and the Michigan Council for the Arts.